O c t o b e r 5 , 2 0 2 3 | A p p e n M e d i a . c o m | A n A p p e n M e d i a G r o u p P u b l i c a t i o n | 5 0 ¢ | Vo l u m e 2 7 , N o . 4 0
fills post Matt Community Park set for upgrade County for new director Master plan remains in search of funding
of Fleet Services
Original
By SHELBY ISRAEL shelby@appenmedia.com FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County officials approved a new master plan that includes a recreation center and library at Matt Community Park. But, the plans have yet to secure funding. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve the park’s updated master plan Sept. 26 at a work session. Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills was absent from the meeting. Drafted by consulting firm LDDBlueline, the master plan would add a future library; a recreation center with space for potential expansion, including basketball, pickleball and volleyball courts, a playground and additional parking. Matt Community Park opened in 2016 with funding from the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by Forsyth County voters in 2008 and from impact fees. The park is off Ga. 369 and Wallace Tatum Road in Commissioner Kerry Hill’s District 1. “Matt Community Park has added many new amenities since opening in 2016 including tennis courts, a playground and trail system to go along with ballfields and pavilions,” Hill said in an email to Appen Media. “Looking to the future, I am excited to see how the Matt Community Park further develops to provide new ways for residents to explore nature and stay active.”
See PARK, Page 21
New
FORSYTH COUNTY/PROVIDED
Maps show the proposed original and new Matt Community Park master plans. The Forsyth County Board of Commissioners approved the update Sept. 26 at a work session to serve as a possible blueprint if the expansion secures funding in the future.
ROOF TROUBLE? Ceiling Spots • Rotting • Blistering • Buckling Spots Call For A FREE Roof Analysis – 770.744.5700
Top Rated Appen Rated BBB Angie’s List
99
FORSYTH COUNTY, Ga. — Forsyth County announced its new Fleet Services Director Marcus Hawk Sept. 26, replacing Avery Gravitt, who recently retired after 17 years in the role. Hawk started his career in motor maintenance and operations as a wheeled vehicle mechanic for the U.S. Army. He attended Lumpkin County High School and Gainesville State College. HAWK He previously served as branch manager and regional director of maintenance for Aim Transportation Services in Gainesville. He also worked as transportation supervisor for Accent Controls Inc. “Marcus is bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our Fleet Services team that plays such a crucial role in our county’s operations,” Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas said. Hawk formally started his role with the county Sept. 25. The Fleet Services Department manages the maintenance and repair of county vehicles and equipment. It also maintains the county’s 10 fueling sites and records official repair, fuel, equipment and vehicle costs. — Shelby Israel
$500 OFF* New Roof Purchase
Cannot combine with any other offer or discount. Valid GA only. Present coupon AFTER getting quote.
*Offer expires 10 days after publication
Roof Repair and Replacement