City Buys Milton Country Club For $5 Million

MILTON, GA -- The city of Milton has added more than 100 acres to its lineup of greenspace. The City Council at its Dec. 4 meeting voted to approve a contract to purchase 137.09 acres that consists of the Milton Country Club for $5 million.

This purchase, the city contends, is the "result of a forward-thinking approach by the Milton City Council and the diligent efforts" of the city's Greenspace Advisory Committee.

"We've not only prevented the possible development of 51 additional homes, but we're forever preserving 137 acres in the heart of Milton," said Mayor Joe Lockwood. "Not to mention this greenspace purchase includes several miles of built-in trails that can potentially connect to the Milton trail system and 1.6 miles of beautiful creek frontage."

Broken down, the price of the land is roughly $36,500 per acre, which Milton notes is "competitively priced."

"When we considered the amount of acreage we could preserve at this cost, it was an opportunity that we simply could not pass up for our residents and future generations," said City Manager Steve Krokoff.

Krokoff added Milton doesn't anticipate using the full $5 million in greenspace bonds for the purchase, as staff members are exploring third-party funding and other city resources to maximize its greenspace funds.

The city must complete its due diligence efforts including an appraisal, survey and a Phase I environmental site assessment by Dec. 15. Should the city execute the purchase, city staff will move forward with a number of community engagement opportunities that will help determine the community's vision for the property.

The Trust for Public Land, a national organization whose mission is create parks and protect land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come, has been involved in several golf course conversions across the United States. The Trust's Georgia Advisory Board was actually engaged by the city in early 2016 to assist with the feasibility research and public opinion survey in preparation for a possible Milton greenspace initiative.

SEE ALSO: Frequently asked questions about the Milton Country Club purchase

Over the last 10 years, TPL has assisted with golf course conversions in states such as California, Colorado and Oregon and local governments in Michigan and New Jersey have reclaimed golf courses as part of land conservation efforts. Milton contends converting golf courses back into open greenspace and public parks is a growing trend, as some courses are finding the sport on decline, creating unique challenges for many communities.

Since May, the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee has been working closely with the Georgia Conservancy to establish a detailed set of criteria for scoring parcels for possible purchase.

"That model specifically factors in the location of existing parks, creeks and other water sources, rural views, wildlife habitat, planned trails, and considers potential land development scenarios," said Colt Whittall said, chairman of the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee. "Weighing all those factors with the negotiated purchase price and the positive environmental impact made this a clear win/win for the city of Milton and its residents."

Teresa Stickles, the city's Green Projects manager, added the possibilities are "endless" for the land, as there are opportunities to reforest areas, create pollinator gardens, improve water quality and promote environmental education.

Image via city of Milton