Residents and county staff used the forum to review recent parks investments and to preview trail and park projects planned for 2026.

A Parks & Recreation staff member (Speaker 10) said 2025 included a new skate park at Deer Lake, renovation of the family fun center and a SPLOST-funded aquatic-center renovation. "So we spent $3,100,000 in SPLOST to renovate the aquatic center," the parks representative said, adding that upgrades included pool replastering, new locker rooms and a new lobby.

Planning and zoning staff (Speaker 11) described collaboration with nonprofit partners to expand a multi-use trail network. "We have been working with the PATH Foundation... they've done over 300 miles of trails in Georgia," the planner said, and added that the Trust for Public Land is assisting with fundraising and right-of-way acquisition for Chattahoochee River corridor projects. Staff said several trail projects could be shovel-ready in 2026 and that funding would come from a mix of SPLOST, general funds and grant opportunities.

Why it matters: SPLOST-supported parks and trail investments directly affect recreation access and quality of life and are often visible, high-impact amenities residents cite in growth and land-use discussions.

Next steps: Parks & Rec said Winston Park and Deerlick upgrades are planned for early 2026; planning staff said trail designs are advancing and that the county will pursue grants and SPLOST allocations to move projects toward construction.