Johns Creek has a new parks director.

The city's Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee formally introduced Michael King as Recreation and Parks director at its Wednesday, Sept. 16 meeting at 6:30 p.m. at 11360 Lakefield Drive. King replaces Assistant City Manager Chris Haggard, who had been serving as interim director.

E-bike restrictions advance for city parks

An ordinance restricting e-bikes and electric scooters in city parks was discussed at a City Council work session in June 2026, before Haggard briefed the RPAC on the proposal at its July 15 meeting. According to meeting minutes, the change would prevent e-bikes and electric scooters in the parks and require designated parking areas at park entrances but would allow e-bikes and electric scooters on the Boardwalk, with the exception of City-sponsored events and other designated times.

Proposed bike racks at park entrances would hold eight bikes and five scooters. The ordinance, numbered O2026-07-13, appeared on the consent agenda for the July 27 City Council meeting.

RPAC members at the July 15 meeting raised safety concerns about sidewalk width on the Boardwalk and the challenge of multiple entrances at Newtown Park, which would need signage directing riders to parking spots. Haggard said staff planned to update Council three to six months after approval if issues arise or additional changes are needed.

Completed park improvements

The Sept. 16 agenda packet listed several facility projects completed in July and August:

  • Ocee Park tennis court and basketball court resurfacing
  • Ocee Park Lang Field turf replacement
  • Cauley Creek futsal fence extension
  • Autrey Mill Nature Preserve Summerour House painting
  • Newtown Park Clubhouse addition

Projects underway or upcoming include Cauley Creek parking lot construction, a Cauley Creek Makerspace, Newtown Park Clubhouse bathroom renovation, Autrey Mill Nature Preserve amphitheater seating adjustment, and wayfinding signage for the Boardwalk and Cauley Creek.

Senior Center participation climbs

Park Place Senior Center drew 1,719 participants across 116 programs in July and 1,615 participants across 115 programs in August, up from 1,448 and 1,298 in the same months in 2025, according to the agenda packet.

Fall events ahead

The department's fall calendar includes Pup-a-Pallooza on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Newtown Park, Arts on the Boardwalk on Saturday, Sept. 26, and a Summer Concert featuring the Johns Creek Symphony on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Newtown Park. The committee also discussed rotating future RPAC meetings to different parks across the city.