Remarkable comments
The participants in this survey have provided comments which are remarkable in a number of ways:
- The number. In surveys of this type it would be “good” to get one in ten busy people to provide and optional comment. The 50-shades-of-green survey has comments from over 50% of the participants.
- The length. When busy people get to the end of a survey, the typical optional comment they provide is a few words to a couple of sentences. As you can see below, our average comment is much longer and there are several very long comments
- The passion. It is not unusual to get strong views on this type of issue. Below you will see many views which are best described, not as strong, rather as passionate.
Put together the number, length and strength of these comments and all we can say is “Wow” and “Thank you for your time and effort.”
So, here they are. The comments of your fellow citizens. Unedited, uncensored, unsorted, exactly as submitted, complete with typos. You probably won’t have time to read them all, but just scroll and sample a few. Enjoy!
Thank you for your organized efforts, I adore Prov Park, I use it weekly and it’s a treasure as it is, I would be heartbroken to lose the wildlife and the tranquility of the park as it is now. Please, please tell us more and help us keep it from being developed into a concrete playground.
Bigger is not always better. We have enough construction & development in the area. Save as much of the natural nature in the area as you can
Milton is about keeping the green space, trees, wildlife, horses, being with nature, and once these attributes are destroyed, it can never be replaced.
Love this natural park, let the next generation all enjoy it
Thanks for paying attention!
Thank you for your work on this and for bringing it to our attention.
Please keep it natural. We have enough activity parks.
I waited years for the park to reopen since it I live nearby. A great place to walk the dog in peace. Love being in the woods. But I have heard that women are afraid to walk there alone.
I’m very disappointed with even the idea of changing a beautiful, natural and tranquil park into an activity park. Isn’t there enough”activity” close enough to Providence Park that those who need activity can find it right around the corner? Does anybody think about all the Milton and Alpharetta residence that love Providence Park for its tranquility and beauty and peacefulness?? Such a park is rare to find and I I am totally against it!!!!
Improving parks and recreation should be part of the city of Milton’s responsibilities. I don’t have the exact numbers but the purchase of the golf course increases the acreage of passive parks by a substantial amount. Obviously your survey is skewed to get folks to agree with your position, but I am fine with improving our parks.
Thank you for allowing those of us who appreciate nature and want to preserve it to have a say.
Recently our neighborhood witnessed many dead fish in the lake and we are certain it is b/c more city control is being used for the park and other. Honestly, we have lived here since 2007 and have never seen so many dead fish at one time. Something is happening and it is not favoring our natural environment. Also boats are coming over to our neighborhood from the park and stealing our boat parts from our docks, during the night.
The planners should take the concrete they plan on using in the park and use it for more sidewalks instead (on my street, for instance!!). Many people (like myself) would welcome the chance to go running after work on my own street as opposed to hopping (back) in my car to find a safe place to run.
Something needs to be done about the water level of the lake. A quarter of the lake is way to shallow, especially the end near Providence Park.
Although I have not used the park myself, I have lots of friends who do and enjoy it just as it is today.
Who is profiting from these massive construction projects that lead to massive maintenance contracts – like the multiple football fields and the newly acquired golf course? We need to get an accounting of our where the excessive property taxes are being used to create profits for construction, maintenance, and real estate interests. We would all be better served seeing more money building out local walking/bike trails and sidewalks to tie our community together and further raise property values. Until we can safely walk throughout our city, they should put a hold on some of these other overly localized and expensive projects and buying land to bailout country club residents who don’t want to cover their own bills.
I live between Alpharetta and Crabapple and have visited the park. This is a beautiful, natural area and I hope you keep it pristine yet accessible. Defined nature trails using cedar chips, bark, etc. and simple/elegant signage would be ideal. If you want concrete, go to Big Creek Greenway with 8 mi. of trail (and very busy with bicyclists, runners, skaters, etc.). Providence Park is quiet, restful and a special place to unwind and truly appreciate a natural environment. I hope it can be kept this way — beautifully and thoughtfully. Thank you for this survey.
I would love to help join the fight. Preserving natural land especially one so close to town and easy to access is extremely important. The educational opportunities are great for kids. Setting up a true preserve should be the goal. A ‘wildlife education center’ or something similar should be set up with fun things kids can do while learning at the same time. Educating kids on the importance of nature is how we preserve this area for the future.
