Forsyth County Parks & Recreation 2022 Annual Report

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation

ABOUT US

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

THE DEPARTMENT

The department is comprised of 89 full-time staff and 174 part-time/seasonal staff and is comprised of five divisions; Athletics, Business Operations, Natural Resources, Park Operations, and Recreation

F O R S Y T H C O U N T Y P A R K S

Chattahoochee Pointe 5790 Chattahoochee Pointe Dr Suwanee, GA. 30024

Coal

For more For more information on information on park locations park locations & amenities, & amenities, scan here! scan here!

Bennett Park 5930 Burruss Mill Rd Cumming, GA. 30041

Big Creek Greenway

· 6265 Cortland Walk 5259 Union Hill Rd

· 4110 Carolene Way

5120 Bethelview Rd

· 4075 Spot Road

Caney Creek Preserve 2755 Caney Rd Cumming, GA. 30041

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Midway Park 5100 Post Rd Cumming, GA. 30040

Old Atlanta Park 810 Nichols Rd Suwanee, GA. 30024

Polo Fields 6050 Majors Rd Cumming, GA. 30040

Poole's Mill Park 7725 Poole's Mill Rd Ballground, GA. 30107

Sawnee Mountain Park 3995 Watson Rd Cumming, GA. 30028

Sawnee

Eagle's Beak Park 8420 Old Federal Rd Ballground, GA. 30107

Fowler Park 4110 Carolene Way Cumming, GA. 30040

Haw Creek Park 2205 Echols Rd

Cumming, GA. 30041

Joint Venture Park 3660 Melody Mizer Ln Cumming, GA. 30041

Lanierland Park 6115 Jot-Em-Down Rd Cumming, GA. 30041

Matt Community Park 6555 Wallace Tatum Rd Cumming, GA. 30028

Shady Grove Campground 7800 Allyn Lane Memorial Way Cumming, GA. 30041

Sharon Springs Park 1950 Sharon Rd Cumming, GA. 30041

Six Mile Creek Park 6020 Browns Bridge Rd Cumming, GA. 30041

South Forsyth Soccer Complex 800 Kemp Rd Suwanee, GA. 30024

Windermere Park 3355 Windermere Pkwy Cumming, GA. 30041

Young Deer Creek Park 7300 Heard Rd Cumming, GA. 30041

PARKS & FACILITIES

TOTAL ACRES OF PARKLAND: 2924

ACTIVE SPORTS PARKS

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is home to twelve (12) active sports parks throughout the park system. Amenities vary by location but range from baseball/softball fields, turf and grass multi-purpose rectangle fields, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, a track and field area, and more! Lanierland Park Phase II is currently under construction to bring additional amenities to the east region with an expected opening date of Fall 2023.

PASSIVE PARKS

Park users can enjoy the natural resources found throughout the County by visiting one of the fourteen (14) passive parks maintained by Forsyth County Parks & Recreation. Visitors can be found hiking to the Indian Seats at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, kayaking at Eagle's Beak or Chattahoochee Pointe, biking at Charleston Park or Haw Creek Park, boating at Charleston Park, Shady Grove Campground, Six Mile Creek Park or Young Deer Creek Park, or just enjoying over 16 miles of trail on the Big Creek Greenway.

FACILITY RESERVATIONS

n 2022, the community hosted over 3,300 parties, events and ournaments at Forsyth County Parks & Recreation facilities. entals included outdoor picnic pavilions, community buildings, ecreation center meeting rooms and gymnasiums, athletic fields or multi-day tournaments, open green space for public festivals nd fundraisers, lake parks for fishing tournaments, trails for foot nd bike races, and many more!

AMENITIES HIGHLIG

Playgrounds

Passive parks feature nature themed play areas, while other locations vary in structures. Five (5) accessible and inclusive playgrounds can also be found throughout the park system.

Athletic Fields

Forsyth County is home to fifty two (52) baseball/softball fields, as well as thirty eight (36) multi-purpose rectangle fields.

Miles of Trails

Trail options include hiking, walking, and biking. Trails surfaces vary by location and include natural surface, rubberized, and paved.

Recreation Centers

Indoor classrooms provide space for programs such as art, dance, martial arts, gymnastics, camps, public meeting space and more! Centers also boast indoor gymnasiums that can be used for open play including basketball, pickleball and badminton, as well as cardio-weight areas and year-round fitness classes.

