City of Norcross' Parks Master Planning Gets Green Light

05.22.2010

As part of its continued focus on defining creative new urban re-development strategies, the City of Norcross is moving forward with identifying a master plan for the community's local parks.  Much like the City's master plan, this will be a guide on where, when, how parks are to be utilized, renovated, built and purchased, as well as how they will be used to meet the needs of the city's population and demographics.   It will be the road map the City uses to move forward in regards to the parks and programs. 

Southeastern Engineering, Inc (SEI) and consulting firm, Monteith-Brown, were recently selected to work in a joint venture with the City, teaming with a steering committee composed of local resident volunteers, and city parks and recreation staff. The consulting firm was instrumental in helping Gwinnett County identify its nationally-recognized master plan for parks, and the City of Norcross anticipates results with the same high level of creativity and design quality.  According to Craig Mims, Director of Norcross' Public Works & Utilities Department, "It has always been the intent of the department to enhance the park experience for our citizens through good customer service and park supervision.  The initial steering committee has been identified and contacted and will begin meeting in the very near future."

As a major step in laying the groundwork for this Master Parks Plan, the City of Norcross made personnel changes this week that strengthen its ability to move forward with the planning process. Carlton "Rip" Robertson, who has been on Norcross' payroll as the Cultural Arts Manager of the Norcross Community and Cultural Arts (NCACC), has accepted a redefined role as Recreation, Parks & Cultural Arts Division Superintendent.  Robertson's fifteen-plus years experience with parks management and the parks master planning process, and his familiarity with the vision of Norcross' City Council and the community, make this a particularly strategic move for Norcross. As his supervisor, Craig Mims explained, "This personnel change will serve to couple the resources of both departments.  Specifically, we will be able to bring the maintenance, planning and construction functions of the public works dept forward and couple them with the recreation, events planning and special services of the cultural arts department.  This is a good fit and will allow for a much better use of the city's resources. It should also serve to eliminate any duplication of services as we move towards creating a park system."

To date, renovation efforts have transformed three of Norcross' existing parks, including a dramatic makeover of the old ball field into a state-of-the-art park facility renamed after Norcross' Mayor Emeritus, Lillian Webb. The Parks Master Plan will focus on identifying the need for new spaces, and how they should be used. This vision will be based on the consulting firm's recommendations for design and best use, as well as national standards and census criteria. The community will also play a vital role in the planning process, providing its own vision for creative connectivity.

"We have an impressive team in place for this planning process," said Norcross' City Manager, Rudolph Smith. "Monteith-Brown is an excellent firm, and Mr. Robertson's experience with the parks master planning process will be a great resource. Plus, Norcross residents have traditionally been very involved with creating the development vision for their community. I imagine we will have a very exciting and progressive plan as a result."

The City of Norcross is recognized for its progressive thinking, emerging as one of the region's best examples of successful community redevelopment. Parks and green spaces play a vital role in continuing that success, and are an essential element in a community that values healthy neighborhoods and a high quality of life. After an extensive period of thoughtful preparation, the proverbial ball is now rolling, as the City of Norcross begins yet another phase of its creative redevelopment, underlining the community's claim as being "a place to imagine."