I walk barefoot in this park every week. It would be an absolute travesty to lose this sacred piece of land in replication of recreation parks that are highly prevalent in Milton, Alpharetta and Roswell. Please do not interfere with nature any more than is absolutely necessary, which is none. There is an abundance of wildlife that lives in this area that will no longer have a home. What kind of precedent and example to we set for our community and children if we dishonor nature to the degree of destroying it completely?
While I do think the park could use some cleaning up, I think it’s a very nice, serene spot that shouldn’t be too tampered with.
I completely agree that we need a passive, nature-focused park in Milton. Cutting down trees to add another active park is ridiculous and will destroy this pristine place. With rampant urban sprawl, the concept of nature-bathing is even more important. Milton should recognize that we need to serve both spectrums of our community, from active parks, like what we already have, to passive parks, such as Providence that needs to stay that way. Thank you for conducting this survey. Good luck and I look forward to being kept up to date on this important issue.
Several Boy Scouts completed trail renovations as part of their Eagle Scout projects. Similar projects could help maintain the existing trail system, or add trails as needed. Apparently the new plan will re-renovate (i.e. erase) the work done these Eagle Scouts – which is offensive on many fronts!
Don’t totally discount the hard work they have already done. You can’t satisfy everyone so let’s meet in the middle.
The thought of another park with these intentions in my opinion is ridiculous!
There are enough activity parks close by. We do not need another. Keep it natural!
This park is close to where I live, we love the fact that its nature trail and not commercial park trail. It would be great to preserve this as is and make safety improvements alone.
The park is a wonderful facility that should be left as natural as possible. We love walking there and use it often. The natural trails are perfect the way they are. The only concern is the derelict building which could be refurbished if necessary or torn down. Please don’t ruin the park by adding a playground or concrete pathways.
We have lived adjacent to Providence Park (behind it) since 2000. We used to walk across our creek in our back yard (Snake Creek — the same one that flows through the park downstream) and onto the trails of the park where we could lose ourselves in nature for an hour or so. Then the park was closed because of the hazardous materials that were found. Then unfortunately our local government at the time (it was before Milton was chartered, I think) sold the part of the park behind our house for the construction of a cell phone tower and a neighborhood. The forest was clear cut, our backyard fence was broken by felled trees and construction debris was deposited into our creek (on our property — the creek is not a buffer zone). We’ve cleaned up our creek and are grateful that we can still access Providence Park through our neighbor’s backyard. We still enjoy it’s natural charm and it’s wonderful to be able to walk out our front door, through our friends’ yard and into another world. With so much development and change in our wonderful town, please preserve this remaining natural gem! Thanks for your consideration.
I have lived in Alpharetta 25 years. My family grew up in Providence Park. My oldest son went to day camp when Providence Park was run by Fulton County. He loved it, especially the rock rappelling. There was a waiting list for the camp in the following years and my younger son didn’t make it in….Both sons were in Boy Scouts and many meetings took place at Providence Park. My oldest had his Crossover Ceremony there. Then the county closed the park for cleanup of the hazardous waste barrels. Milton took over Providence Park and it languished for years. It would be wonderful if Milton could restore the natural beauty of the park by restoring the trails and the community center. Please keep it natural as there is nothing like this park in the area. The closest thing to Providence Park is the Chattahoochee Nature Center in Roswell or the Autrey Mill Nature Center…. Bring back the summer day camps, the fishing, hiking, bird watching, etc. It would be a shame to get rid of all that beauty just to build another baseball park.
We enjoy providence park and Birmingham park immensely. Would not like an activity park. We use them both for hiking with our family. Something should be done with the building at Providence park, not exactly sure what, but the rest of the park should remain in its natural state.
Keep Milton, Milton.
Milton has begun to restrict its residents in cutting down trees to maintain a specified coverage..I believe that this proposal is in contradiction to the restrictions imposed on us. In addition, I believe that there are better uses for our tax dollars. I believe that the residents should be given a voice in any decisions that spend our hard earned tax dollars.
