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Greenprint
The "Greenprint" will strive to identify and deliver appropriate usage and improvements on greenspace properties that respect Milton’s rural heritage while prioritizing conservation, wildlife, and natural resources.
Just as citizens were key in launching Milton’s greenspace program, they’ll also have a critical role in shaping the corresponding strategy.
People have had, and will have, numerous opportunities to weigh in throughout this process. One of the first is taking the foundational Greenprint survey, which can be found HERE. They can also participate in City Council and committee meetings (like the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee, Milton Trails Advisory Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, and Milton Equestrian Committee) when the Greenprint is on the agenda.
The first interactive public workshop was on September 7, 2023. A second one -- which happened on September 25, 2023, in City Hall's Council Chambers -- marked the next step, allowing people to share their thoughts on early draft concept plans for the six greenspace properties. These draft concepts focus on potential trails, entry points, and parking based on what City staff have heard so far from citizens through the survey and other forms of public feedback.
A third public forum took place in November 2023 that incorporated even more in-person and online feedback into updated draft concept plans, including possible details on suggested amenities and future uses for each space.
Then -- after key consultations, assessments, and other steps -- a Greenprint stakeholder and steering group meeting took place on October 21, 2025, again at City Hall. This featured enlarged graphics prepared by ecological engineers showing potential protected conservation areas (for various natural reasons) for the greenspaces at Webb Road, Hamby Road, Freemanville Road, Hopewell Road, Milton City Park and Preserve, and Lakhapani Preserve. (To view those graphics, click on the specific property above.)
Check this webpage, the City's website calendar, as well as the City's Facebook page for the latest details.
All these public events are opportunities for citizens to learn about and provide feedback on the future of Milton's six greenspace properties: the 104.8-acre Cooper Sandy greenspace, the Freemanville and Birmingham road property, 28 acres off Hamby Road, the Lackey Road greenspace, the 130-acre passive portion of Milton City Park and Preserve (including the former Kennedy property), and 4.8 acres off Webb Road.
Is the Greenprint’s primary aim to suggest what other properties the City might purchase as greenspaces?
No, any new properties are not this document’s focus. Rather, the Greenprint will look at the future of the City’s existing greenspaces.
What is allowed and not allowed on a City greenspace?
That is one question that the Greenprint can tackle as it more specifically defines what constitutes a “passive” property. This discussion might include whether things like bathrooms, benches, a dog park, and facilities for natural activities like bird watching or fishing should be allowed.
When should the Greenprint be finalized?
The hope is that the City Council will consider a final version of the Greenprint sometime in 2026.
Will the Greenprint includes specific recommendations for specific properties?
Yes, the goal is that this strategy will feature suggestions on what should go in specific greenspaces.
If something is recommended in the Greenprint, does that mean it will be enacted?
No, not necessarily. These would only be recommendations. City staff will still need to determine the cost and feasibility of alternatives. And ultimately, the City Council will vote on whether or not to fund proposals outlined in the Greenprint.
Will there be opportunities for citizens to weigh in on City greenspaces’ future even after approval of the Greenprint?
Yes, at least for any changes that involve City funding. Such additions and alterations must go through the City’s budget process, which will (at least) involve the City Council – and people can participate in “public comment” during such meetings.
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If you have additional questions or want to share your thoughts, you can also email Milton's Public Works Department at PublicWorks@miltonga.gov.
CONCEPT PLANS
Updated Concept Plans will be added to this webpage following the first Steering Committee meeting.
CHRONOLOGY OF KEY EVENTS
2016
Milton voters approve the $25 million Greenspace Bond. The five stated acquisition purposes become the foundational eligibility test for Greenprint recommendations.
2016 onward
The Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee (MGAC) supports evaluation of potential acquisitions. Eight properties are acquired; these are later described as six major greenspaces: Freemanville-Birmingham, Milton City Park and Preserve (MCPP), Lakhapani Preserve, Webb Road, Cooper Sandy, and Hamby Road.
Dec. 2022–Feb. 2023
City Staff identifies stakeholders, planning elements, mission/vision, resources, and an engagement plan. The revised project plan is the focus of an initial Council presentation on February 2, 2023.
