It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Heritage Sandy Springs Museum & Park gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Sandy Springs, GA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
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“I am a past client of this provider They did well once they were there. They”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver they send that takes care of”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has made my life easier by”
“We can have more hours. They can have more caregivers and have replacements.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps the clients feel safer at home. I”
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“My parents needed care after my elderly mom was discharged from the hospital . Latasha”
“I am a past client of this provider When they did send someone most of them”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been very helpful and courteous. They always”
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“Always have helped me a lot i have had some wonderful nurses that' came to see about me but the person that really enjoyed was my buddy. Mr Duke he is the most wonderful caring person that there is thank you my dear friend”
“Always best have always provided me with some of the most caring care givers. They show alot of compassion and care for my father has been with them for 2 years. I would like to send a special thank you to Duke,Ericka, Debbie and Latoshia for the care that you have provided for our family.”
“Always Best Care has been a blessing to us wonderful people great staff Mr Duke is the most amazing and wonderful ???????? person ???? they have always sent good people for my husband thank you Always Best Care”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is an excellent service. They have an incredible staff who are dedicated to providing outstanding service to in need. I would highly recommend this company.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have good attitudes. I like that they are consistent with the people who come in every day.”
“I am a current client of this provider If you need an additional person, they are good to fill in when someone calls out. I like that they are straight forward with their pricing.”
“I am a current client of this provider I have good days and bad days, but the services have helped me the most with moving around better. It prevents me from falling. One of the caregivers did not want to do anything and stated that it was too much. I had to do the cleaning by myself and I did not feel good. Now I have another caregiver who provides better services.”
“I am a current client of this provider They make sure he is comfortable and he's clean. Thery are always on time and make sure he is comfortable.”
“I am a current client of this provider They bathe him and I get the chance to do other things. The caregiver provides great services.”
“I am a current client of this provider There are things I cannot handle with my husband, and before I had them I was there twenty-four hours a day to the point of a mental breakdown, it's everything to me. I like the person that I have most of the time, she's very good, very qualified. I feel very fortunate.”
“I am a past client of this provider They did well once they were there. They help prepare my meals and get things for me because I was immobile. They also helped with my bath. They could have the caregiver give me a call if they're going to be late, so I'm not wondering if they're coming or not.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregiver they send that takes care of him is a good match. I would recommend them because they person they send is quite qualified and caring.”
“I am a current client of this provider The agency has made my life easier by providing excellent care. I like that the agency always has someone to cover if someone is not able to make it.”
“We can have more hours. They can have more caregivers and have replacements.”
“I am a current client of this provider It helps the clients feel safer at home. I really like the caregiver that's with the clients, she's smart.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped me the most in doing things around the house and doing things they are supposed to. I like that they are understandable and have good workers.”
“My parents needed care after my elderly mom was discharged from the hospital . Latasha was very responsive and caring while helping us secure the right person to help them during a difficult transition in their lives. Duke, the interim care provider was extremely well liked by my parents . They felt super comfortable and safe with him while Latasha worked to find a longer term caregiver. I really appreciate all of them ! Thank you Always Best Care”
“I am a past client of this provider When they did send someone most of them were quality caregivers. They could have done better with scheduling and making sure their clients were covered.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have been very helpful and courteous. They always ask if I need anything.”
“I am a past client of this provider My experience was positive because the caregiver was very effective and willing to take care of my needs. I would recommend them because they were available, professional and willing.”
“I am a current client of this provider They come 3 days a week and they do everything I need for me. They have bettered her quality of life. They have been responsive when I need to make changes.”
“I am a current client of this provider The caregivers that have come have had positive attitudes. I think they need more staffing and have more people available to come to other locations.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Morgan Falls Overlook Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ray's on the River or visit Bulloch Hall, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Sandy Springs, GA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Sandy Springs, GA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Sandy Springs, GA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs is hosting a ribbon-cutting for the first completed segment of its Springway Trail Loop May 2 at 1 p.m. near the Morgan Falls Dog Park.Parking for the event is available in the lot adjacent to the park at 100 Morgan Falls Road.The 2A segment is the first installment of the Springway Trail Loop, a 5-mile path around Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Plans call for addressing the project in five segments.The Springway is the name of the city’s ambitious 31.4-mile trail master plan....
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springs is hosting a ribbon-cutting for the first completed segment of its Springway Trail Loop May 2 at 1 p.m. near the Morgan Falls Dog Park.
