Sandy Springs has adopted a Recreation and Parks Master Plan that calls for a $105.4 million funding program over the next 20 years – from acquiring and expanding parks to building a new cultural center in the City Springs area.

The City Council approved the plan at its Tuesday, Feb. 19 meeting. Information: https://bit.ly/2SNRusk

Besides buying new land, expanding Allen Road Park and building the cultural center, the plan envisions constructing a natatorium/community center at the north end of the city, replacing the current dog park and building new ones, improving Heritage Sandy Springs and the Morgan Falls ball fields, and developing a community art plan.

The plan is the product of an appointed advisory committee of residents, stakeholder meetings, public meetings and a citywide survey. Research identified five top community needs – new hiking trails, multi-use trails, dog parks, community gardens and an indoor pool – and a need for an additional 437 acres of park land, officials said.

“While we have added green space and parks to the community over our first 13 years as a city, it is important that we have a structure in place providing guidance to balance the growth of the city with protections and enhancements of the city’s parklands, including expansion of our park system,” Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said of the plan.