Jan.–May 2023
City Staff introduces the Greenprint to MGAC, the Milton Trails Advisory Committee (MTAC), the Milton Equestrian Committee (MEC), and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB). Staff also distributes committee surveys and a neighbor letter/survey; in addition to planning communications and property visits.
Sept. 7 and 25, 2023
Two public input sessions are held: first as a blank-slate discussion, then to review initial proposed concepts.
Oct.–Nov. 2023
Three Steering Group meetings are held October 5, October 30, and November 9. The City Council receives updates on survey data and initial concepts (October 9) as well as short-term considerations, needs, and cost estimates for closed properties (November 13).
Jan.–Feb. 2024
City Staff holds one-on-one neighbor meetings concerning Hamby Road, Cooper Sandy, and the Kennedy properties. Recurring themes include privacy, security, wildlife impacts, limited development, access, and economy of scale.
Feb. 2024
The Greenprint Community Survey Report documents 238 responses (approximately 98% coming from Milton residents) as of February 13, 2024. Respondents strongly support natural-surface trails and habitat improvements and generally favor limited, rustic improvements over active recreation.
June 10, 2024
The City Council receives a Greenprint update on concept elements and potential land designations.
Aug.–Oct. 2024
City Staff develops a scope for the professional environmental review of four properties. Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc (VHB) proposes water delineation, ecological screening, cultural research, concept/cost-benefit analysis, and U.S. Army Corps coordination.
Jan. 22, 2025
A presentation to City Council summarizes engagement to date and asks whether consultant support should be used to provide a stronger basis for conservation designations and other land uses.
Mar. 17, 2025
The City Council approves the VHB environmental evaluation for Lakhapani Preserve, Milton City Park and Preserve, as well as the Hamby and Cooper Sandy/Bethany-Providence greenspaces. The staff memo states that results will be shared with the Steering Group, incorporated into Greenprint, opened to further public input, and ultimately considered by Council.
Apr.–Aug. 2025
Field coordination and surveys proceed. VHB surveys waters, habitats, and site conditions from June through August 2025.
July 7, 2025
The City Council approves Change Order No. 1, adding the Hopewell properties, increasing the contract to $48,450 and extending the then-current completion date to September 30, 2025.
July 21, 2025
The City Council approves a $4.9 million transfer from the Greenspace Bond Fund to reimburse the Capital Projects Fund for the original acquisition of the Bates and Hudson properties. This action formally places the Hopewell properties within the Greenspace Bond program.
Feb. 2026
VHB consults the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Corps expresses reservations about commercial mitigation banking on the City sites because of municipal administration risk, long timelines and monitoring, watershed development, and upstream/downstream impoundments.
June 22, 2026
Final 168-page mitigation feasibility assessment is completed on June 22, 2026. It documents five study areas and recommends practical restoration and conservation measures, but not the creation of mitigation credits.
Aug. 7 and 21, 2026
The internal completion team establishes an end-of-year target, begins rebuilding the map/concept base, identifies Steering Committee representatives, plans renewed stakeholder/public engagement, and targets a Council presentation on November 16 and adoption on December 7.
Anticipated Next Milestones
- Steering Committee orientation and evidence review; validate guardrails and begin property recommendations.
- City Staff refines maps and draft recommendations; Steering Group resolves major tradeoffs.
- Public meeting on the draft framework and property concepts.
- Second public touchpoint or Steering Committee meeting focused on unresolved issues and revisions.
- City Council presentation and policy direction on the draft Greenprint.
- Target for City Council adoption.
MORE ABOUT MILTON'S GREENSPACE PROGRAM
The City’s greenspace program came about in November 2016 after 82.86% voters approved a ballot measure authorizing $25 million in bonds to acquire land for trail areas, conservation land, wildlife habitats and other natural areas. Since then, City leaders consulted with citizens and civic leaders -- including appointees to the Milton Greenspace Advisory Committee -- to use these bond dollars to purchase several properties that aligned with the City's overall vision.
The Greenprint is the latest milestone in this progression toward a deliberate, comprehensive, forward-thinking effort to chart a long-term strategy for Milton's greenspaces. It will explore what makes the most sense for specific properties (whether it's substantial changes or doing nothing at all), define the parameters for what can be done, and think about any changes holistically within Milton's parks system.
To learn about greenspaces that the City has purchased – including where, when, and for how much – go to www.miltonga.gov/Greenspace.