Parking for the event is available in the lot adjacent to the park at 100 Morgan Falls Road.
The 2A segment is the first installment of the Springway Trail Loop, a 5-mile path around Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Plans call for addressing the project in five segments.
The Springway is the name of the city’s ambitious 31.4-mile trail master plan.
The new 1.88-mile segment connects Morgan Falls Overlook Park to Roswell Road at Cimarron Parkway. The multi-use path is 8 to 12 feet wide with a top-down boardwalk with concrete decking over Orkin Lake. The project consists of retaining walls, drainage structures, pedestrian bridges, roadway realignments, landscaping and trail signage.
The Georgia Natural Resources Department gave the city $3 million for the project through a conservation grant under the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program. The city covered the rest of the $8.8 million construction cost of the first segment.
Work on the segment began in December 2022 but ran into some expensive delays when crews struck solid rock underneath Orkin Lake.
The extra work delayed completion of the project some 18 months.
After approving work changes to the contract, some related to drilling for the boardwalk and others more routine, the project cost jumped $1 million. City officials have directed staff to pick more feasible path projects moving forward.
In February, the city submitted a grant application to fund segment 2C, which runs 1.6 miles from Morgan Falls Overlook Park along the Chattahoochee River to Grogans Ferry Road.
— Hayden Sumlin
City Springs Theatre Company | Sandy Springs, GASandy Springs, GADESCRIPTIONNotice: Audition Call Type: Open CallAUDITION DATETuesday, June 3, 202510:00 AM - 6:00 PM (E)Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PMAPPOINTMENTSTo schedule an audition appointment, please go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/g....CONTRACTLOA$638 weekl...
City Springs Theatre Company | Sandy Springs, GASandy Springs, GA
Notice: Audition Call Type: Open Call
AUDITION DATETuesday, June 3, 202510:00 AM - 6:00 PM (E)Lunch 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
APPOINTMENTSTo schedule an audition appointment, please go to: https://www.signupgenius.com/g....
CONTRACTLOA$638 weekly minimum (LOA ref. LORT)
SEEKINGEquity singers for THE WIZARD OF OZ (See breakdown).
PREPARATIONPlease prepare a short musical selection in the style of the show of your choice. Also, please bring your headshot and resume stapled together.
LOCATIONCity Springs Theatre Company Studios8601 Dunwoody Place, Ste 136Sandy Springs, GA 30350Free Parking
PERSONNELArtistic Director - Shuler HensleyExpected to attend:Executive Director - Natalie DeLanceyArtistic Associate - Nick Walker JonesDirector/Choreographer: Baayork LeeAsst Director/Choreographer: David Grindrod
OTHER DATES1st Rehearsal: 11/17/25Opening: 12/12/25Closing: 12/28/25
OTHER
www.cityspringstheatre.com
An Equity Monitor will not be provided. The producer will run all aspects of this audition. Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination.
Equity is committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in apolicy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.
Always bring your Equity Membership card to auditions.
BREAKDOWN
THE WIZARD OF OZ
SEEKING:
Dorothy: The pretty young heroine, she is transported to Oz from her home in Kansas. Initially dreams of leaving her dull Kansas life but discovers that home is where her heart is.
Scarecrow: A corn field fixture who joins Dorothy to get a brain from the Wizard. Kind and clumsy, he realizes that a new hat is all he needs to unlock the potential of his brain.
Tin Man: A very mechanical man who believes he doesn't have a heart. Joins Dorothy on her quest. Wide-eyed and gentle but moves like a robot.
Cowardly Lion: A beast of the forest, venturing to Oz to get courage from the Wizard. He is frightened of everything, and his terror and subsequent sadness is extremely over-the-top. By the end, he is able to find his confidence.
Wicked Witch Of The West: The villain of the story, she is bent on grabbing Dorothy after she accidentally kills her sister and takes her shoes. A comedic villainess who is also crafty and menacing.
Glinda The Good/ Aunt Em: The Good Witch of the North. Beautiful and graceful. Both ethereal and somewhat whimsical, she helps guide Dorothy once she lands in Oz. Dorothy's aunt and Henry's wife. A typical midwestern farm worker, her main concern is the upkeep of her farm.
Uncle Henry: A Kansas farmer and Dorothy's uncle.
Ensemble: Additional Munchkins; Emerald City People; Additional Winged Monkeys
LOA $638 weekly minimum (LOA ref. LORT)
AEA
SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Georgia is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.This submission comes from Kim Noor, who nominated Saira Panah of Georgia.If you know a student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featu...