Nature Preserve Visitor Center

Sawnee Mountain Preserve Visitor Center not only provides information to park goers about conservation and preservation, but is also home to environmental education programs and outdoor adventure programs for all ages.

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Lake Parks

Located along the shoreline of Lake Lanier, our lake parks provide both passive and active amenities for users. With options ranging from picnic areas, sand beaches, multi-purpose trails, and boat launch ramps with courtesy docks, Charleston Park, Shady Grove Campground, Young Deer Creek Park and Six Mile Creek Park are sure to be on visitors bucket lists!

Tennis Courts

Players of all skill levels and ages can be found taking part in private or group lessons, ALTA or USTA league play, or even local school team practices on the tennis courts at eight different park locations.

Disc Golf Courses

Forsyth County boasts two 18-hole courses for disc golfers to take advantage of for free play or sanctioned tournaments. Both courses offer options for beginner, intermediate and advanced players.

Dog Parks

Even our furry friends have dedicated park space! Caney Creek Preserve, Fowler Park and Windermere Park offer fenced natural areas for off-leash play, while Coal Mountain Dog Park features both turf and natural options.

Campsites

Campers can choose from primitive camping, RV sites equipped with water and electrical hookups, or fully furnished Glamping rentals when visiting Shady Grove Campground.

Splash Pad

Perfect for all ages and abilities, the Old Atlanta Park splash pad is an affordable solution for families looking to beat the summer heat. Private rentals are also available for groups and birthday parties

Basketball Courts

Indoor courts can be found at our three (3) recreation centers: Central Park, Fowler Park and Old Atlanta Park. Outdoor courts are also available at Fowler Park, Sawnee Mountain Park and Sharon Springs Park.

Kayak/Canoe Launch

Chattahoochee Pointe features a launch point on the Chattahoochee River, while Eagles Beak Park offers access on the Etowah River.

REVENUE PERCENTAGE BY

MONTH

36.2%

COST RECOVERY BUDGET

GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Operate a highly effective parks and recreation department that strives to exceed national standards and promotes excellence

Highlights -

Updated Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan

Managed 26 capital projects; 10 completed

Gained re-accreditation from CAPRA with 100% of the required standards met

Provide excellent programs and customer service to meet the needs of the community while promoting the benefits of parks and recreation

Highlights -

Increased social media followers by 29 14%

Increased recreational programs by 27.7%

Maintained 94.9% survey rating of good or better

Provide additional recreation opportunities for residents and visitors by offering new park amenities and programs

Highlights -

Opened Eagle's Beak Park Phase 2 (river trail, playground, pavilions) on August 16, 2022

Offered an additional 39 athletic summer camps; grand total 129 camps/clinics

Increased operations at Shady Grove Campground to include year-round reservations

Division goals are ever evolving as we strive to reach new potential as a Department and meet the needs of the community we serve. Our greatest achievement as an agency is bringing joy to all parkgoers and the success of our participants.

PARK PROJECTS & IMPROVEMENTS

BIG CREEK GREENWAY TRAILHEAD

On March 22, 2022 a ribbon cutting ceremony was held to formally open the new Halcyon Trailhead on the southern most point of the Forsyth County Big Creek Greenway. The trailhead offers users amenities including restrooms, parking, and a connection to the multi-use Halcyon facilities

EAGLE'S BEAK PARK PHASE II

The unveiling of newest amenities at Eagle's Beak Park occurred on August 16, 2022. The project was awarded the GOSP grant in the amount of $ 2,250,000 to help fund additional features such as picnic pavilions, playground, walking trail, open green space and additional parking

POLO FIELDS

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation acquired a new park in 2022. The Polo Fields brings an additional four (4) grass multi-purpose rectangle fields to the amenities listings, as well as an equestrian center.

SAWNEE MOUNTAIN PARK RENOVATION

Laser leveling of the baseball/softball fields, resurfacing of the tennis courts, replacement of the playground and pavilion, as well as installation of LED sports lighting are just a few of the enhancements that took place during the park renovation project. Users were able to utilize the updated features following the ribbon cutting held on January 19, 2022.

