Forsyth County Parks & Recreation 2021 Annual Report

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation 2021 Annual Report

FISCAL YEAR

2021

TABLE OF CONTENTS

OUR MISSION, VISION, AND VALUES............................................ 3 PARKS & FACILITIES........................................................................... 4 FY2021 BUDGET & GOALS................................................................. 6 PARK PROJECTS & IMPROVEMENTS................................................ 7 IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WORKS..................................................... 8 SPECIAL EVENTS................................................................................. 9 ATHLETIC PROGRAMS & EVENTS.................................................... 10 COMMUNITY RECREATION............................................................... 11 OUTDOOR RECREATION.................................................................... 12 THERAPEUTIC RECREATION............................................................ 13 MARKETING & COMMUNITY RELATIONS...................................... 14 COMMUNITY FEEDBACK................................................................... 15

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ABOUT FORSYTH COUNTY PARKS & RECREATION Mission Working together to enrich the community by providing safe, clean, and inclusive parks and recreation.

Vision Inspiring a connected, vibrant, and healthy community through parks and play.

Values Health and Safety - Offering opportunities for healthy lifestyles in safe places Valued Service - Offering professional, consistent and positive interactions with customers Accessibility and Inclusion - Ensuring parks, programs and services are available to everyone Stewardship and Sustainability - Preserving land and parks through sustainable practices Quality - Offering exceptional parks, programs and services Innovative - Providing state of the art parks, programs and services Fun - Creating memorable experiences through connection and play Community - Fostering collaboration for a thriving community

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PARKS & FACILITIES

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2021 BUDGET AND GOALS Expenditures

COST RECOVERY

$11,650,222.00 Revenue

32.78%

$3,818,800.00

Operate a highly effective Parks & Recreation Department that strives to exceed national standards and promote excellence.

Provide excellent internal and external customer service and promote the benefits and services parks & recreation provides to the community.

Ensure safety and function of park sites and equipment by implementing new Park Assessment Plan.

Provide affordable and enjoyable recreation opportunities to residents and guests at the Lake Parks.

Provide staff with training opportunities that encourage skill development, communication, and a progressive team approach to cutting egde ideas.

Provide additional program opportunities for Therapeutic Recreation participants.

Expand the variety of specialty programs and summer camps offered.

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PARK PROJECTS & IMPROVEMENTS BIG CREEK GREENWAY The Big Creek Greenway underwent several improvements in 2021. In June, a ribbon cutting was held for the opening of two segments in west Forsyth adding an additional 4.75 miles to the existing system. This addition welcomed the Sawnee Mountain Preserve as the latest Big Creek Greenway trail head!

Renovations from McFarland Parkway to Union Hill Road were also underway in 2021. A delay was encountered due to bridge construction, but the section is set to reopen in March 2022. The completion of this project will also include a new trailhead at Halcyon complete with 75 parking spaces and a restroom facility.

Approximately 1 mile of trail from Union Hill Road to Fowler Park was closed for an extensive renovation project. Draft designs were reviewed and construction bids were opened as the community awaited renovations to begin. While this project is slated to be complete early 2023, parkgoers have found other suitable trail and walking path options throughout our park system to enjoy!

SAWNEE MOUNTAIN PARK A park improvement project began in April 2021. The athletic buildings were renovated both internally and externally. Other improvements included the baseball/softball fields and backstops, tennis court revitalization, new LED sports lighting, parking lot resurfacing, new picnic pavilion, and an inclusive playground!

DENMARK DRONE FIELD A new type of park amenity was opened in 2021 - a drone field! The site opened June 30, 2021 for public use on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10am - 7:30pm.

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IMPROVEMENTS IN THE WORKS! CENTRAL PARK RECREATION CENTER RENOVATIONS Our first recreation center will under go exciting improvements in 2022! An expansion and update of the building was approved in 2021 to allow for a shared space with Senior Services. Recreation will be adding a new fitness area, as well new meeting and classrooms!

MIDWAY PARK Construction started on the renovation of Midway Park in September 2021. Improvements will be made to the athletics fields, as well as installing new LED sports lighting and batting cages. A new restroom/concession building, playground, and picnic will also be installed.

This project is projected to be completed Summer 2022.

EAGLES BEAK PHASE II Funded by the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program Grant ($2,250,000) and Landfill Host Fees, construction began in April 2021 on phase II of Eagles Beak Park. New park amenities will include a new playground, pavilions, 12 acres of greenspace, and additional walking trails. Anticipated completion is mid 2022.

