🌱 Black Bear Reports + Providence Park History + Wacky World Bricks

Welcome back, Alpharetta-Milton! I'm here in your inbox this morning to tell you everything you need to know about what's going on in town, including news on:

• Black bear reports.
• History of Providence Park.
• Support new Wacky World playground.

But first, today's weather: Today could have an afternoon thunderstorm with a high of 93 and a low of 72.

Here are the top stories today in Alpharetta-Milton:

1. There have been several reports of a black bear in Alpharetta. The areas are "Freemanville Road, Lunsford Circle, and Mid Broadwell Road near Charlotte Drive." Here are some suggestions to keep safe during bear season: don't leave food outside including bird feeders, make noise when walking in wooded areas and don't try to take a selfie or video close to the bear. Also, keep your grill clean after every use. Bears are not likely to be a threat to the public but it's wise to keep your distance. (City of Alpharetta GA via Facebook)
2. Are you familiar with Providence Park in Milton? Here are some interesting facts about it. The park has 42 acres and used to be owned and maintained by Fulton County. It was closed in 2004 due to contamination in the ground water and soil from chemicals. Cleaning up the contamination was completed in 2014, and the city of Milton purchased the land in 2015. Since then, there have been many improvements including an ADA compliant trial and pavilion. (City of Milton, Georgia - Government via Facebook)
3. Are you interested in supporting the new Wacky World playground at Alpharetta's Wills Park? You can buy a personalized brick at bit.ly/WWBrick . The playground will be rebuilt in the spring of 2024. (www.wackyworld.org)
4. A married couple died in a car crash in nearby Cumming earlier this week. The accident occurred on Flowery Branch Road near Shadow Lane. Alice Jackson was driving her husband, Jimmy Jackson, and her Cadillac left the road, overturned and landed on an embankment. Both husband and wife were 91 years old. No other vehicles were involved. (Patch)
5. Alpharetta will soon be getting a new tandem dump truck that will be used to haul materials to job sites and remove construction debris. The current dump truck is 22 years old and will be sold for surplus. The cost of the new truck is $172,280, and it will be purchased from Peach State Truck Center. (Subscription: The Atlanta Journal Constitution)

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Today in Alpharetta-Milton:

Saturday, July 29

• Alpharetta Farmers Market at Town Green by Alpharetta City Hall, 2 Park Plaza (8:30 AM)
• Furniture Painting Class at Queen of Hearts Antiques & Interiors, 670 North Main St. in Alpharetta (10:30 AM)
• Linked by Alice Permanent Jewelry and Beer at Six Bridges Crabapple, 1850 Heritage Walk in Milton (3:00 PM)
• LiveLOUD Concert on The Green | Velvet City Sound concert at Crabapple Market, 12650 Crabapple Road in Milton (6:00 PM)
• Chandra Currelley Returns to The Velvet Note at 4075 Old Milton Parkway in Alpharetta (7:30 PM)

From my notebook:

• Is your child a rising kindergartener at Creek View Elementary School? Come to the playground on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 10-11 a.m. You'll meet some of the other students and their parents. There will be popsicles! (Creek View Elementary School PTA via Facebook)
• Are you part of the Milton Choral Association? You should have received an email for 2023-2024 registration. All registration forms are due Aug. 1. "If you didn't get an email with links, please contact Shelley Hogan at admin@miltonchorus.com."
  (Milton Choral Association via Facebook)
• Is your child interested in playing Youth Basketball in Alpharetta? Registration starts next Tuesday, Aug. 1, for Alpharetta residents. Non-residents can sign up starting on Aug. 15. Volunteer coaches are needed; email wprcprograms@alpharetta.ga.us or call 678-297-6130 to learn more. (City of Alpharetta Recreation, Parks, Cultural Services via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• 3hr Bachata Class - Beginner / Beyond Basic Sat July 29, 2023 (July 29)
• Mezzo-Soprano Gabrielle Beteag in Concert (July 29)
• Noche Caliente Latin Night Atlanta @ Tonys Johns Creek Sat July 29, 2023 (July 29)
• Steven Quartly Artist Show (July 30)
• Songs for A Summer Day: The Michael O'Neal Summer Singers (July 30)
• We CARE Veterans Fair (August 4)
• Add your event

You're all caught up for today!

— Gail Lafleche

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Alpharetta-Milton Patch newsletter? Contact me at Alpharetta@Patch.com