Birmingham Park is also a natural park and unsuitable for ball fields etc. and I want it to stay that way also. I think we have enough ball fields with Bell Memorial etc. I would support a small amount of improvements for PP to make it handicap accessible and have bathrooms so all can enjoy.
There is already enough development happening in the area. Keep it a nature preserve so people can enjoy what God has created rather than what man has created.
I am not a big fan of barcodes and using your phone while on a hike. I would say if you want placards- then put the info right on them. Otherwise people can research before they go.
We need more parks of this nature, unobstructed and kept in their natural state. As an avid photographer, I would hate to lose the beauty of the lake and all of the flora and fauna that are in the area. Concrete paths would be a horror and unsightly. I understand Milton’s desire to bring people to the area, however several of the other Milton area parks have playgrounds already, and paved walking trails. Providence Park needs to be kept natural, and I feel a small building and bar code signage would suffice. We love to walk on the trails, especially in the summer when the tree canopy helps keep temperatures a little cooler. We are Alpharetta residents, but I consider myself a Milton resident, as well, as our neighborhood is right on the City line (and our students in the neighborhood attend Milton and Northwestern). We are located on Bethany Road. Please reconsider – $7M to destroy wetlands, natural habitat and the beauty of the park in it’s current state is excessive. I hope they hear your requests and reconsider. Great website by the way – very easy to navigate!
If the wetland has/can get an official status, it would be internationally protected (Ramsar Convention). Hence getting an environmental permit should be way more difficult.
Can they please just leave this wonderfully natural park alone? So much is changing in and around North Fulton, and it’s nice that Providence Park is currently a refreshing retreat.
The survey is polarizing and does not provide answer choices that represent middle ground. So here are my answers for questions that did not have an answer I could agree with. What kind of park? A park with a focus on nature but with accessibility and amenities that encourage families with people with special needs to come and enjoy (and that is ADA compliant). How much money? $5-7 K. with some covered by grants. Environmental cost? Important but needs to be balanced with needs for facilities. Example: Need to have both natural and smooth trails so that all can enjoy as Mr Cregge described in the meeting.Need restrooms. Nature center would be nice. Suggest it be focused on local use- ie, moderate in scope. Playground: The fact that the playground will be inclusive has not been made in this communication and was not mentioned by either citizen speaker at the recent city council meeting. This is a different kind of playground that needs to be centrally located in Milton/Alpharetta because it certainly WILL be used when the large number of families with special needs children learn of it. It likely will be used by area elementary schools for field trips (Alpharetta and Hopewell Elementary have special needs students) for both use of ther playground and for nature education. I find it shocking that the playground is being discussed as if it were “just another playground like every other park has.” It is not. This is a great opportunity for families to do education on a lot of fronts- both for “typical” residents and for those who are differently abled.
There is a need for more fields for sports /soccer in this area. Hosting these events is a way to also generate revenue for the town. Our kids are very sedentary and need to be more active . Sports venues and parks get people outside and active!
Please leave Providence Park alone…..it can not be replaced. Nature needs to be left alone so that we can enjoy it the way it was intended. No more ballparks are needed. We don’t need to spend the $$$. I live in Alpharetta but I am very close to Milton.
Hey Guys, I really like the project idea but what is going to have to be sacrificed to make that a reality is too much. Keep the construction to a minimal please, make your buildings work with nature not the other way around
I’m 100% in favor of saving all the undeveloped green space we can!
Please leave the park as natural as possible. There might be some dead tree removal that’s needed and additional hiking paths added, but we love the park essentially the way it is.
It’s a great park, keep the trails but upgrade the facilities, add a small playground that takes advantage of trees/shade for the kids.
Please leave something for nature. Once it is taken away it doesn’t come back.
We have used the park and love the way it is presently used. I would be happy to have it as is with regular maintenance to keep it clean and usable.
It would be very nice to be able to kayak or canoe the lake
I have been a home owner in the parks area for thirty one years. We need to preserve these natural parks.
Have lived off Providence Road for 26 years. Enjoyed hiking in Providence Park before it was closed, couldn’t wait until it was reopened again. It is the closest best place to go for a “real” hike in the Alpharetta/Milton area. More hiking trails and sidewalk on Providence Road to connect the neighborhoods within walking distance would be a blessing.
