The Leaflet November 2023 : New Veterans Park Dedication on Friday, Arborist Guides Trail Blazers at East Palisades

November 2023

Creating, Conserving, & Connecting Parks, Trails, & Greenspace in Sandy Springs

Arborist Guides SSC Walk at East Palisades

Our last Trail Blazers walk of the season brought the nature around us into focus. Eric Duncan, a certified arborist at Gunnison Tree Services, served as our guest guide at the East Palisades unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreational Area in Sandy Springs. He talked about the importance of trees and plants along the path and river pointing out invasive vs native; requirements of local pollinators, butterflies and insects; bamboo life cycle and more. We hope to have Eric back next year to guide another walk for us. Until then, thank you everyone who participated in Trail Blazers this year and we'll see you next spring! - View Photos on Facebook -

Public Invited to New Veterans Park Dedication & Annual Veterans Tribute

Friday, November 10

The community is invited to attend the City’s 14th Annual Veterans Day Tribute scheduled for Friday, November 10, 2023, beginning at 11:00 a.m. in the Byers Theatre at City Springs. The event continues outside with the dedication ceremony to officially open the new City of Sandy Springs Veterans Park. The park is located at Roswell Road and Mt. Vernon Highway across from Byers Theater. Immediately following the dedication of Veterans Park, the community is invited to celebrate the United States Marine Corps 248th birthday. This event will be held in the CityBar. The new park will honor and celebrate the service of veterans from all branches of the United States military. The park features numerous amenities, including a memorial plaza, monuments, flags, a water fountain, sidewalks, trees, and benches. -- Read More --

Johnson Ferry Get More Lights

More than 100 pedestrian lights have been installed on both sides of Johnson Ferry Rd from Brandon Mill Rd to the Chattahoochee River. A ribbon cutting took place in September to celebrate the installation. The project was originally part of the Greenway plans of more than a decade ago. SSC organized neighborhood input for the original plans of the lighting and a treeline extension on Johnson Ferry Rd from the Greenway. SSC leveraged community donations to complete the treeline planting completed years ago. Since then, the neighborhoods surrounding Johnson Ferry Road made a strong effort to petition the mayor and the City Council to make the street lighting project a reality.

Photo Courtesy Hayden Sumlin/AppenMedia

Trail Blazers Draws Walkers to Parks

Our 2023 Trail Blazers program brought more than 120 walkers to nine different parks in the area each with a different guide who shared their knowledge and expertise. Walkers from Sandy Springs and beyond joined each month from February to October to explore city and national parks in Sandy Springs and neighboring communities. Highlights included tours of Morgan Falls Overlook Park and the Georgia Power Morgan Falls Dam hydro-plant, Hyde Farm in Cobb County and several parks along the Chattahoochee River. Look for Trail Blazers to resume in the spring of 2024 and join us!

Free NPS Entry for All on Veterans Day

In observation of Veterans Day on Saturday, November 11th, entrance to all National Park Service (NPS) sites will be FREE for the day for everyone! The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, part of the NPS, has three sites in Sandy Springs! Island Ford, Powers Island and East Palisades.

Did you know that NPS offers free annual and lifetime passes for active military, veterans, and Gold Star Families? Find more information on the free entrance military pass program .

Things to Do!

Skate City Springs

Starting November 24, you can glide, spin, stride, laugh with friends while you bumble along, or just watch from the sidelines with a cup of hot cocoa at our new ice rink on the City Green! Entrance fees required.

AM Crush Hour - Free Outdoor Fitness Hours

Start your day off right with FREE morning group workouts! Tuesday & Thursday 6:30am-7:30am through December 28th, gather at City Green for a group workout. Workouts include body weight, medicine ball, jump ropes, agility ladders and more. This class is for every level of workout experience. Register today!

Sandy Springs Farmers Market - Saturdays 8:30am - 12:30pm

Weekly through November 18, the Sandy Springs Farmer Market offers a unique selection of vendors set up shop providing an open-air opportunity to purchase fresh produce and artisan foods. Many bring their farm to your table, others offer deliciously prepared specialty foods.

Island Ford Pond and River Ramble

Saturday, December 2, 12 – 2 pm Join National Park Service Ranger Jerry Hightower for a winter’s walk around Island Ford Pond, through the oak-hickory forest to the river and along the river edge trail. Discover plants used by the indigenous people and early settlers for food, medicine, and dye. And maybe catch a glimpse of local wildlife.

Sparkle Sandy Springs

Kick off the holidays at City Springs! The event features a menorah and tree lighting, live music by The Rupert's Orchestra, holiday gift market, food trucks, and the Sparkle Parade! Sunday, December 3 festivities begin at 4 pm.

Support Our Mission!

The Sandy Springs Conservancy mission is to create, conserve, and connect, parks, trails, and greenspace in our community. The Conservancy identifies opportunities, brings together stakeholders, builds partnerships, and provides funding to jump-start park, trail and greenspace projects throughout the city. Your support allows SSC to continue to this mission for the benefit of residents and visitors now and in the future!

Join us Online!

www.sandyspringsconservancy.org