At the Nov. 11 meeting Director Morgan Rogers and park staff provided a multi‑item parks update that included a substantial cost revision for Field 5, several bond projects starting next week, and a major private deposit for the equestrian component of Wills Park.

Field 5 turf and AYBA: Rogers said the Field 5 turf project’s cost came in at $712,765 — higher than earlier estimates because of stormwater work and upgraded fencing. "It turns out it is a $712,765 project rather than a $50,000 project," Rogers said. Alpharetta Youth Baseball Association (AYBA) confirmed the project is important and agreed to fund its share of the project, about $106,000, but does not have the funds immediately. Rogers said the city will advance AYBA’s portion and AYBA will repay that $106,000 over two years so the project can proceed. To reduce visual impact and cost, staff plan a 6‑foot chain‑link fence with netting instead of a 15‑foot chain‑link backstop.

Bond projects starting Nov. 17: Rogers listed three major projects starting the week of Nov. 17: complete repaving at Webb Bridge (using milling/resurfacing funds), demolition of the North Park restroom and concessions building to make way for new facilities, and repaving of the Adult Activity Center parking lot. Staff said these items will address the worst restroom and parking lot conditions in the system.

Farmhouse and parking concerns: Rogers presented design concepts for a small pocket park at Marietta and Rosalind and a farmhouse boardwalk/bond project at Old Mill (a $2,000,000 bond line item). He noted the main outstanding issue is parking and pedestrian access; staff said the site is city‑owned and that private development nearby may provide shared parking but likely several years out. Rogers said the Old Mill farmhouse project drawings are within the approved $2,000,000 bond budget and that mayor and council will consider the item in December.

Equestrian funding: Rogers reported that the Equestrian Foundation has deposited $1,000,000 into the city’s account toward the equestrian project. He described a billing approach that calls for the foundation to provide additional pledged funds as the city spends down construction costs.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with the scheduled Nov. 17 starts, move forward with Field 5 turf procurement and construction under the revised funding arrangement with AYBA, and present the Old Mill farmhouse project to mayor and council for approval in December.