MIDWAY PARK RENOVATION

A ribbon cutting was held on September 8, 2022 to reopen Midway Park. The renovation project included updating the baseball/softball fields, installing a new concession and restroom building, replacement of the picnic pavilion, and addition of an inclusive playground.

IMPROVEMENTS

Forsyth County parks saw the completion of several improvement projects in 2022 including the addition of new security cameras at maintenance facilities and tennis court resurfacing at Central Park and Fowler Park, synthetic turf replacement at Sawnee Mountain Park and Sharon Springs Park, new monument signs at Central Park and Joint Venture, as well as parking lot, restroom and picnic pavilion enhancements at multiple locations throughout the park system.

Other projects still underway include construction on Lanierland Park Phase II, Big Creek Greenway Phase II and Phase IV, and Central Park, as well design projects for Sharon Springs Park, Bennett Park, Sawnee Mountain Preserve Phase IV, and Matt Community Park.

DEPARTMENT SPECIAL EVENTS

CUPID'S CREW

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation called the community to action in hopes of providing Valentine surprises to residents in a local nursing/senior facility. A total of 79 gift bags were delivered, one for every resident, along with communal activity totes for the center.

SPECIAL NEEDS EGG HUNT

To give an inclusive option to our Therapeutic Recreation participants, the special needs egg hunt was held on April 9 at Central Park. A total of 58 participants were able to fill their baskets with treats while also making memories to last until next time.

RIDE A BIKE

On August 13, Forsyth County Parks & Recreation partnered with Northstar Bicycles, Reality Bikes, RAMBO, GA Cycling Association, and the Forsyth County Sheriffs Office to host an event at Haw Creek Park tailored to providing bike resources for all skill levels.

ESPORTS TOURNAMENT

20 participants dueled it out on August 27 for the first Esports Tournament at Old Atlanta Park. Prizes were awarded at the conclusion of the event.

KS & PLAY DAY

marked the first Department event solely focused on celebrating gs Parks & Recreation! The day was filled with free activities for mmunity including a pupup playdate, bocce ball, splash pad entry, cavenger hunt, pickleball, and fitness classes.

HANDMADE FOR THE HOLIDAYS

A new event was added to the holiday lineup in 2022 to allow local artisans the opportunity to sell their creations at Central Park on December 17. Shoppers were able to snag last minute Christmas gifts supporting #ShopLocal

CHRISTMAS WITH SANTA

Santa made his way to Central Park on December 10 to visit with participants as they made their way through his workshop decorating cookies, packaging reindeer food, and creating an ornament for their tree!

ATHLETIC PROGRAMS & EVENTS

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

An adult ultimate frisbee league was created in the fall of 2022 with five (5) teams and a total of 52 participants. Games were held at Central Park and Matt Community Park. Participants have already requested an additional spring season for 2023

The Athletic Division not only hosted 68 tournament events in 2022, but was able to secure and successfully partner with the Triple Crown organization to bring the Southeast National Tournament to Forsyth County on July 15-17

The division also saw an increase of 35% in participants for athletic camps and clinics, bringing this years total to 4,973 registered participants. Camps and clinics would not have been possible without the partnership with Forsyth County Schools

In an effort to create connections with a new demographic and give back to the community, the Athletic Division hosted a free Senior Breakfast at Central Park on December 16. Breakfast was provided by several local vendors for over 100 community members, and even included a visit from Santa!

2,871 Adult Athletic Participants

19,578 Youth Athletic Participants

3,582 Volunteer Coaches & Program Assistants

COMMUNITY RECREATION

RECREATION CONTACTS

33,843

162,125

1,099

Program Participants

Recreation Center Membership Visits

Recreation Center Facility Rentals

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

Creativity was in full swing in 2022! With the addition of four (4) new art programs, the department was able to offer a wider variety of classes types for varied ages and abilities. Coffee and Canvas was introduced as a one day workshop each month as a hands on experience to learn the basics of painting. This class was also offered as a private party option! Drawing is Fun! was offered for ages 5-12 to teach unique and fun ways to draw new masterpieces All seats were filled for 2022 sessions with additional options coming in 2023. Teen Acrylic Painting and Plein Air Painting were also added to round out the art corner offerings!