LANIERLAND PARK PHASE II While Lanierland Park already boasts features such as four synthetic turf fields, playground, picnic pavilions and trails, phase II will bring even more amenities to the community! Construction began in July 2021 to install baseball/softball fields, Miracle League field, an inclusive playground, tennis/pickleball courts, football field house, an extensive trail system, and additional parking and restrooms!, with completion set for late 2022.

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DEPARTMENT SPECIAL EVENTS 3 POINT SHOOT OUT In March 2021, players were invited to make as many threepoint shots as possible from five positions behind the arc in 60 seconds. Players began shooting from one corner of the court, and moved from station to station until they reached the other corner!

PRE-K OLYMPICS The stage was set, the competition was fierce, and the medals were handed out at the FCPRD Pre-K Olympics in April 2021.

Participants were invited to run, jump, race, and laugh through multiple events. All Olympians made their way to the podium for their big photo finish!

GLOW NIGHT AT THE SPLASH PAD To kick off the summer and bring families out for a one of a kind event, Glow Night at the Splash Pad was offered in June of 2021! Participants of all ages enjoyed a night of splashing around with friends and glowing reviews were received from those in attendance.

MOVIE IN THE PARK The parks are for more than just sports and the active lifestyle.

Families and friends were brought together for a movie under the stars at Fowler Park in October 2021. With the help of community sponsors, this evening out was able to be offered to the community as a free event!

COMMUNITY YARD SALE & ARTIST MARKET Central Park invited the creative and crafty to the Community Yard Sale for the first ever Artist Market in October 2021!

Vendors were able to sell their custom work to shoppers of all ages! Items ranged from jewelry and clothing, to paintings and clay creations.

CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA What better way to share the holiday cheer than a visit with Santa! In December 2021, families were invited to spend time in Santa's workshop decorating cookies, constructing ornaments, preparing reindeer food, and spending quality time with Santa himself singing carols and sharing in many laughs.

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ATHLETIC PROGRAMS & EVENTS Youth Athletic

Adult Athletic

Athletic Tournaments

Participants

Participants

Hosted

16,651

3,599

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS 2021 brought the challenge to find new avenues of interest for the Athletic division. Youth Rugby was introduced as an instructional program offered once a week through a partnership with Atlanta Youth Rugby beginning in August to elementary aged participants.

In September 2021, the adult softball complex at Central Park hosted the Back the Blue tournament as a fundraiser for the B.A.D.G.E. of Forsyth, a benevolence fund that supports Cumming and Forsyth County first responders during times of personal tragedy. Teams were comprised of county and city employees, as well as community organizations and businesses.

Youth athletics saw record numbers in participation for 2021! Areas of play included winter basketball, spring and fall baseball/softball, football and cheerleading, rugby, soccer, and lacrosse, with over 16,000 registrations!

Summer 2021 saw explosive numbers in registrations for athletic and specialty summer camps offered by local middle and high schools coaches through Parks & Recreation! Camps ranged from traditional sports to culinary arts and served over 3,700 participants!

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COMMUNITY RECREATION THE ART CORNER While many different art programs are offered throughout the year, the handbuilding and wheel clay classes are crowd favorites! In 2021, 25 activity sessions were held and served 224 student ranging in ages from 13 to adult. A waiting list can often be found for these programs, proving just how popular the arts are!

INSTRUCTIONAL BADMINTON This weekly program offered to teach young badminton players ages 6 to 18, the basics of the game like grip technique, footwork, serves and stance. The program has seen tremendous growth and gained a following of participants that had sessions at max capacity.

RECREATION CONTACTS 22,337 146,625 1,656

Program Participants Recreation Center Membership Visits

Recreation Center Facility Rentals

PARKINSON'S FAB FIT & FUN

In the fall of 2021, a new class was offered to the community specifically for those diagnosed with Parkinson's. This program was designed to help improve participant's confidence, agility, and overall well-being. The first session was able to serve seven participants, with interest gaining in the following sessions!

CHESS WIZARDS CAMP

Four sessions were offered of Chess Wizard with a total of 36 participants ages 5-14. Participants played in mini tournaments, had interactive lessons with chess pros, and played cool chess variants like bug house. Players strengthened skills such as focusing, visualizing goals, abstract thinking, and forming concrete opinions.

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OUTDOOR RECREATION OUTDOOR SURVIVAL SCHOOL Throughout the four week course, participants had the opportunity to safely learn about a variety of skills including Leave No Trace, trip planning, hiking, knots, shelters, water collection, fire starting, cordage and survival bracelets.

