Final Public Input Meeting Set For NE Cherokee Parks Plan

CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA — The final virtual public input meeting for the Northeast Cherokee Parks Plan Update will be held in February.

Earlier this year, the Board of Commissioners approved an agreement with TSW to update the plans, which will include three different parcels in the northeast area of Cherokee County. The sites include a 102-acre parcel in Free Home for the future E.W. and Edith Cochran Park, a 538-acre parcel on Yellow Creek Road along the Etowah River and the recently named Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area, a 23-acre parcel on Ball Ground Road at the Etowah River.

The virtual public input meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 9 via Zoom and will include a brief summary about project site conditions and conceptual drafts for each site. A recording of the meeting will be posted on the project website within 24 hours of the meeting. Those interested in participating will need to register ahead of time on the project website.

The plan update kicked off in September with a virtual public input meeting and online surveys followed by a second round of surveys reflecting the updates from the first round. A virtual design workshop and an outdoor informational workshop were also held last fall.

“So far, the passive version for each park has received the most votes,” said TSW Planner Sarah McColley. “The main change we’ve made in this final round is adding a Cochran Park alternative with an 18-hole disc golf course at the top.”

Residents have until March 2 to review the final round of plans and provide feedback online. To submit input online or register for the public input meeting visit online and click on NE Cherokee Parks Plan from the homepage or go directly to the project site by visiting the website.

“I want to thank all of those who have already provided input and make a strong push for folks to participate in this final round which will help us prioritize these projects,” said Cherokee Recreation and Parks Director Jay Worley.

Finalized plans are scheduled to be presented to the Cherokee Recreation and Parks Advisory Board at the April 13 meeting and to the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners at the May 3 Work Session meeting.