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Center opens adaptive arts program By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com JOHNS CREEK, Ga. — The Johns Creek Arts Center continues to pave the way for inclusive programming. Led by Amanda Jones, the Arts Center will launch a new program in adaptive arts for exceptional children on Nov. 1. The course will be a mixedmedia class tailored to the individual needs of her students. Kids will be split into two age groups, second through fifth grade and sixth through eighth grade. Jones has dedicated much of her life to building inclusive art curriculum for her students and this endeavor is no different. She has left no stone unturned. “My belief is that art should be accessible to everyone regardless of their ability,” Jones said. “Not every classroom is set up in a way that is going to make every single person comfortable, so my job is to offer that alternative.” Jones said her number one priority is making her students feel good. Everything from the layout of the room and its materials to the accommodations provided have been carefully curated to set her special needs students up for success. Jones even hand crafted some of the supplies for the class herself. “I remolded these crayons that are a little bit bigger than the standard crayon,” Jones said. “Different chil-
See PROGRAM, Page 4
Johns Creek set to begin work on largest park By SYDNEY DANGREMOND sydney@appenmedia.com
SYDNEY DANGREMOND/APPEN MEDIA
Johns Creek Arts Center instructor Amanda Jones stands with her adaptive arts materials in her classroom. Jones’ six-week course aims to fill a gap in adaptive arts she noticed in the community.
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JOHNS CREEK, Ga. –– After years of delays and lack of funding, Johns Creek will break ground on its largest park next month. City Council members voted unanimously Oct. 25 to approve contracts and the budget amendments which would fund them. The contracts total just shy of $26 million. That includes materials and labor for construction as well as fees for Fulton County water and sewage connections. A portion of the costs could be supplemented by a grant application submitted to the state for American Rescue Plan funds. The grant application was also approved at the Oct. 25 meeting. Costs for the first phase of Cauley Creek Park have far exceeded original 2016 estimates of $17 million. Public Works Director Chris Haggard said the increased cost can be explained by the addition of new elements, supply chain delays and shortages brought on by the
See CAULEY, Page 12