SANDY SPRINGS, GA — Georgia is full of bright, driven young people making a difference in and out of the classroom. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight students excelling in academics, athletics and community service.
This submission comes from Kim Noor, who nominated Saira Panah of Georgia.
If you know a student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured as a Star Student on Patch.
What is the star student’s name?
Sairis Panah
What grade is the student in?
11th
How do you know the star student?
School
Tell us about your star student's accomplishments and why they deserve to be recognized on Patch!
Sairis is a kind individual. He always takes time to help others in class by explaining how to do something if you don’t understand. He does volunteer with the Lymphoma / Leukemia Society. He is an ECNL/ Varsity Soccer player! Our entire school enjoys watching him play during competitions. He is funny and a great person!
What three words best describe your star student?
Caring, compassionate and nice.
Keep up the great work, Sairis Panah. If you know an outstanding student who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch.
This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Atlanta Regional Commission has stepped in with an $18 million grant to help Sandy Springs construct all segments of PATH400 from its southern border with Atlanta to Central Perimeter.The Sandy Springs City Council approved a budget amendment to accept the funding windfall May 6 after discussing the immense impact on regional connectivity and the build-out of the city’s Springway Trail Plan.City Councilman Andy Bauman said the project is transformative, and the connectivity between cities an...
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — The Atlanta Regional Commission has stepped in with an $18 million grant to help Sandy Springs construct all segments of PATH400 from its southern border with Atlanta to Central Perimeter.
The Sandy Springs City Council approved a budget amendment to accept the funding windfall May 6 after discussing the immense impact on regional connectivity and the build-out of the city’s Springway Trail Plan.
City Councilman Andy Bauman said the project is transformative, and the connectivity between cities and neighborhoods will propel the community forward.
Sandy Springs TSPLOST Program Manager Allen Johnson said the grant allows the city to construct the full 2.3-mile path from Loridans Drive within the city of Atlanta to an existing multi-use path built as a part of the Transform Ga. 400 and I-285 project.
“Segments one and three are currently in construction,” Johnson said. “At the end of the year, ARC said … these other jurisdictions can’t use the money, would you be willing to take it?”
Instead of the initial $4 million grant extended to the city in November, Sandy Springs received $18 million for final design and construction of the middle segment of PATH400 through the city.
One reason is the city’s strong finances.
Because of the project’s regional significance, the Atlanta Regional Commission recently announced an additional $18 million grant offer to construct the second, middle segment. That piece runs from Windsor Parkway to just north of Ridgeview Middle School within the High Point neighborhood.
Once complete, the greenway will stretch 5.2 miles from Central Perimeter to planned segments of the Atlanta Beltline and Peachtree Creek Greenway in DeKalb County. It’s an already popular 12-foot-wide path along the spine of Ga. 400.
“Our planning staff has done a good job coordinating with ARC to get these [funds],” Johnson said. “We always asked for the funding … often jurisdictions ask for everything and then they cannot use the money, and the ARC has to reallocate it.”
The city is setting aside an estimated $5.75 million for its local match for construction.
A budget amendment is needed because a new project is being created for the middle segment, the funding amount exceeds the city manager’s discretion and overall expenditures are being increased. However, staff says there is no financial impact to the city because of re-assigned grant dollars, the use of $2 million in capital contingency and leftover funding.
Construction on the middle segment is expected to begin next summer, Johnson said.
“In four years, it will be done, hopefully it will be done earlier than that,” he said.
City Councilman Tibby DeJulio said if people head north of Lordans Drive along Ga. 400, they can already see construction work on the east side of the state route.
“People were asking me, and it sounded crazy that we were doing one and three but not two,” DeJulio said. “This means I can tell people we’re doing the whole thing now.”
Because of protections for an endangered bat species that roosts near Nancy Creek, contractors were required to remove trees before March 31 to avoid delays with a ban on tree clearing until fall.
Atlanta is funding construction of the 12-foot-wide multi-use trail from Loridans Drive to its city limits. Sandy Springs is then building the path’s bridge over Nancy Creek. Motorists along Ga. 400 can now see the path’s corridor.
“This project’s been around since 2017 … we started off with the design, right-of-way, pre-construction funding,” Johnson said. Because the city set aside design funding for PATH400 in its 2016 TSPLOST budget, he said his department has been managing the project. Fulton County’s TSPLOST program, approved by voters in 2016 and 2021, gives the city a share of sales tax revenue for transportation improvements.