Seibukan, an athletic style of karate, was introduced at Central Park recreation center in April 2022. Over the course of nine (9) sessions, fifteen (15) new participants were able to join instructor Ben Scott for a challenging and rewarding program

July 2022 brought a new options for families looking to add enrichment to their child's summer experience. Freakquencies Yoga Camp focused on fun, age appropriate yoga poses, sequences and breathing exercises, as well as games challenging participants coordination, focus, memory and teamwork! A total of 33 individuals took part in the week long camps.

Tennis enrollment was at an all time high in 2022 throughout the park system with 1,039 registrations Ages 5+ were able to join sessions and camps to learn the basic, strengthen existing skills, or test their skill against others in league play.

OUTDOOR RECREATION

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Sawnee Sprouts Enrichment

Little Explorers Preschool Class

Homeschool Science

School Break Camps (ages 4-15)

Instructional SUP

Instructional Fly Fishing

Tree and Rock Climbing

Zip Lining

FCA Team Building

PARTICIPANT HIGHLIGHTS

With the introduction of Sawnee Sprouts Enrichment program in February 2022, an additional 42 participants were welcomed into the Environmental Education programs!

School Break camps are a favorite for all ages! 404 campers filled the rosters for 2022.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve is not just for camps and programs In 2022, 441 party goers walked through the visitor center doors to celebrate 46 individuals birthday parties With naturalist on hand to guide attendees, it was sure to be a memorable experience for all involved

THERAPEUTIC RECREATION

PROGRAMS OFFERED

Out-of-School Camps

Be Happy Yoga

B.E.S.T Fit

Special Needs Group Fitness

Intermediate Weightlifting

Dream Runners

Boys Night Out

Girls Night Out

Fridays Around Forsyth Homeschool

Special Events

PARTICIPANT HIGHLIGHTS

While new members and programs offered held steady in 2022, Therapeutic Recreation saw an increase of 21% in overall program participants.

A new program, Caring for Cats, was introduced in March 2022 through a partnership with the Forsyth County Animal Shelter. Twenty five (25) participants were introduced to a variety of responsibilities including feeding and grooming for cats in the care of the shelter.

Special events were a favorite for Therapeutic Recreation participants! The Special Needs Egg Hunt hosted 90 egg-hunters on April 1 at Central Park, 207 participants waded into Cool by the Pool on June 2 at the Cumming Aquatic Center, Boo Bash welcomed 122 trick or treaters and 84 Halloween dancers on October 29 at Central Park, and Santa made his way to the recreation center on December 10 visit with 95 special individuals.

MARKETING & COMMUNITY RELATIONS

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:

CPRP Prep Class

Public Safety in the Parks

Emergency Management and Preparedness

Communications, Marketing and Community Relations

Building Positive Relationships Across the Generations

Trail Design and Maintenance

PARK BEAUTIFICATION

Creating visual highlights throughout the park system encourages interaction and conversation between park goers To facilitate the start of this community connection, two art murals were installed in 2022 by a local artist. Splish Splash was unveiled at the Old Atlanta Park splash pad to bring primary colors to life, and Fowler's Flower was themed around the beauty of nature found throughout the park

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is proud to partner with several local and national organizations to bring added benefits to facilities, programs and events. In 2022, the department welcomed scoreboard sponsor Spaulding Law, health and wellness sponsor Northside Hospital Sports Medicine, and event sponsors Pepsi, Beaver Toyota, Crumbl, Smile Doctors, North Forsyth Rotary and EGL Environmental.

COMMUNITY FEEDBACK

"Absolutely loved our coaches! They were so positive and encouraging while still teaching and instructing the girls to get better."

Google Reviews 4.6/5

(136 Reviews)

Survey Responses

"I love how much my child grew in confidence and experience. Making new friends and seeing old ones!"

"Love to walk my dogs and watch the frisbee golf players. I feel this is the safest and nicest park around!"

"Love walking in a safe space and easy to track mileage."

"Maddox loves these camps and they have given him a passion for kayaking and connected him with an awesome group of mentors "

"P.K. did an incredible job of challenging and teaching the kids while creating a fun and inclusive environment."

"Nice basketball courts. Looking forward to seeing new facility when it's finished."

"Top notch County facility. Lots of activities right inside a great park."

"Great community spot!"

"Expertly organized and managed."

"This camp was a difference maker for my daughter. Very well run, professional and productive - not to mention fun and healthy."