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Parks, performing arts center report growth in attendance and new projects planned
Summary
Recreation staff reported nearly 65,000 attendees at the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center in 2024, new signature events and several park projects in design or permitting including Burdett Park, Morgan Falls dog park and Abernathy South Greenway.
Recreation and cultural enrichment staff told the council the city’s parks and venue programs grew in 2024 and staff will deliver multiple park projects in 2025.
Staff reported the Sandy Springs Performing Arts Center hosted roughly 65,000 attendees in 2024 across 611 ticketed events, rentals and partner productions, and staff said the center will continue efforts to increase ticket sales and reduce event costs through menu and operational adjustments. Eden said Recreation will work with the Sandy Springs Foundation on fundraising for the performing arts center.
Parks priorities listed for 2025 included completing the Abernathy Arts Center ceramic studio building and moving forward on Burdett Park construction (public works noted irrigation and advertising plans). Morgan Falls Dog Park will advance through design and permitting in the second quarter with added shade structures, a dog wash and improved ground cover; Morgan Falls Athletic Phase 2 and a Ridgeview Park restroom are also slated for design.
Staff described a 1.6‑mile Springway segment that will connect Overlook Park to Grogan’s Ferry with scenic views and work to obtain grants for the Abernathy South Greenway and Old Riverside Park improvements. Programming highlights included a new Special Pops Tennis program for athletes with intellectual disabilities, expansion of the Superstar Dance program and signature events including the BlueStone 5K canine race.
Council members pressed for better project outreach and coordination on tree impacts for projects such as roundabouts and road widenings; staff said they will provide additional details and maintain community engagement during design and permitting.
