City outlines multi‑phase Wills Park renovation: bigger Wacky World, new restroom, tree removals and community build

City staff presented a multi-phase plan for Wills Park proper that combines bond-funded construction, foundation support and a community-build approach to upgrade playgrounds, restrooms, circulation and park amenities. Staff member Morgan told the Recreation Commission the mayor and council on Aug. 18 approved a little more than $18 million in park improvements, with roughly $17.4 million earmarked for the larger bond projects and an additional $1.9 million from the Equestrian Foundation to advance work at the Alpharetta Equestrian Center. "We have a meeting with the contractors tomorrow to get the schedule and to begin work," Morgan said, adding that construction is expected to start in the fall and that the work will proceed in phases over about 18 months. The project scope for Wills Park proper includes an expanded Wacky World playground, a substantially larger restroom and concession building placed adjacent to the playground, a continuous concrete "spine" trail connecting west and south park entrances, new gateway treatments, and upgrades to Old Rucker and Union Hill parks later in the program. Morgan said the new restroom will roughly double the number of fixture stations in the complex and include a family restroom. "We're going to 21 restrooms... more than double" the current total, Morgan said. Play-surface and accessibility changes: Morgan said Wacky World will use a poured-rubber surface to create a continuous, more accessible play area. He said the plan adds a third shade structure and a black-steel fence like the pool perimeter and that many play features will be ADA-accessible. Community build and contractor: The city will use a community-build model for the playground installation to reduce cost and increase local engagement; Morgan said that approach saves approximately $350,000 versus a contractor-only build. The city has contracted with Integrated Construction (ICAN) as the construction manager; staff said ICAN will tool up to work on the equestrian center and Wacky World simultaneously. Tree removal and stormwater: Staff warned that significant tree removal will be required for the Wacky World/restroom area because of stormwater design and site grading. "All these trees have to come out for this project to move forward," Morgan said, noting many are ornamental and crepe myrtles; he said some trees are in decline and several are on the footprint of redesigned stormwater features. Dog park and circulation: The dog park will be redesigned from three areas to two, with improved subsurface drainage and seating. The design also removes a turning lane on Old Milton at the community center entrance to reduce cut-through traffic; staff said the spine will be concrete (not asphalt) and will not be part of the Alpha Loop routing through the park. Construction sequencing and operations: Staff said the contractor must maintain access to fields throughout work and accommodate ongoing equestrian events; Morgan said that could require people to walk around construction zones but that fields and shows will remain accessible. He said the city will add signage to teach expected park behavior and enforce rules prohibiting bicycles and motorized scooters in the Wills Park proper area, subject to operational adjustments for very young children and caregivers. Funding and schedule: Morgan said the overall program stays within the bond budget and that combining work under one construction manager should produce a more consistent product and cost control. Staff expects to present equestrian center details at the commission’s next meeting and to show Union Hill and Old Rucker Park updates at the subsequent meeting.