CountyLine Magazine

In February 2008, Forsyth County voters approved a $100 million Parks, Recreation andGreen Space Bond that was initiated by Commissioner Tam. The purpose of the bondwas to provide funds to improve existing parks and build new parks. Within the nextmonth, three new parks will open in District 2 to provide recreational opportunities forresidents. Located off of Old Atlanta Road and bordering the Chattahoochee River, ChattahoocheePointe, was built on approximately 100 acres; located on Old Atlanta Roadnear Lambert High School, Old Atlanta Park, was built on approximately 39 acres; and,located along the north and east sides of Caney Road, just west of Brookwood Road,this new park was built on 63 acres. These three parks, all conveniently located for useby South Forsyth residents, will have nature trails, natural playgrounds, picnic pavilions,tot-only play areas, outdoor classrooms, a gated zero-depth water feature, amphitheater,and many other amenities.Also funded by the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond, the Old Atlanta RecreationCenter opened earlier this year. Located across from Lambert High School on NicholsRoad, this facility provides classes and work out opportunities for residents, includingstudents from neighboring schools. The facility has two gymnasiums, a cardio/weightroom, mezzanine walking area, multi-purpose classroom, fitness studio, dance studio,and a community room. Passes are available for the cardio/weight room, fitness classesor both. The Center also offers a variety of summer camp opportunities and campsduring breaks in the school year. “The addition of this recreation center provides a safeplace where school-aged children can go after school, on weekends, and during breaks,”commented Commissioner Tam. “It also provides a facility to improve the health andwell-being of our community.”In 2007, Commissioner Tam combined his roles as a Partner in Education and a Commissioner,to turn land that was an unused parcel of Daves Creek Elementary into JointVenture Park, a playground and sports facility that is used by Daves Creek students duringschool hours and is open for community use after school hours, on weekends andwhen school is not in session.Public Safety:Under the command of Captain Ron Freeman, the Forsyth County Sheriff’s south precinct,located behind South Forsyth High School in District 2, provides protection to thisarea as well as numerous community programs, including: The Neighborhood Watch,Campus Crime Stoppers, and S.T.O.P.P.E.D., a program designed to reduce the numberof automobile accidents involving young drivers.In addition to quality education, recreation and public safety, the business communityenhances the lifestyle of South Forsyth residents. In the spring of 2008, The AvenueForsyth opened with many specialty shops and restaurants. Bringing this open-air retailcenter to this location was a major accomplishment for government leaders in ForsythCounty. To encourage Cousins Properties to build on the site where The Avenue Forsythis located, Commissioner Tam led the initiative to provide a sewer solution to accommodatethe stores, offices, and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) facility that arelocated there and the CHOA hospital that will begin construction in the near future. TheAvenue Forsyth is a major asset and convenience for District 2 residents, not only forits shopping, healthcare facilities and restaurants, but because of the tax dollars it contributes.“We are fortunate to have The Avenue Forsyth that generates sales tax dollars,18CountyLine | July 2012 | www.CountyLineMagazine.net