At a glance
What’s planned for the greenspace sites in south Forsyth:
• Harrison, 62 acres: walking trails, two parking lots, restrooms, gardens, amphitheater, playgrounds and pavilions
• Old Atlanta (Buice), 39 acres: walking/multi-use trails, pavilions and a playground
• McClure, 101 acres: walking trails, playground area, outdoor pavilions, restrooms, amphitheater and disc golf course with two parking lots
• Echols, 85 acres: pavilions, mountain bike and multi-use trails, outdoor classroom, amphitheater, restrooms and several garden areas with parking
Source: Forsyth County government
Forsyth County plans to take the next step toward preparing some green space properties for public use.
Earlier this week, commissioners voted 5-0 to put out for bid work on four sites south of Cumming.
The plans for the properties — Echols, Harrison, McClure and Old Atlanta Park — have been divided into two phases, said Mark Bond, contractor with Hayes, James and Associates.
The phases allow for more control in budgeting the costs to get the parks ready, said Bond, who also provided some estimates.
The first phases include primarily walking trails, pavilions, restrooms and parking lots.
Chairman Brian Tam said Tuesday that the county should find out what it will cost to do so, adding that the estimates are just that.
"It could be half this. It could be twice this," Tam said. "It’s a competitive bid."
At a parks and recreation board meeting later Tuesday, department director Jerry Kinsey briefed the members on the situation.
The bids for the southern sites could go back to commissioners for review and possible approval in late September, Kinsey said.
The county has about $6.2 million to spend on all four properties, he said.
About $2.2 million will come from impact fees, $2 million from 1-cent sales tax revenue and $2 million from the voter-approved parks, recreation and green space bond of 2008.
The 2012 budget includes about $150,000 to operate the four south Forsyth sites, Kinsey added.
The three green space properties in north Forsyth will follow the same process, just a step behind.
The county is currently accepting bids for construction documents on those sites.