Community
Fowler Family YMCA reopens and relaunches playground campaign
Published
5 years agoon

As the Fowler Family YMCA in Peachtree Corners re-opens their doors, the Y also restarts important fundraising campaigns that were placed on-hold during the Coronavirus crisis. Fowler Family YMCA had announced in the fall of 2019 they were honoring the legacy of John Manning, one of the city’s most dedicated citizens, through the creation of a new state-of-the-art playground.
The Manning Playground Fundraising campaign reached 75% of their goal by May 2020 securing $150,000 in donations. While the campaign was halted for a short time during the pandemic, the metro Atlanta YMCA continued to power on working through all of the Y branches to provide food to those in need, childcare services for frontline workers and a senior citizen outreach program for seniors.
Over the past month, the Y has prepared its facility and staff through new training procedures, removal of equipment and new sanitation policies to safely re-open to the citizens of and around Peachtree Corners. And while the Manning playground campaign paused meetings and large fundraising efforts, strategic planning and leadership calls continued.
“We are excited to safely welcome back our members and the children into our daycare programs,” said Mark Thornell, Executive Director, Fowler Family YMCA. “I am proud of the work the YMCA has been doing during the Coronavirus pandemic and will continue to do for our communities. The Manning playground is something for us all to look forward to as we are on schedule to break ground in the fall.”
The new Manning Playground at the Fowler Family YMCA will incorporate educational and creative-based play structures for all ages. Landscaping in and around the playground will provide a new park-like setting for families to enjoy.
With only $50,000 left to go to reach the goal, the YMCA would like to ask for the community’s help to close the gap. Manning’s 12-year-old granddaughter, Caroline, is helping to answer the call.
Caroline is on her third year of running a children’s summer acting camp in her neighborhood. This summer, she will donate her profits to the Manning Playground Campaign. She hopes to have a brick at the playground with “Camp Caroline 2020” on it. Caroline was featured in the YMCA Playground campaign video to help promote the Manning playground.
“We are blessed with an amazing playground committee who has worked so hard to secure donations to make this dream come true,” said Sarah Manning Locke, playground committee co-chair and Manning’s daughter. “We are so close to our goal and are having to get creative to see everything to completion due to the Coronavirus uncertainty. I love that Caroline is on board to pitch in with her Camp Caroline donation.”
The Fowler Family YMCA is hoping others will get creative and pitch in too so the Y can serve children and help them to learn and grow in an environment they may not have access to otherwise. Donations to the playground accepted at ymcaofmetroatlanta.givingfuel.com/john-manning
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City Government
The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners: Community Meeting
Published
1 week agoon
April 14, 2025The City of Peachtree Corners will hold an important public meeting on May 8 to discuss the future of law enforcement in our community — including the potential creation of a city police department.
This meeting will feature a presentation by City Manager Brian Johnson on the findings of a comprehensive Police Analysis & Staffing Study that evaluated the feasibility and projected costs of forming a city police department based on current workload, crime levels and community demographics.
The presentation will also include budgetary considerations, comparative models and the advantages and disadvantages of a county vs. city police department.
Following the presentation, there will be time for a Q&A and open dialogue.
In-person attendance is limited to 300. First come, first served. A livestream option will be available for those who can’t attend in person.
After the meeting, a follow-up survey will be available on the city’s project page.
Meeting details
The Future of Law Enforcement in Peachtree Corners
Date/Time: May 8, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Location: Christ the King Lutheran Church (5775 Peachtree Parkway)
For more information, visit peachtreecornersga.gov.
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Community
Registration Now Open for Light Up the Corners 2025
Published
2 weeks agoon
April 9, 2025It’s time to sign up for the best (and only) Glow Run and Twilight Trot in Peachtree Corners!
Registration is now open to participate in this year’s Light Up the Corners race, scheduled for Saturday, August 16 at The Forum. The 1k Twilight Trot will start at 8 p.m., and the four-mile Glow Run begins at 8:30 p.m. Once the runners have done their thing, a fun post-race party will follow.
