Old Atlanta Park Recreation Center Opens for Business

Under bright sunny skies and much warmer temperatures of late, Forsyth County’s new Old Atlanta Park Recreation Center officially opened on Wednesday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.

“Today we express our thanks to the voters for their support of the Bond” said County Commission Chairman Jim Boff.

The new facility is approximately 40,000-square feet and was constructed with funding from Impact Fees on land acquired through the Parks, Recreation and Green Space Bond approved by Forsyth County voters in February 2008. It sits on about 39 acres of land with five acres housing the new recreation center and the remaining 34 acres serving as passive use green space.

Boff said that the construction of the center incorporates sustainable features designed to enhance the facility’s operational efficiency that will help realize cost savings.

These features include:

• installing energy control systems for the facility’s HVAC and lighting systems;

• large, open windows to allow for natural lighting and reduce power costs;

• durable, low-maintenance products throughout the entire building; and

• underground water storage tanks which will capture water from the roof to be used for irrigation.

Residents in south Forsyth County will have the opportunity to enjoy an indoor walking track, cardio/weight membership room, fitness studio, multi-purpose/art studio, dance studio, two basketball gymnasiums and a community room with a warming kitchen.

“The residents living in south Forsyth County sought a recreation center where their children could participate in sports and other activities, and where they themselves could take advantage of programs and fitness opportunities,” said District 2 Commissioner Brian R. Tam. “And they wanted to be able to do so closer to home than the county’s existing recreation center allowed for. Now they can. I am proud to say that the county was able to build this recreation center for all of the residents of Forsyth County to enjoy.”

In addition, the center will offer a variety of athletic programs, summer camps and recreational activities including fitness, dance, art, martial arts, gymnastics, and special interest classes. It's also the new home to the annual 'Safety Town' summer camp.

The Old Atlanta Park Recreation Center is located at 810 Nichols Road, across from .

Next week the county is scheduled to open a second new recreation facility, also in south Forsyth, at Fowler Park.