My name is Nick Augello and I am a 19 year old college student. I think spending millions to turn providence park from a nature park to an activity park is ubsurd. It’s quite infuriating actually. I’ve lived in Alpharetta my whole life and all I know is construction. When I found providence park it was as if I found my own adult playground. It’s not multiple playgrounds and mass amounts of people and kids in strollers. It is pure nature trails for someone who needs to blow off some steam, someone looking for a scenic route to walk their dog, or for me and my first love to carve our initials into the 10th tree on the right on the red trail. I see concrete everyday. I want to scream writing this. I am LIVID. Why why why why why would you take out the only nature trails we have and make it a concrete path? I will take a walk in my neighborhood or the 10,000 other recreation parks we have if I want to walk a wasteful concrete path. Providence park is it’s own. It offers things other parks in our areas don’t. Why are we going to spend $7 million to transform a one of a kind park to something we conveniently already have access to (wills park, Fowler park, hembree park, etc.). Use that money to expand these other parks. Maybe take the plans you have and put them to use on another piece of property. Providence park is literally a piece of woods with no simple base to offer construction. Choose another piece of land to ruin or something. That’s the thing. It’s not the environmental factors. It’s the fact providence park is one in its own. Please, on behalf of the people that use providence park weekly to enjoy its peaceful scenic and wildlife offerings, don’t touch the damn park.
Keep any solid surface at Providence Park to a minimum. Providing a short section with an elevated boardwalk for ADA compliance would be my preference over any solid surface paving. We’ve hiked the existing trails a few times since the park reopened, and both hubby and I commented the trails are pretty rough for even nimble people to navigate. That’s not the park’s fault. We have enough sense to realize in our mid-sixties that level trails (not necessarily solid surface) are best for us now. Surely a compromise can be met? We’ve lived here since 1993 and our now grown daughter and I spent lots of time there in summer camp and Girl Scouts. In the 10 +/- years it was closed due to the groundwater contamination, it is astonishing to see the decline in the manmade structures. Milton acknowledged the trail maintenance performed thru the years by Charlie (last name? – he lives in the final house on the left before the park gates), and his efforts saved unimaginable tax dollars!!! Non-native invasive plants (honeysuckle, privet, etc.) should be removed and native plants reintroduced. This could be a true jewel in Milton’s crown if done correctly. Visit Chattahoochee Nature Center and Autrey Mill Preserve for comparisons and ideas. If the playground to be built is the ‘all-inclusive’ one for which a local charity is raising funds to build (no land in the fundraising – only the playground itself) I do NOT believe Providence Park is the right place. Since Milton now owns the old Milton Golf and Country Club which I understand has solid surface paths (golf cart paths) throughout, perhaps the all-inclusive playground would be better suited there. However, one of the wrinkles for Milton CC is that Green Space Bond Funds were used to purchase the land, and therefore it must remain a ‘passive’ park. I don’t know if there is acreage to site the all-inclusive playground near the existing pool and tennis courts, with easy access to the paved golf cart paths. Another site, and perhaps the best one for an ADA playground, would be Birmingham Park. It’s adjacent to a fire station, should medical assistance be required. I look forward to reading developments on this issue. Thanks for your efforts in bringing the information to the public!
We need to put more into preserving the parks we have like Providence Park and Birmingham Park rather than building destroying activity parks that require a lot of Maintenance Money to maintain when Nature maintains the natural parks. People will agree to help maintain natural parks at no cost to the City of Milton.
The trails at PP should be opened up to bicycles. There are no trails available to off road / mountain bikers within Milton. This is an excellent recreational activity for families that engages them in our beautiful natural areas. Cherokee and Forsyth Counties have done a wonderful job of creating parks that are open to both bikers and hikers: Blankets Creek, Old Rope Mill, Haw Creek, and many others. We have many mountain bikers in our community that would love to have a relaxed/beginner friendly area to take their young children to vs making the 40 minute drive to more advanced trails.
Thank you for taking on this project. Save the Green!
The natural environment should be a priority when making all improvements. The location and setting does not seem appropriate for a high traffic park.
