Milton’s Parks and Recreation Advisory Board on Thursday will consider revising the City’s extreme weather policy as it relates to especially frigid temperatures (in addition to high heat).

The October 17 meeting will begin at 6 p.m. in City Hall’s Council Chambers. People can attend in-person or watch online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Now6o9XtPs.

Often referred to as PRAB, this committee consists of seven individuals appointed by Milton’s Mayor and Councilmembers. Its own members share their expertise, opinions, and advice with City staff on matters related to park facilities, recreational programs, City policies, and more.

Thursday’s PRAB meeting will begin, as is customary, with reports on various programs affiliated with Milton’s Parks and Recreation Department. Some of these are athletic in nature, like Hopewell Baseball, boys and girls lacrosse, NAFL football, and tennis. Others include arts, adult, and outdoor recreation programming.

Then, members will discuss the policy for renting the City’s four tennis courts at Milton City Park and Preserve. (Next year, work could begin to add two additional courts – making for six total – among other changes in the same location.)

This will be followed by a discussion of the “Extreme Weather Policy” that are in the City’s program provider contracts to be followed at Milton facilities. The City adopted a heat index activity policy last year. City staff will present a proposed update that features more detail on the heat index policy (as it relates to the “Wet Bulb Globe Temperature), a revised cold weather policy that takes wind chills into account, and how City-affiliated activities would be canceled if Fulton County Schools close because of inclement weather.

The meeting then will roll into City staff reports, starting with the 2024 Wall of Fame class. Three new members –   Lydia Cassada, Cole McNamee, and Bob Rech – will be officially honored during an October 26 ceremony starting at 11 a.m. at Bell Memorial Park

Staff will inform PRAB about progress toward improving the parking situation at the Legacy Park athletic complex off Cox Road.

Next comes a discussion of the Milton’s soon-to-be-new system for background checks for its programs. Earlier this month, the City Council approved an agreement for the National Center for Safety Initiatives to provide advanced background screening on those involved in City-affiliated programming. This applies to those involved in both directly City-run activities as well as those run by Milton’s program partners, the latter of whom will be responsible for all costs associated with screenings for coaches, instructors, and volunteers.

The meeting will conclude with an update of Community Outreach efforts, such as this Saturday’s Carvin’ in Crabapple event from 4 to 7 p.m. centered at Broadwell Pavilion.

After this meeting, PRAB will be next scheduled to convene the evening of November 21.