Sandy Springs is PLANNING in ’26! By now, a lot of residents in Sandy Springs have heard about The Next Chapter. The City has combined its comprehensive planning update with a specific focus on Recreation and Parks – so The Next Chapter is a big two-in-one public participation effort that will result in plans that guide decisions both for the community at large and for recreation and parks in particular.
It’s true that state law (Chapter 110-12-1, et seq) establishes requirements to “ensure that local comprehensive plans embody the articulated will of the community and provide the foundation for all decision-making by local government officials and other community leaders.” The City is doing all of this and more in 2026. The Next Chapter builds on the last plan (The Next Ten) in name and substance, doubling down on transparent policies and implementation goals.
The City has again assembled an experienced, smart consultant team (Rhodeside & Harwell, Perez Planning + Design, and TSW) that is working closely with staff and elected officials. And true to all sound planning efforts, they are actively going out to residents and stakeholders in a big way to get input. That’s where residents come in. Getting involved in the plan not only gives residents a chance to voice preferences but also provides something tangible to track progress over the life of the plan. At the same time, the City’s staff can more easily organize their resources to get things done.
The Conservancy was deeply involved in the last plan and has become a trusted advisor to the City on open space and trails. This year, we’re busy again with this plan. Board member Linda Bain has been appointed to the plan’s steering committee.
Board members have already given input in the plan’s official stakeholder meeting which was held on June 23. And the Conservancy’s Thought Leaders Dinner – scheduled for November 9th- has been designed and timed specifically for The Next Chapter – enabling the Conservancy to provide its best recommendations with perfect timing.
As the project develops community goals, the Conservancy is refining specific recommendations for community consideration. Our initial recommendations centered on walkability, commitments to complete the trail plan, conducting gap analysis work to determine where parks and trails are needed, and exploring new funding tools. The Conservancy is looking near and far for opportunities, and this summer that means putting ideas and recommendations into The Next Chapter. The next public meeting will be held in August. Sign up at The Next Chapter – Sandy Springs.
For more information about Conservancy work on this plan, please contact Conservancy executive director John Maximuk at John@sandyspringsconservancy.org.