Moutan biking trails & natural hiking trails are needed in closer proximity to Milton, Ga
I like the way that the park originally was. Perhaps a relationship with the local YMCA or other organization such as the scouts would allow for canoes and kayaks, rockclimbing, camping and other activities to be administered without the city having to be responsible or pay for it
We love this park and see so much potential every time we visit. Nature-based activities are preferred over more ball fields and tennis courts. The “escape” just minutes from our home is like having our own Milton nature area, and it’s such a peaceful place. I would never vote to turn this land into an activities park.
I tend to prefer mixed use areas. A thoughtful combination of activity park and nature park would be the optimal solution.
Enough with building on every inch of space.
The more they build it up, the more it is going to attract non-nature lovers who are going to abuse and litter the park. To build a walkway or pier or bridge that has the potential for people to litter and disturb and abuse wildlife is irresponsible.
My property is directly adjacent to the park. Would like to be more involved if you need additional help. Feel free to email me.
Please please please no pavement for trails, i would stop going with my family and dogs if this happened. maybe small bathroom, overlook/fishing dock wood ok, but don’t ruin the natural aspect. If handicap accommodations must be made, pave one area to bathroom and overlook, and leave all trails natural.
I think the city plan has a few good points: a dock for viewing/fishing like there was in the past, a nature center (but small – a lot of information can fit into a small building, a wetlands observation dock (but no boardwalk). The trail surface is a dilemma: natural is lovely but difficult for many people to navigate.
I’m in favor of saving trees, natural species (of plants and animals) and leaving playground development to other already-established or new active parks. I do like the idea of improving Providence Park, as it’s a relatively short hike and there’s not much else to do/see there.
Thanks for starting this. I love PP as is. There at least one time per week
We just moved here from California 5 months ago but love the park and have access to it from our culdesac
A larger Inclusive Playground may actually be in the works for PP See recent Milton Herald articles or Google – “Milton Inclusive Playground “ . You will see that private fundraising is already underway for a very large inclusive playground in the PP. This larger playground – allmost 1acre – has never been discussed at the PP Planning Meetings or consultant presentations.
Please stop cutting down trees!!!!!!!!!
This park is a gem that just needs routine maintenance. The existing decrepit building should be removed. I use the trails several times per week.
Milton was designed to be different than ALPHARETTA, Johns Creek snd all the other high growth areas north of Atlanta. Let’s keep it special and not not allow the pressures of overdevelopment ruin our parks.
All I see is people complaining about the influence of Wildlife at their homes because they’re being forced out of their native habitats and more will build and destroy the worst that’s going to be. Let’s just leave it as it is and improve what we can
I use this park almost daily for walking and it is a great escape into nature. If I wanted a paved path I would go to Wills Park or walk my neighborhood. The only improvements needed in my opinion are to remove old structures/trash and perhaps replace the largest building with a covered pavilion with picnic tables.
At first, i was excited about the possibilities of the park upgrades b/c we live so close to it. But it really does serve as a great natural park. If I want to go to a playground I just bring my kids to another park. Alpharetta has plans for a pocket park right off Mayfield, so that will be a close playground option for residents along Providence. I love seeing the deer and the tranquility of the land. It does however need a bathroom. It could be minimal and green, etc. Another similar park is Haw Creek park. It does have a “natural playground’ area that is nice. But at the same time, if it does get developed, I think the Dunwoody nature center is a good example of combining everything. If they have a nature center where toddler can paint during the week, I would be okay with that.
Love the park, basic cleanup of old building and some designated fishing areas would be nice.
I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this survey. I’m appalled by the destruction of nature I see happening in Alpharetta and Milton, and I hope that our elected leaders can have the integrity and courage to preserve the beautiful environment that drew most of us to this area in the first place.
I am so glad someone posted this on Nextdoor. The park is beautiful as it is. We DO NEED to preserve nature, not to destroy it. There’s less and less of it left. Every day where I live more and more trees are being cut and houses are being built. It gives me fear that soon we will be left with no green areas at all. I love nature and a walk in the woods can give me more than a person possibly could. It takes my stress away and gives me energy for the day. I also care about all of the beautiful animals who live at the park and need their home. I have 3 kids and we often go to other parks in the area if we want to use a playground. So I agree that we better leave the place as it is and enjoy it that way.
Good survey
What – or – who is driving this?
