Two groups with different ideas for Milton's parks on Tuesday night presented their arguments to city officials, with 60 residents calling for new parkland to remain undeveloped or asking for an investment in fields and facilities that would provide families with local recreation opportunities.
Representatives from engineering consulting firm Moreland Altobelli presented polling results from local focus groups that showed the city was equally divided on the two views. Their work showed residents want a balanced park system "reflecting the city's unique visual image with recreational needs and improvements."
Some of the resident desires are not mutually compatible. Horse trails, for example, should not double as walking or bike trails, the consultants said.
Residents broke into small groups to draw up lists of priorities for their parks. They will have more opportunities to weigh in over the coming weeks, with the city scheduling a series of similar meetings in the coming week.
From its founding five years ago, the city has one active park, Bell Memorial, which consists of four baseball fields, playground, concession stand and picnic pavilion on 15 acres.
Until two years ago, Milton hadn't spent $50,000 on its parks and didn't have a parks department. The city has since stepped up funding, committing $1.3 million last year and just over $1 million for next year. The money helped the city acquire a one-acre tract for a mini-park on Deerfield Parkway and rights to a two-acre site between Northwest Middle School and Crabapple Crossing, the latter in agreement with Fulton County Schools.
The city has allocated $1 million for a trail plan at Birmingham Park, a 205-acre tract with limited access, and it is poised to take possession of the 42-acre Providence Park from Fulton County.
The city also is adding more activities. The Hopewell Youth Association operates summer baseball at Bell Memorial in an arrangement that pays the city all nonresident and late fees.
Last November, the city expanded its offerings, partnering with a local businesswoman to offer its first community class, a fitness camp at a reduced rate for residents. More recently, the city hired i9 Sports Forsyth/North Fulton to provide youth sports programs at different sites throughout the city.
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