FoCo UNPLUGGED

Forsyth County Parks & Recreation continues to make progress on the Big Creek Greenway renovation, a long-term project focused on enhancing safety, durability and the overall experience for Greenway users. In this latest edition of On the Move, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz and Capital Projects Director John Jefferson share where the project stands today, why improvements are necessary and what residents can expect moving forward.

Forsyth County leaders share how innovative technology, modern facilities and strong partnerships keep our community safe and prepared for growth. Hear from County Manager David McKee, Schools Superintendent Dr. Mitch Young, Fire Chief Barry Head and Sheriff's Office Chief Deputy Joe Perkins as they discuss: New fire rescue boat and training center School construction and facility upgrades Crime investigation technology and real-time crime center Funding for major capital improvement projects

Forsyth County leaders share how close collaboration between their organizations is driving smart, responsible growth in Forsyth County. Hear from Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John, Sheriff Ron Freeman and Board of Education Chairman Mike Valdes as they discuss: The decrease in residential zonings in the county following the moratorium on residential applications Forsyth County's low crime rates How growth affects public safety and education resources Sharing facilities strategically

Exciting improvements are coming to one of Forsyth County Parks and Recreation’s well-loved parks! In this edition of On the Move, Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz and Capital Projects Director John Jefferson discuss progress on the Sharon Springs Park renovation and preview the future amenities planned for the park.

What happens when a real County infrastructure project becomes a classroom challenge? You get creativity, collaboration and a whole lot of innovation! Last September, Forsyth County brought a real-world water infrastructure challenge straight into a Georgia Institute of Technology classroom, giving engineering students the chance to strategize, problem-solve and create a design for a simulated version of Forsyth County’s Return Flow Project.

The Board of Commissioners addressed a number of impactful topics in the Dec. 9, 2025 work session. Listen to this episode of the FoCo Unplugged podcast to hear District 1 Commissioner Kerry Hill and District 5 Commissioner Mendy Moore recap the meeting.

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 

Clearing work is underway on Phase I of the McGinnis Ferry Road widening, from Hospital Parkway to Douglas Road! Watch this episode of On the Move to learn about the timeline of the project and what to expect on your daily commute, as well as the latest updates on the GDOT-managed SR 400/McGinnis Ferry interchange project.

Have you received your 2025 personal property assessment? Forsyth County property owners had their state-mandated assessments mailed to them this week ... now what? Chief Appraiser Joel Benton and Assistant Deputy Chief Appraiser Steven Lamb discuss what you need to know in the latest FoCo Unplugged, including: What is on the assessment and why this year’s assessments look different from previous years How state legislation has changed assessments and why the changes are beneficial for property owners How properties are assessed and why that is important Learn more about property assessments, see FAQs and an assessment sample: https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Board-of-Assessors/Assessments  

Get the latest updates on the Exit 18 (Browns Bridge Road) overpass in this episode of On the Move. Capital Projects Director John Jefferson answers your questions, including: • Is the project on track for late 2025/early 2026 completion? • What work has been happening in the background? • When will crews continue construction? • What can drivers expect for their daily commute in the months ahead? Visit www.forsythco.com/exit-18 for more information regarding the support cap and bridge repairs.

The Board of Commissioners finalized and approved agreements for what might one day be one of the southeast's largest economic drivers, The Gathering at South Forsyth. What's next for the development and what does tonight's action mean for an NHL franchise calling Forsyth home? Carl Hirsch with the development group, Board of Commissioners Chairman Alfred John and Forsyth County Chamber President/CEO Alex Warner discuss what was approved, why it is important and what lies ahead in the latest FoCo Unplugged.

Do I need a permit on my home project? Can the County help me on a home renovation? How are commercial buildings inspected, approved, and why should I care? Building & Licensing Director Jake Hill takes us inside how the County ensures commercial and residential structures are safe and to code in this episode of FoCo Unplugged.  Want to see if a permit is required? Take a look here: https://www.forsythco.com/Departments-Offices/Building-Licensing/Permitting

During their April 17, 2025, meeting, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a moratorium on all residential applications, in place until the end of the day on May 15, 2025. Listen to learn more about the action, next steps and what “hitting the pause button” on residential growth means for our community. Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John and District 4 Commissioner Mendy Moore provides insight on the podcast recorded immediately following the meeting. 

In this podcast episode, District 4 Commissioner Mendy Moore discusses her background, experience as an elected official, and her goals and priorities as she serves Forsyth County

In this podcast episode, District 5 Commissioner Laura Semanson discusses her background, experience as an elected official, and her goals and priorities as she serves Forsyth County. 

In this podcast episode, District 1 Commissioner Kerry Hill discusses her background, experience as an elected official, and her goals and priorities as she serves Forsyth County. 

In this podcast episode, Chairman and District 2 Commissioner Alfred John discusses his background, experience as an elected official, and his goals and priorities as he serves Forsyth County.

In this podcast episode, District 3 Commissioner Todd Levent discusses his background, experience as an elected official, and his goals and priorities as he serves Forsyth County.

Can the Board of Commissioners simply stop development? How is the Board managing residential and commercial growth? And what role does the County's Comprehensive Plan play in our community's future? Commissioner Laura Semanson and Planning & Community Development Director Tom Brown dive into these crucial topics in the FoCo Unplugged podcast! 

