Milton, GA
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Greenprint
The City of Milton's "Greenprint" will strive to identify and deliver appropriate usage and improvements on greenspace properties that respect Milton’s rural heritage while prioritizing conservation, wildlife, and natural resources. All can take this brief survey or scroll down to view the latest draft concepts for all six greenspaces.
Just as citizens were key in launching Milton’s greenspace program, they’ll also have a critical role in shaping the corresponding strategy.
People have had, and will have, numerous opportunities to weigh in throughout this process. One of the first is taking the foundational Greenprint survey, which can be found HERE. They can also participate in City Council and committee meetings (like the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee, Milton Trails Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Milton Equestrian Committee) when the Greenprint is on the agenda.
The first interactive public workshop was on Thursday, September 7. A second one -- which happened on Tuesday, September 25, in City Hall's Council Chambers (2006 Heritage Walk) -- marked the next step, allowing people to share their thoughts on early draft concept plans for the six greenspace properties. These draft concepts focus on potential trails, entry points, and parking based on what City staff have heard so far from citizens through the survey and other forms of public feedback.
A third public forum took place in November 2023 that incorporated even more in-person and online feedback into updated draft concept plans, including possible details on suggested amenities and future uses for each space.
Check this webpage, the City's website calendar, as well as the City's Facebook page for the latest details.
All these public events are opportunities for citizens to learn about and provide feedback on the future of Milton's six greenspace properties: the 104.8-acre Cooper Sandy greenspace, the Freemanville and Birmingham road property, 28 acres off Hamby Road, the Lackey Road greenspace, the 130-acre passive portion of Milton City Park and Preserve (including the former Kennedy property), and 4.8 acres off Webb Road.
Is the Greenprint’s primary aim to suggest what other properties the City might purchase as greenspaces?
No, any new properties are not this document’s focus. Rather, the Greenprint will look at the future of the City’s existing greenspaces.
What is allowed and not allowed on a City greenspace?
That is one question that the Greenprint can tackle as it more specifically defines what constitutes a “passive” property. This discussion might include whether things like bathrooms, benches, a dog park, and facilities for natural activities like bird watching or fishing should be allowed.
When should the Greenprint be finalized?
The current timeline anticipates the City Council considering a final version of the Greenprint sometime by the end of 2023.
Will the Greenprint includes specific recommendations for specific properties?
Yes, the goal is that this strategy will feature suggestions on what should go in specific greenspaces.
If something is recommended in the Greenprint, does that mean it will be enacted?
No, not necessarily. These would only be recommendations. City staff will still need to determine the cost and feasibility of alternatives. And ultimately, the City Council will vote on whether or not to fund proposals outlined in the Greenprint.
Will there be opportunities for citizens to weigh in on City greenspaces’ future even after approval of the Greenprint?
Yes, at least for any changes that involve City funding. Such additions and alterations must go through the City’s budget process, which will (at least) involve the City Council – and people can participate in “public comment” during such meetings.
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If you have additional questions or want to share your thoughts, you can also email Emily Groth, the City’s Environmental Program Manager, at Emily.Groth@miltonga.gov.
DRAFT CONCEPT PLANS FOR PROPERTIES
Click on the image or the links below for PDFs of each draft concept plan that were unveiled at our City Hall public forum on September 25. As these are PDFs, you should be able to enlarge as well as zoom in-and-out on the files. People with thoughts on these plans -- including what you think should and should not go on a given property, as well as exactly where -- can email them to Emily.Groth@miltonga.gov.
104.8-acre Cooper Sandy greenspace off Bethany Road
21-acre greenspace at Freemanville and Birmingham roads
28-acre Hamby Road greenspace
106-acre Lackey Road greenspace
130-acre passive portion of Milton City Park and Preserve (specifically around the former Kennedy property)
4.8-acre Webb Road greenspace
MORE ABOUT MILTON'S GREENSPACE PROGRAM
The City’s greenspace program came about in November 2016 after 82.86% voters approved a ballot measure authorizing $25 million in bonds to acquire land for trail areas, conservation land, wildlife habitats and other natural areas. Since then, City leaders consulted with citizens and civic leaders -- including appointees to the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee -- to use these bond dollars to purchase several properties that aligned with the City's overall vision.
The Greenprint is the latest milestone in this progression toward a deliberate, comprehensive, forward-thinking effort to chart a long-term strategy for Milton's greenspaces. It will explore what makes the most sense for specific properties (whether it's substantial changes or doing nothing at all), define the parameters for what can be done, and think about any changes holistically within Milton's parks system.
To learn about greenspaces that the City has purchased – including where, when, and for how much – go to www.miltonga.gov/Greenspace.