Sandy Springs Hires New Parks Director

SANDY SPRINGS, GA -- The city of Sandy Springs will soon have a new face to take over its Recreation and Parks Department.

Michael Perry has been selected to lead the agency, following 25 years with the city of Alpharetta in a similar role.

“Michael’s depth of experience aligns well with our current needs to manage growth of park space as well as take recreation programming to its next level," said Sandy Springs City Manager John McDonough. "He also has a familiarity with the city, enabling Michael to quickly ramp up within the organization."

Under Perry’s guidance, Alpharetta was one of the first 20 departments in the United States to receive national accreditation through the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies.

Perry oversaw the construction of three community parks, one regional park and expansion of the city’s Big Creek Greenway system, in addition to oversight of the city’s recreational programming.

During his tenure, the Recreation and Parks Department was recognized eight times as a Georgia Recreation and Parks Association Agency of the Year.

Perry holds a bachelor of science degree in Recreation from Georgia Southern University and a master of education in Recreation Administration from the University of Georgia. He is a Certified Recreation and Parks Executive and Certified Youth Sports Administrator.

Perry's service as Sandy Springs Recreation and Parks director will begin on Jan. 3, 2017.

Image via city of Alpharetta