Sandy Springs is inviting community members to help determine “The Next Chapter,” with input on the city’s update to its comprehensive plan and recreation and parks master plan.
The first public workshop for next year’s update to the Sandy Springs Comprehensive Plan and Recreation & Parks Master Plan is on Tuesday, June 23, from 6-8 p.m. in the City Springs conference center.
The comprehensive plan is the city’s primary policy document, guiding council and staff decisions related to future growth, land use, infrastructure, housing, and economic development. Sandy Springs must update the 20-year plan every five years.
The recreation and parks master plan, last updated in 2019, guides similar decisions affecting green space, established facilities, open space, and trails. While the comprehensive plan includes recreation and parks as a policy component, the master plan will go into greater detail, identify needs and priorities, recommend potential improvements, and develop a phased implementation strategy.
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Input on Sandy Springs’ future
The whole family is invited; activities for children and teens will also be available to ensure youth voices are part of shaping Sandy Springs’ next chapter.
Workshop attendees can expect a brief overview of each planning document, the next step in the process, and how the two plans will work together, according to the city’s announcement.
Following the presentation, participants can take part in interactive, hands-on activities designed to gather initial community input. City staff and the consultant team will be available to answer questions, discuss ideas, and collect feedback.
Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul said it is important that the planning effort is shaped by the people who live and work in the city.
“As our community grows and changes, we have an opportunity to guide that growth in a way that protects the character people value while preparing for the future,” Paul said. “This planning effort is about more than policies and projects … we encourage residents, businesses, and community members to participate and help write The Next Chapter for the years to come.”
Beyond the public meetings, the city has an online engagement hub for the planning process. The hub will include project information, updates, upcoming engagement opportunities, and online activities.
Materials and activities from each public meeting, including the June 23 workshop, will also be posted online, ensuring that those unable to attend in person still have opportunities to share ideas and stay involved throughout the process.