It’s also worth mentioning that the city’s current master plan for the park has absolutely zero consideration for the hydrology of the landscape. The “quarry” is the source of the pure water that flows into the streams, wetland, and lake. If the quarry is filled in, as the plan proposes, there will be no wetland. There will be no stream. The water level of the lake will drop and there will be no fishing, kayaking, or paddle boarding left for the public to enjoy.
Thanks for all the great info—didn’t know it was there, but Going to visit now!
I love this park. I like to walk my dogs here because of the nature and peaceful environment. Don’t ruin it with children playgrounds or game fields. There are enouof those parks and very few that provide a natural wildlife environment near our area.
My husband, my dogs and me hike Providence Park several times a week. It is amazing. It is like hiking in the mountains. Please don’t change it! It is a rare piece of property in our community.
There are plenty of playgrounds nearby. This space doesn’t need a playground.
This park means a lot to me the way it is, it’s where I connect with God and nature because it’s solitary and beautiful just the way it is.
why fix what isn’t broken
I moved from johns creek about 4 years ago to get away from the development. I live in Alpharetta at the edge of Milton and the development explosion is absurd. How many restaurants and shops does one area need!! We surely don’t need more entertainment. The reality is most people moved to Milton for the vast green spaces and farms but are paying attention to the fact that they are disappearing.
Very narrow, opinionated, survey. Results are invalid because of the leading answers that want to make survey takers feel guilty for picking any answer other than the ones that fit your agenda. What about the handicapped and the Old? They can’t use uneven, wet and muddy paths…. What about benches and a place to hold classes to learn about nature? An overgrown space with narrow trails is only useful to a very narrow portion of the population. What about Spaces to picnic and hang out with family? Restoring a ropes course would allow for treetop access.
Providence Park is a true gem and unique. Variety of options for our residents and guests is important to balancing out the area. Providence Park is a slice of nature without having to drive an hour north – perfect for bringing kids to teach them a love of the outdoors. If we want to go to paved trails and playgrounds, we’ll go to Wills Park, Webb Bridge, etc.
We just moved from Michigan to Milton. This park was one of the key drivers of our decision to move given we are now less than 2 minutes away. Please keep the park as natural as possible. It is SO rare to be able to share these types of natural environments with our children.
I just discovered this park after a friend told me about it. I love the peace and tranquility of the park. It’s a wonderful escape and my pups love it too! Construction has to stop somewhere and this is one of those places!!
The abandoned building is creepy, but otherwise the park is fine.
Why doesn’t the city council model a park of this size after a successful Audobon park that had minimal disturbance. No more sports or activity parks…it’s overkill, an eyesore, noisy, full of loudmouths and chemicals, and will disturb the wildlife.
Some areas of the park should be made ADD accessible from parking, but that doesn’t require cement. FYI: City Planners need to get out in the world more…
The trail width item question misses the need for some access for universal accessibility
The Park is a paradise for many species of wild birds and other animals. I fish there every week due to the fact that the park has no access to the world but only does who live in the area and for does who love nature as much as I do. I have never been to a park where I have seen wild life like in this park. It’s essential that we continue to preserve does untouch parks that are in our neighborhoods. Adding buildings and opening it to the majority of the public will only damage and destroy what’s there now. I have seen severeal species of ducks and owls never seen in other parks. Also, seen hawks, falcons, beavers, ospreys, undisturbed geese, cranes, and the list continues. It will be all lost if we decide to cut down the trees and add more human traffic to the area.
We are thankful for the things Milton already has and do not feel like money needs to be spent on this project. We are happy and content with less. If scouts or volunteers want to do service projects and raise their own funds for improvements that is fine. People are welcome to use other parks in other cities if they don’t like our parks the way they are. The wording of the survey questions is not how I would objectively and respectfully answer the questions. It is a starting point for discussion though. Thank you for allowing commentary for Milton residents. We moved to Milton for a rural and simpler lifestyle and do not feel the need to compete with any other city or town. Each property owner should be able to decide how to beautify, maintain or modify their own properties, trees and landscapes.
I read that the water was contaminated at the park. Has that been cleaned up ?
A bunch of us go many times a week and HATE what you are thinking about doing to our park!!!! There are plenty of other parks in the area for what you want to do. We will remember and all of us VOTE !!!!!!