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Politics & Government

Shakerag Park Will Benefit From Enhancements

The Johns Creek City Council has approved $200,000 for improvements to park.

The Johns Creek City Council on Aug. 15 approving the remaining budget allocation of $197,350 from the 2011 budgeted amount of $395,500 for capital improvements at Shakerag Park.

John Kachmar, city manager, presented the recommendations at the work session. Shakerag Park, which is a 66-acre park located on the northeastern tip of Johns Creek, include a soccer field, 3.8 acre lake, picnic shelters, jogging/walking track and multi-purpose field, among other amenities. 

The improvements calls for a stairwell to the Blackstone subdivision at a cost of $5,000. As it stands right now, the area is currently serviced by a dirt road that is mainly used by students in transit to and from Shakerag Elementary and River Trails Middle schools. The construction of the stairwell, which is slated for the winter, has been awarded to Blount Construction.

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A pond aerator has been proposed at a cost of $63,000. Proper pond aeration is a critical component of maintaining a healthy and clean pond or lake. The oxygenation and water circulation benefits allow for faster decomposition of waste, reduction of algae growth and necessary oxygen and gas transfer, as well as cleaner water and stimulation of beneficial pond bacteria. The city has chosen the Eagle Fountain EFS 3000 model, which is designed for lakes two to five acres and aerates 250 gallons of water per minute, and which will be installed by Optech-Monette and is estimated to cost $6,300.

Greenways and trails are vogue in major cities and are a way of helping the residents stay active and spend family time with their children, spouses and significant others, as well as connect with nature. The trail-system is also a boon for hikers, bikers and runners.

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Mayor Bodker said, in his “Looking Ahead to 2011” letter to Johns Creek residents, the city will continue to develop programs for all ages in its parks and recreation area. That’s why it’s a win-win proposition to design two nature trails at Shakerag Park.

Trail #1 will be located between the restroom and fire station, while trail #2 will be located in the lower portion of the park. The two combined trails would be 4,800 feet. The lower trail would facilitate the Boy Scout and Girl Scout Merit Badge program. The trails would also be used as a cross-country venue for area schools. The estimated cost of designing and implementing the trails is $56,300.

Next up is a fishing pier/gazebo at a cost of $24,000. The gazebo would be located in the lake corner between the park and sidewalk and will not touch the water. There are also plans to erect a 1,000-square-foot building that will house concession, storage and restroom facilities. 

Due to the tough economic climate, as well as the rising gas prices, more residents are opting to spend vacations closer to home. Johns Creek is in a great position to capitalize on vacation dollars within the city’s boundaries as a result of this trend.

Many people are coming to the realization that regular exercise is paramount in maintaining good physical and mental health throughout all stages of life. The improvements slated for Shakerag Park will greatly facilitate this process.

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