FoCo UNPLUGGED

The Board of Commissioners addressed a number of impactful topics in the Dec. 9, 2025 work session.

Following the replacement of a damaged support cap in the SR 369 overpass at SR 400 (Exit 18) and subsequent partial bridge beam replacement, four lanes of traffic (two westbound and two eastbound) are now open to traffic across the SR 400 overpass, weeks ahead of schedule.

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is updating its 10-year Master Plan and needs YOUR input!

The 10-year Parks & Recreation Comprehensive Master Plan serves as a roadmap for the County’s park system, identifying community needs, setting priorities and outlining strategies for future investments. It will help ensure Forsyth County Parks & Recreation continues to provide diverse, accessible and high-quality recreational opportunities for residents of all ages and abilities.

Take the survey to directly influence decisions about the future development of our parks, facilities and programs: www.forsythco.com/yourparks

In this edition of On the Move, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz discusses renovations coming to the Big Creek Greenway between mile markers 8.5 (Bethelview Trailhead) and 10.3 (Kelly Mill Road), which is currently closed to the public.

The renovations will restore this portion of the Greenway to a safe, durable and accessible condition that will serve residents for many years to come.

Watch the full episode to learn what improvements are being made and get updates on renovations at Bennett Park, Sharon Springs Park and the future Barker Overlook

All other sections of the Big Creek Greenway are open for visitors to enjoy. Learn more about the Greenway: https://parks.forsythco.com/Parks/Big-Creek-Greenway

What renovations are being considered for Polo Fields Park and how can you provide feedback and ask questions? 

In the latest FoCo Unplugged podcast, Forsyth County District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz and County Manager David McKee discuss all of this and more.  

Additionally, residents can plan to attend a public input meeting from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15, at the Polo Fields HOA Clubhouse (6300 Polo Club Drive), and complete an online survey about this future project by Nov. 5 at https://parks.forsythco.com/Parks/Polo-Fields-Park.  

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation is excited to announce the Barker Overlook project, a future destination at Sawnee Mountain Preserve that will provide visitors with breathtaking views and a unique connection to the history of Sawnee Mountain.

In this On the Move episode, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz discusses what visitors can expect at the future site, funding and the history of the site.

The average cost for a new pumper fire truck is over $1.M. In 2020, that cost was roughly $700,000. Also, in 2020, the average time from ordering a truck to having it delivered was roughly 12-14 months. Today the delivery time is upwards of 36-48 months. 

So how does @forsythcountyfiredepartment manage the costs and maintenance of ensuring fire safety equipment is ready to answer the call? 

Fire Chief Barry Head and County CFO Brian Clark discuss in the latest FoCo Unplugged podcast. 

Department of Water Sewer Director Scott Adams and Deputy Director Steve Ratzlaff discuss what a boil water advisory (BWA) is, why they happen, how you will be notified if one is issued for your residence/business and what you need to do if you are in an advisory. 

Also, in a joint effort with Forsyth County Geographic Information Services, the Department of Water & Sewer has released an all new interactive BWA map that provides an up-to-date view of all current BWA's in Forsyth County (excluding City of Cumming customers) and allows County water customers the ability to input their address to see if their specific residence/business is under a BWA. The new online tool can be found here: https://forsythcoga.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=522b2e7a6ea8405586a1068164…

Crews have set the remaining bridge beams across the SR 369 (Exit 18) overpass at SR 400.  

Watch the latest On the Move for more information on what is next and when the overpass is set to open an additional two lanes of traffic across SR 400.   

Catch up on the project's facts, timeline, previous video updates and FAQs by visiting www.forsythco.com/exit-18.  

What's the latest on the County's moratorium on all residential applications? What's next for the County as it aims for smart future growth? And how can County residents get involved in future growth and development decisions for our communities? Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John and Planning & Community Development Director Tom Brown discuss these topics and more.

Need some background on what the moratorium is? Listen to the April 18, 2025 podcast announcing the moratorium and learn more here: https://www.forsythco.com/News/podcast-moratorium-on-residential-growth-approved-following-request-from-board-of-education