🌱 November Vote On Park Bonds + Woodstock Comprehensive Plan Update

Morning, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new edition of the Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter. Keep reading for the most important things happening these days in town, including updates on...

• A vote in November for park improvement funding.
• Woodstock wants our thoughts on future growth.
• Delays in the Holly Springs widening project.

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Now, today's weather: Cloudy with a thunderstorm. High: 73 Low: 64.

Here are the top stories today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

1. The Woodstock City Council approved a resolution calling for a public vote in November on a proposed $24 million bond for use in city park projects. Around $15.9 million of the bonds would be put towards work on the planned Little River Park, and around $8.1 million would be used to improve and extend the trail system. Some of the projects that would benefit include the Rubes Creek Trail south and west connectors, Neese and Arnold Mill Road connections and other park improvements. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
2. The City of Woodstock is making a Comprehensive Plan update on the 2018 plan, and our opinion matters. The city has opened up a survey for those that live, work or spend time in Woodstock to see what we think the city's current needs, opportunities, goals and policies are or should be to help guide the update. The comprehensive plan outlines the city's plan for "growth and community change," you can take the survey here and view the 2018 Comprehensive Plan here. (City of Woodstock via Facebook)
3. Phase two of the Holly Springs Parkway widening project has been delayed, the new projected completion date is April 30, 2024. The work includes an extension of the parkway from Rabbit Hill Road to Ronnell Road, an increase to four travel lanes, sidewalks, pedestrian lighting, and a raised median, curb and gutter. Phase three will consist of the same work, but on the section of parkway from Ronnell Road to Childers Road. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)
4. Cherokee Recreation & Parks officials were in Illinois on Tuesday to receive a 2023 NACPRO Award for the excellence put forth into the Cherokee Youth Basketball program. The National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials (NACPRO) recognizes parks and rec programs at the county, region and district level in groups based on population size, with the Cherokee Youth Basketball program winning in the Class II category for populations of 150,001 to 275,000. There are over 4,000 children currently in the Cherokee Youth Basketball program, ranging in age from kindergarten to 12th grade. (Cherokee County Communications Division)
5. After the spring order of dissolution by the state General Assembly, four of the five new elections board members have been appointed. Democrats Julie Glade and Sheree Giardano, who served in the previous board, and Republicans John Wallace and Larry Hand will step in on July 1, they're expected to be sworn in at the elections board meeting on July 3. The fifth member of the board will be appointed by the other four members, they have until July 30 to do so. (Subscription: Cherokee Tribune & Ledger-News)

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Today in Woodstock-Towne Lake:

Thursday, June 22

• Community Preparedness 101: Hosted by the Cherokee Office of Emergency Management and Cherokee E 9-1-1. Learn how to protect your property in cases of severe weather and other disaster situations and get a look into how the E 9-1-1 Center works. The class is at the L.B. "Buzz" Ahrens Recreation Center, 7345 Cumming Highway in Canton. (6 - 7:30 p.m.)
• Woodstock Walking Tour Series - Public Art: The tour will bring participants around the downtown area to check out some new art and learn why art is important to our community. The tours will leave every half-hour from 6-7:30 p.m. (Various Times)
• Ben Frank: The artist is playing live tonight at Rootstock, 8558 Main St. (6 - 9 p.m.)
• Screen on the Green - "Sonic The Hedgehog 2": The free movie will be showing on The Green, at 113 Elm St. Bring along folding chairs or blankets to get nice and comfy. (7 p.m.)
• Barefoot Geno: The musician will be playing live tonight at Woodstock Beer Market, 240 Chambers St. (7 - 9 p.m.)
• Super Smash Bros. Tournament: A double-elimination tournament with prizes for the top three winners. The entry fee includes access to all arcade, pinball and board games at The Blue Ghost Arcade, 164 Towne Lake Parkway. Registration starts at 7 p.m. (8 - 10:30 p.m.)
• MadLife Grill Patio Stage - free shows, no ticket needed
  • Joshua Fedoruk (5:30 - 9 p.m.)
• MadLife Stage & Studios
  • Shaun Weiss Comedy Tour - Goldberg, the goalie from "The Mighty Ducks" (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• There's a new burger place coming to Woodstock, the grand opening of Village Burger is today. The restaurant is already a favorite in Dunwoody, Johns Creek, Cumming, Lawrenceville and Tucker, and now they have a home here at 9550 Main St. The ribbon-cutting ceremony is today, from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Welcome to Woodstock, Village Burger! (IN WDSTK)
• Cherokee Recreation & Parks is holding a "Mommy & Me Art Class" on Saturday for children aged 4-8 and their mother figures. The kids will make a clay crab using their handprints, and the pieces will be kiln fired and ready for pickup in about two weeks. The class is from 10 to 11 a.m. at The Buzz in Canton, you can register here. (Cherokee Recreation & Parks)
• Looking to take up a new outdoor activity this year? Woodstock Parks and Recreation is offering a "Discovering Paddleboarding" class this Saturday morning, and it'll get you ready to go with the basics. The two-hour session with Michael Murphy and staff from Murph's Surf will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. at Lake Allatoona. Participants must be at least 13 years old with a consenting adult and must weigh at least 85 pounds. (Woodstock Parks and Recreation)
• You heard right, a tractor-trailer carrying "chicken parts" on Knox Bridge Highway somehow spilled a good amount of said parts at the Butterworth Road intersection earlier this week, closing one lane. The scene was a bit gruesome, but no injuries were reported, the mess was cleaned up and traffic was restored. (WSB-TV)
• In celebration of "Adopt A Shelter Cat Month," the Cherokee County Animal Shelter is waiving adoption fees for all cats over six months. The cats will come with their spay or neuter, heartworm and leukemia testing, initial vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative and microchip already done. You can see available animals here. (Cherokee County Animal Shelter via Facebook)
• If you're in the market for a new home and ready to start touring homes, take a look at these five open houses in the Woodstock-Towne Lake area. (Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch)

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Featured events:

• 2023 Patriotic Celebration Concerts (June 23)
• Health & Wellness Open House @ Body & Brain (June 24)
• God & Country (June 25)
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Featured job listings:

• Recruiter for Home Care Agency (Details)
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Thanks for following along and staying informed! See you tomorrow for your next update.

— Nina Lightcap

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Woodstock-Towne Lake Patch newsletter? Contact me at Woodstock@Patch.com