What's the truth about property taxes and how they're invested? How does the County put together an annual budget? And what are the keys to a healthy financial future? In this podcast episode, Forsyth County CFO Brian Clark discusses: Where the County's available funds come from and how they are allocated Why the County's low millage rate is important for property owners What the impact of House Bill 581 is on our community

In this podcast episode, Water & Sewer Director Scott Adams discusses a potential GEMA grant for a robust generator at the water treatment plant, and County Manager David McKee shares progress on the McGinnis Ferry Road widening and the proposed plans for an NHL practice rink in association with the Gathering at South Forsyth.

Forsyth County has once again received the HIGHEST possible bond rating from all three major rating agencies, one of only four of counties in Georgia to receive this designation!  In this Board of Commissioners meeting recap, Chairman John discusses the recently reaffirmed AAA bond rating, investing with the County’s portion of property taxes, and how the Board works with the community on sketch plats.

Why is the County building a new Administration Campus? What are ARPA funds and why is that relevant to this project? And how is the new Administration Campus being funded? County Manager David McKee and Commissioner Kerry Hill highlight these topics and a discussion regarding the new County Administration Campus that occurred during the Board of Commissioner’s Feb. 25, 2025, work session.  

Up to 15 miles of the Big Creek Greenway in Forsyth County are enjoyed daily by walkers, runners and bikers. When a temporarily closed 1.9-mile section of the Greenway, just north of the Bethelview trailhead, reopens sometime this summer, there will be nearly 17 miles to enjoy. Our Parks & Recreation and Capital Projects teams are working hard to make the renovation of this section happen as soon as possible while enhancing longevity and reducing future maintenance and repairs by incorporating an improved elevated boardwalk design with a steel substructure. Watch this episode of On the Move to get the latest updates from Director of Parks & Recreation Kirk Franz and Director of Capital Projects John Jefferson.

Work remains ahead of schedule to build the Coal Mountain Connector, a new roadway anticipated to open mid-year, if not sooner, that will provide an alternate route for motorists traveling east and west on SR 369. Watch the latest edition of On the Move and learn what work remains and how the roadway is expected to improve traffic flow.

The latest On the Move episode provides an update on the temporary closure of two lanes on SR 369 across the SR 400 (Exit 18) overpass, including the results of a monitoring period and next steps toward opening additional lanes of traffic on the bridge. #foco #forsythcounty #onthemove

Construction is underway on the Coal Mountain Connector, a new roadway in the northern part Forsyth County near the intersection of SR 9, SR 369 and Settingdown Road. Watch the latest On the Move episode to get updated on the project including what residents can look forward to when it’s completed. #forsythcounty #foco

There are a handful of reasons why Forsyth County is seen as such an attractive place for families and businesses to call home, but likely none are more important than our public safety. The voter approved SPLOST program has made a tremendous impact over the past three decades on our public safety and emergency response and here to talk more about that impact is County Manager David McKee as he welcomes Sheriff Ron Freeman and Fire Department Chief Barry Head.

It is no secret that Forsyth County’s population is growing. More people are choosing to call Forsyth County home than ever before as the population closes in on 300,000. Which begs the question of how do we keep up with our transportation infrastructure and keep congestion at a minimum? County Manager David McKee welcomes Assistant County Manager Barry Lucas and Director of Engineering John Cunard for this discussion.

Forsyth County's Parks & Recreation boasts dozens of miles of trails across a greenway and mountain range, award winning athletic and recreation facilities as well as campgrounds and facilities connecting residents to Georgia’s largest natural resource, Lake Lanier. Forsyth County has one of the nation’s most robust parks systems and it is continually listed as one of the nation’s best. What might the future might hold for our Parks system and how could the proposed continuation of SPLOST factor in to the future? County Manager David McKee welcomes Assistant County Manager Tony Tarnacki and Parks & Recreation Director Kirk Franz for this discussion.

SPLOST is not a new tax and has been voter-approved since 1987, so how has and does the sales and use tax impact the County's financial decisions and funding options for road improvements, public safety needs, parks and recreation and more? Forsyth County Manager welcomes Chief Financial Officer Brian Clark and Chamber of Commerce Vice President Alex Warner for an in-depth discussion. 

As the population in Forsyth County grows, so too must water and sewer infrastructure. Watch the latest edition of On the Move to learn about the expansion at the Fowler Water Reclamation Facility, which will be capable of processing 7.5 million gallons of wastewater per day.

Watch this episode of On the Move to learn more about the history, funding and features of this much-needed facility, which will better serve and protect County residents in the Lake Lanier area. This project was made possible thanks to Forsyth County voters of the SPLOST VI and VIII programs as well as impact fees.

What should Forsyth County residents know about road resurfacing projects? Assistant Director of Engineering Tim Allen and Roads & Bridges Supervisor Travis Wareham discuss how road resurfacing projects are identified, how long projects can take, and more in this edition of On the Move!

Watch the latest On the Move video for details regarding a temporary partial closure of the SR 369 (Browns Bridge Rd.) overpass of SR 400. Further details regarding the closure will be provided as available following a 60-90 day monitoring period for a potential approach ramp settlement abnormality. #foco #forsythcounty #onthemove

#foco #forsythcounty #onthemove Have you heard? Major renovations are coming to Bennett Park! Watch this episode of On the Move to learn about the upgrades and amenities, including a community building, new fields, a playground and more! A groundbreaking ceremony will be held on Thursday, May 30. Learn more: https://www.forsythco.com/.../groundbreaking-ceremony-to...