RPAC reviews Autry Mill master plan; committee flags parking and drainage for council prioritization

Erica, Parks & Recreation staff, walked RPAC through the Autry Mill master plan and associated capital projects, explaining that trail renovations were completed with FY25 refresh funds and that four projects from the plan were carried into the city’s five-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). She said the master plan prioritizes accessibility upgrades and erosion control measures such as bioswales and that animal-habitat improvements are already in design.

A committee member asked whether the $500,000 line item for trail improvements had been spent; Erica replied the renovation did not cost that much and clarified the refresh funds operate as a pooled 'bucket' for multiple projects: “Any savings here gets divvied up among the other refresh of that year,” she said. The committee noted parking, grading and drainage remain larger-ticket items and that the million-dollar estimate for parking/grading will require council direction and prioritization in future budgets.

Committee members also raised visibility and visitor-access concerns for Autry Mill—describing it as a 'hidden crown jewel'—and suggested larger, lit or historically styled signage to direct visitors from arterial roads. Erica said the city is rolling out new signage standards and could update older Fulton County signs in the near term. She also confirmed the amphitheater project was funded in part by the CVB and that future items from the master plan will remain in the CIP for council review when allocating FY26 priorities.

The discussion closed with staff agreeing to provide clarification on historic map features that appear on the packet maps and to continue coordination with the committee and council as CIP priorities are set.