CUB SCOUT BADGE OPPORTUNITIES

LITTLE EXPLORERS PRESCHOOL

In the fall of 2021, cub scouts of all ages were

Even the smallest explorer can learn at Sawnee Mountain Preserve!

The 2021 spring and summer Little Explorers Preschool programs saw an increase in participants and

given the chance to earn badge achievements!

Scouts were able to register for a one day class to learn new outdoor skills with

reached maximum registration!

their dens!

HOMESCHOOL SCIENCE Sawnee Mountain Preserve was not only a sought-after location for outdoor adventures, but also for hands on learning in the homeschool science program! While the program was offered in spring and fall, registrations hit a new record in August requiring two additional sessions to accommodate eager participants. A total of 86 homeschoolers attended in 2021!

2021 RECAP Adventure Participants Education Participants Camp Participants 0

200 12

400

600

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION 44% INCREASE

The Therapeutic Recreation Program celebrated its third-year anniversary in March of 2021. The program had a banner year, with annual records for new number of programs offered, number of programs held and overall program registrations. A 44% increase in new participants was seen compared to 2020!

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT

With volunteer opportunities ranging from program buddies, event support, and department internships, the Therapeutic Recreation division was able to log a total of 3,778 working hours from 173 volunteers!

TR SPECIAL EVENTS Special Needs Egg Hunt Cool at the Pool Boo Bash Special Needs Santa Visit

NEW PROGRAMS IN 2021 TR Craft Night Special Needs Lap Swim Life Skills Camp Nature Camp for ages 8-13 Drum Camp TR Softball TR Bocce The Battle of the Barbells Weightlifting Competition TR Rock Climbing & Zip Lining

2021 GRPA ATLANTA HAWKS GRANT

SUMMER CAMPS

The Therapeutic Recreation

The summer camp program has

Program received a $1,750 grant to

grown from five weeks of camp and

provide free program registration

72 camp registrations in 2018, to

for sport related programs. Five

seven and a half weeks with 19

new programs were specifically

different camps and 249 total camp

designed to provide sports

registrations! The popularity of

opportunities for Special

summer camp programs was evident

Olympians. Programs included:

in 2021 when registration for most of

weightlifting, lap swim, bocce,

the camps were full, with waitlists,

softball and basketball.

less than three days after registration 13

opened.

MARKETING & ADMINISTRATION TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT A high priority is placed on staff development and involvement with professional and community organizations. Internal staff development trainings were offered for the following topics: iPhone Photography Tips & Tricks Civic Rec Refresh/Part-time Training Everyone Has a Personality - Let's Make Them Work Vision, Mission and Values Active Shooter Customer Service Training ADA Awareness Conflict Resolution Parks Tours

SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS To engage with participants at all levels, several virtual programs were created in 2021. The Park Explorers Challenge encouraged the community to visit different location to complete scavenger hunts throughout the park! 12 Days of Forsyth County Parks & Recreation provided activities, workouts, and recipes virtually for families to enjoy during the holiday season!

MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER Subscribers were kept in the know about all things parks in the monthly e-newsletter!

Critical information such as upcoming facility closures, department hiring information, and dates to remember were easily accessible to readers. Upcoming events and program spotlights were also included to provide target marketing to our existing customers.

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COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

Google Reviews 4.5/5 "A great fitness class with supportive and encouraging instructor who gets my child excited to exercise."

- Meredith C, B.E.S.T. Fit

(123 Reviews)

"As a parent, I loved that the class covered a lot of different types of emergency situations from choking to house fires.

Invaluable life saving education!"- Gracie M, Babysitter Boot Camp

"We loved being around the teenagers with special needs and seeing their joy and friendship. I am SO thankful for all the time and energy Jeffrey and his staff put into the Therapeutic Recreation program." - Aubri G., TR Fridays Around Forsyth

Survey Responses "Learning a little bit about sports while having fun with new friends" "My daughter loved the class and couldn't talk more highly of the teacher."

"Sweet disc golf course. Well maintained grounds."

"I am so grateful for the facilities and the programs offered by our county! It is the best bonus that the people are SO VERY KIND!!!"

"The facility is very clean and it is affordable and very convenient. We love the rec center!!"- Liam C., Recreation Center Memberships

"Great Camp, kids couldn't wait to go each day."

"This was a perfect program for completing Wolf Level requirements - the kids really enjoyed doing it at Sawnee Mtn and hiking."

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