Fowler Park: an Oasis of Green in Cumming, Georgia

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Cumming, Georgia, is in the heart of Forsyth County, a traditionally rural county north of Atlanta. But with articles like this making national news, development in the county continues to rise.

And that means more development like the proposed mixed-use community coming to Cumming, Georgia.

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Having been a resident of South Forsyth County for a few years, I am glad to see the beautiful and expansive parks and greenspace that is being preserved, like that of Fowler Park, located just off Hwy 9, in Cumming, Georgia.

Many years before we even thought of living there, I was out on my motorcycle one day driving through the countryside. As always, my camera was with me when I spotted one of those brown roadside signs that indicate a park. Knowing nothing about it, I took a right, rounded a curve, and was greeted by this scene.

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I drove through the 85-acre oasis, amazed at the park's size and the scope of the amenities.

Fast forward five years, and we are retired and looking for a place to settle and downsize. Once we decided we needed to get further out of the city than our current Dunwoody home, we began looking at Forsyth County. The property taxes were much better, and at 65, we would be exempt from school taxes, cutting our bill by 80%.

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Never knowing how close I was from the picture I took a few years back, we settled into a nearby over-55 community. As part of the marketing literature, there was mention of the nearby park and the Big Creek Greenway

We had only lived here a few days when we had a nice post-Christmas day, and I was eager to check out the park, especially the Greenway. As I turned off of Hwy 9, I immediately recognized the road and white rail fence. I was home!

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As you can see by the map, Fowler Park has almost every amenity imaginable. The only thing it is lacking is a pool. The large recreation center has many classes and a fully equipped workout room for a small annual fee. But residents are welcome to use the indoor basketball courts or the walking track upstairs for free. I have taken advantage of the track hundreds of times during inclement weather, and several of our neighbors play basketball or pickleball on the floor below.

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As you enter the park and get past the much-appreciated Firestation #2, you take a right to get to the Greenway. The same parking lot that services the trailhead to the 11-mile Greenway also handles the skate park, basketball courts, and running track.

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Just past this area are softball fields, several pavilions of all sizes available to rent, and a huge grassy hill, where events are held throughout the year. Continuing, you will come to the rec center, then turn up the hill past several massive soccer fields and end up at the top where tennis courts are located. Also, behind the rec center are two dog parks, one for small dogs and one for large dogs.

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Our neighbors in Cumming, Georgia, have taken advantage of most, if not all of the facilities, including picnics in the park. Many of us are regulars to the Greenway. I have walked hundreds of miles back and forth, exploring it in all directions. Although it is never empty, it's not too crowded, even on weekends. We have spotted all manner of wildlife, from hawks and vultures to rabbits and deer. The path is always well maintained and secure

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Local amenities are always essential, and we feel very fortunate to be so close to Flower Park. I have been in many of the outstanding parks in the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation portfolio, but Fowler Park is the best-in-class. If you are looking for something to do, or just a little green space in Cumming, Georgia, head to Fowler Park.

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