Johns Creek to reimagine 2025 Easter Bunny Hop, tie it to Earth Day

Kara Peral, recreation manager for the City of Johns Creek, told the Recreation & Parks Advisory Committee that staff recommends reimagining the 2025 Easter Bunny Hop to address site constraints and environmental concerns. "We have nowhere to have the Easter bunny hop," Peral said, citing Creekside Park construction and Fulton County spring break timing.

Peral outlined a plan to partner with Archer Mill Nature Preserve and Autry Mill for an "Easter Earth Day" station-style hop that would preserve an Easter theme while reducing single-use plastic by distributing treats at stations rather than staging a traditional egg hunt. "I personally do not love giving away 30,000 plastic eggs every year," Peral said, and staff proposed handing out goodie bags or maintaining a photo opportunity with live bunnies and chicks instead of a mass hunt.

Committee members suggested practical changes for the hop format. One member recommended a passport-style stamp system so children must visit multiple stations to earn treats, which staff said they would pass on to the event coordinator. Staff emphasized this is a temporary change for 2025, contingent on site availability and partner coordination; formal calendar recommendations will be included in a memo to City Council on Oct. 21.

Peral also noted logistics constraints: parking at partner sites can be limited and staff will follow up with the special-events coordinator to confirm site plans and overflow options. The committee did not take a formal vote on the event format; staff solicited feedback for the City Council decision.