This annual event is not only an exciting community tradition, but also a fundraiser for the Why It Matters campaign at the Fowler Family YMCA.
All proceeds from registration goes directly to helping struggling families and children in the community benefit from the life-changing programs and services offered at the YMCA.
Individual registration is $40 through July 31; $45 if you register between August 1–14; and $50 if you wait to sign up on August 15 or 16. Those registering as a team of four or more will save $5–$10 per registration.
Sponsorships available
In addition to individual and team registrations, organizers also rely on the generosity and support of local businesses to make each year’s fundraising event successful. And this year is no different. If you’d like to support their efforts through a sponsorship, information can be found on the Light Up the Corners 2025 website.
T-shirt logo contest
Another way to take part is to enter the t-shirt logo design contest. Artwork and entry forms are due by May 16, and judges will be looking for one dynamic image to represent the Light Up the Corners Glow Run on the race banner, t-shirts and all multi-media.
The winning artist will receive a $1000 check, presented during the event. An entry form and additional details can be found here.
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City of Peachtree Corners
Our Growing Deer Population: What to Do?
Published
3 weeks agoon
April 2, 2025I want to take a moment to address an issue that has been increasingly affecting our community — the growing deer population.
Over the past few years, we have observed a significant increase in the number of deer within Peachtree Corners, leading to heightened concerns about public safety, property damage and ecological impacts. I want to share what we are doing to address these challenges and how you can be part of the solution.
The surge in the deer population poses several threats to our community:
1. Landscape damage: Deer feeding on ornamental plants, shrubs and trees results in significant property damage and costly repairs for homeowners.
2. Increased risk of deer-vehicle collisions: Frequent road crossings, often under low-visibility conditions, pose serious safety risks to drivers and passengers.
3. Adverse ecological impacts: Excessive browsing by deer diminishes plant diversity, impacting the availability of food for other wildlife.
4. Public health concerns: High deer densities contribute to an increase in ticks, elevating the risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.
To address these challenges, the City of Peachtree Corners is collaborating with wildlife officials from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) Urban Wildlife Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Wildlife Services.
These partnerships are vital, as GADNR holds primary authority over wildlife management, and USDA brings extensive experience in urban wildlife management. By working together, we aim to develop a comprehensive approach tailored to our community’s unique needs.
Based on recommendations from our partners, the City is actively developing a comprehensive deer management plan. The plan aims to mitigate the public safety, property damage, ecological and public health impacts caused by the growing deer population.
Here’s what we are doing:
1. Population surveys: Utilizing advanced tools like trail cameras and thermal imaging to accurately assess deer numbers.
2. Habitat assessments: Evaluating the impact of the deer population on local vegetation and biodiversity.
3. Community involvement: Updating the “PTC Report It” app to allow residents to report deer-related concerns and submit photographs.
4. Data analysis: Collaborating with federal and state partners to analyze data and determine a sustainable deer population for our community.
Once the assessment phase is complete, the city will adopt a deer management plan. Since many deer reside on private property, the plan will offer property owners city-supported options for managing deer. This includes educational programs, habitat modification techniques and access to targeted population reduction initiatives.
Our goal is to facilitate relationships between wildlife officials and residents to ensure a balanced approach that protects public safety, preserves property and maintains ecological integrity.
Here are a few ways you can help:
• Complete the Deer Impact Survey: Available online. Your input will help us gather valuable data on deer population densities and their impact.
• Report concerns: Use the “PTC Report It” app or go online to report deer-related issues and share photos.
• Stay informed: Follow our updates and participate in any upcoming GADNR workshops to stay informed about deer management efforts.
I truly appreciate your support and cooperation as we work together to address these challenges and protect the quality of life in Peachtree Corners. Thank you for being engaged and committed to our community.
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