Current Projects at Newtown Park
The Newtown Park Community Foundation (NPCF) completed several renovations and improvement projects in 2009 while NPCF members continued to focus on revitalizing the pond area for greater community benefit in 2010.

Year in Review

Newtown Park – Open to All
In July, 2009, the NPCF and the City of Johns Creek celebrated the reopening of the Newtown Community Park Clubhouse. The renovation of this aged, cinder-block building provided new life to a facility that once served area residents well -- for over fifty years. Today, the transformation is complete.Still, getting there took time and effort.

A Little History
Saving the building and giving it a complete makeover became possible in 2006 when the Fulton County Commission awarded the Newtown Park Community Foundation monies -- from their Special Services District budget -- for park improvements. District 3 Commissioner Lynne Riley was the key commissioner on behalf of the community for this endeavor.

Inside and Out
Once the architectural plans for the renovation were finalized and the contractor hired, the Community Clubhouse was gutted. It retained only the concrete floor and cinder-block walls, as well as the original 1950’s enamel metal sink and cabinet unit – (both of which were fully restored).

Outside, the inaccessible side door was transformed into the main entry with the addition of a porch and multi-functional patio area. Additional block was added to the remaining walls to raise the ceiling. Finally, the exterior was stuccoed for a seamless and updated look while the old parking area was redesigned to connect with the existing driveway and interior paths that lead into the surrounding park grounds.

Inside, the meeting room was expanded and two small bathrooms were combined into one, handicap-accessible facility. Insulation and sheet rock were applied throughout; custom cabinets and new windows installed. Electrical, plumbing, and an HVAC system completed the work.

Finally, the old fireplace – filled in with concrete block -- was reopened and made into a focal point for the community room. The City of Johns Creek purchased new chairs and tables, making the facility – once more -- a multi-functional space available for community use.

Today,
The Little Clubhouse that could – despite its advanced age and poor condition -- has regained its stature and public prominence as a center for community events. Come make use of it and celebrate its reopening.

Recreational Storage Facility
At the end of the parking lot, adjacent to the dog park and basketball court, a new block building is adding much needed storage room for recreational equipment. It was designed to match the other structures in the park and now provides plenty of storage space and easy accessibility to the playing fields. The large red trailer behind the old school, which had housed recreational equipment, has been removed.

Pond Area
Until recently, the area south of the pond was overrun with kudzu and various invasive plant species. Both were treated by Kudzu-Free Communities -- now in their fifth year of eradicating kudzu from the four acres below the pond – to allow pine trees and hardwoods again to take root. Unfortunately, the damage to the trees is still evident. Additional landscaping was added around the banks of the pond and the hillside area surrounding the pond was hydro-seeded last spring to allow the slopes to return to a natural woodland area. This solution was necessary due to continuing erosion problems. Clearly, it will take years of growth and supplemental planting to restore the natural eco-system to the surrounding woodland area.

But Who's Waiting?
Future plans may include adding an outdoor classroom and natural-mulch walking trails throughout the reclaimed four acres. New stairs, hardscaping and landscaping will also be part of this restoration and improvement project in years to come.

Come Enjoy Your New and Updated Park...See YOU at Newtown.