The Cobb County Commission voted unanimously Tuesday to spend $27.4 million on land for new parks.

Commissioners agreed to issue bonds to raise the funds, with an estimated millage rate increase of .13.

Local greenspace advocates celebrated the county’s decision, but vowed to press for more.

The $27.4 million represents the amount that can be legally collected based on a 2008 referendum when voters approved $40 million for greenspace.

Those bonds were never issued due to the downturn in the economy, but many Cobb residents want the county to honor their vote by spending $40 million on parks, especially after tax money was diverted from paying off park bonds to fund the new Braves stadium.

Jennifer Burke, an organizer of the Cobb Parks Coalition, called the park bond vote Tuesday a “wonderful first step.”

Visit our premium site, myajc.com, to see what park proponents have planned next, and what county commissioners have to say about tax increases to pay for greenspace.

*Correction: The bond issue was for $27.4 million, not $24.7 million. 

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Instructor Daniel Jean-Baptiste reminds students to "measure twice, cut once" while using a hand saw at the Construction Ready accelerated summer program at Westside Works in Atlanta on Wednesday, June 18, 2025. The program provides training for careers in construction and the skilled trades. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com