The ongoing transformation of Milton City Park and Preserve continues in earnest this spring, with several major improvements – some visibly evident and others less so, but nonetheless important – in the property’s “North Woods.”

 

The City has been methodically turning what was once a manicured golf course into a more natural habitat where plants, animals, and fish can thrive and that visiting humans can also enjoy. The current work (“Phase II” in the overall endeavor) has focused over the last several months in the 79 acres of what’s known as the North Woods, just beyond where the existing gravel trail ends.

 

New boardwalks are one of the most visible signs of progress. They clearly articulate elements of the new trail, allowing people to take in the scenery without damaging the habitat or getting wet.

 

Other recent upgrades may not be touched by park visitors, though they do enhance the property as a whole. One such example is the removal of an old outfall control structure (OCS) - a massive concrete manhole with an outlet structture that drained water from the existing ponds, through a pipe and into nearby Chicken Creek. In its place, crews installed a more environmentally friendly vegitative swale and concrete weir with a central opening discharging into a rock lined swale which drains into Chicken Creek. This allows stormwater runoff flows, in the park to better mimicking the natural discharge patterns prior to the golf course use (rather than fabricated diversions solely focused on golf fairways and greens).

 

This new system also enhances the surrounding area’s ecological health. How? As City Engineer Scott Tkach explains, the water cascades over a carefully arranged pile of rocks to create a small waterfall. This aerates, or introduces oxygen, into the water – which is great for creatures like darter fish (some species of which are endangered in Georgia) that inhabit Chicken Creek. That’s because by the time the flowing water reaches the creek, it’s been oxygenated and, as such, can help restore and support healthier natural habitats.

 

Workers have also created a new shallow pond between the waterfall and creek to act as a natural settling basin, where silt and debris can settle out as the water continues its journey. This natural filtration system reduces harmful runoff from sources such as pet waste and fertilizers. (Several such weirs have been constructed as part of the project along Chicken Creek all the way to Dinsmore Road.)

 

All this aligns with the City’s commitment to sustainability, according to Tkach. Along those lines, native plants will soon be added to stabilize the soil and, once more, bring this property even closer to its original, natural state. Native trees that will be planted adjacent to the swales and creek will also provide shade which will lower the temperature of the water discharging into Chicken Creek which also supports a healthier habitat for fish and macroinvertebrates (water insects) Biodegradable geo-textile netting along the settling basin ensures the soil remains in place while new native grass takes root, preventing erosion and protecting water quality.

 

As Phase II work continues, preparations for Phase III are underway in a different part of the 137-acre property. This next phase will involve the construction of a multi-use asphalt sidewalk that extends from the MCPP’s parking lot along Dinsmore Road down to the park’s northeastern entrance.

 

To keep up-to-date on this transformative process at MCPP, visit its dedicated project page at https://cleargov.com/georgia/fulton/city/milton/projects/10563/milton-city-park-and-preserve-passive-park-phase-2-gosp. Residents also can sign up for MCPP-specific text alerts to stay connected with the progress by going to www.miltonga.gov/Notifications.