Last May, the city funded the more than $20 million in construction of the first and third segment.
The Georgia Department of Transportation, which owns the right-of-way along Ga. 400, is funding 80 percent of the project’s costs through disbursement of federal grants.
Other Sandy Springs and Perimeter Community Improvement District projects are set to connect PATH400 at Peachtree Dunwoody Road into multi-use paths in Dunwoody’s trail network and to City Springs along Mount Vernon Highway.
Public Works Director Marty Martin says the city’s relationship with the Atlanta Regional Commission and the Georgia Department of Transportation is strong, helping pull the construction funding together.
Mayor Rusty Paul said acquiring the funds for the massive construction project, estimated around $40 million, took a team effort. He said other cities couldn’t provide a match, but Sandy Springs could because of its financial management.
“It’s still just a relatively small part of our total trail network, but it’s a key part,” Paul said. “Because we’re a linchpin for all these regional trails, they all come together here; This is a very important milestone.”
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springers can now discover Orkin Lake via the first completed segment of the Morgan Falls Loop, a nearly 2-mile path connecting Roswell Road to the Chattahoochee River.About 100 people, including community advocates, neighbors and city officials, gathered along the lakefront May 2 for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Representatives with regional trail advocates, like the PATH Foundation and the Sandy Springs Conservancy, thanked city leadership for prioritizing connectivity across the city.Through ...
SANDY SPRINGS, Ga. — Sandy Springers can now discover Orkin Lake via the first completed segment of the Morgan Falls Loop, a nearly 2-mile path connecting Roswell Road to the Chattahoochee River.
About 100 people, including community advocates, neighbors and city officials, gathered along the lakefront May 2 for a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Representatives with regional trail advocates, like the PATH Foundation and the Sandy Springs Conservancy, thanked city leadership for prioritizing connectivity across the city.
Through community donations, the Sandy Springs Conservancy has chipped in around $65,000 toward design and construction of path segments around Morgan Falls Overlook Park.
The completed 1.88-mile path is 8 to 12 feet wide, connecting the city’s riverside park to Roswell Road at Cimarron Parkway. The pedestrian and cyclist facilities open a piece of Morgan Falls Overlook Park that has been densely forested and inaccessible to the public for years.
The 2A segment is the first installment of the Morgan Falls Loop, a 5-mile path around Morgan Falls Overlook Park. Plans call for addressing the project in five segments.
The Springway is the name of the city’s ambitious 31.4-mile trail master plan, encompassing all scheduled multi-use paths within Sandy Springs.
Mayor Rusty Paul spoke during the ribbon-cutting, reflecting on progress made at the first park the city built after incorporation.
“Today, we celebrate not just the finished segment, but progress toward a greater vision laid out in the 2019 Sandy Springs Trail Master Plan,” Paul said. “Springway is not just about Sandy Springs, it’s designed to connect to the trail network in Roswell, Atlanta’s PATH 400, Cobb’s national recreation trails and Dunwoody’s trail system; this is truly a linchpin.”
Conservancy Board Chairman Jack Misiura said projects like the Morgan Falls Park Connector are what the nonprofit is all about. Misiura said the nonprofit and its volunteers are focused on building out the rest of the Morgan Falls Loop and other paths around the city.
The highlight of the path is a 2,933-foot-long boardwalk with concrete decking over Orkin Lake.
Work on the segment began in December 2022 but ran into some expensive delays when crews struck solid rock beneath the lake.
The extra work delayed completion some 18 months.
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources contributed $3 million for the project through a conservation grant under the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program. The city covered the rest of the $8.8 million construction cost of the first segment.
After approving work changes to the contract, some related to drilling for the boardwalk and others more routine, the project cost jumped $1 million. City officials have directed staff to pick more feasible path projects moving forward.
In February, the city submitted a grant application to fund segment 2C, which runs 1.6 miles from Morgan Falls Overlook Park along the Chattahoochee River to Grogans Ferry Road.
The rest of the project consists of retaining walls, drainage structures, pedestrian bridges, roadway realignments, landscaping and trail signage. For a map and more information, visit sandyspringsga.gov/springway-trails-morgan-falls-connector.
Brenda and Ed Gerber, live off Wing Mill Road and would have an easy neighborhood connection to the Morgan Falls Loop and the Chattahoochee River if the 2C segment is funded and built. The Gerbers said the existing segment was “impressive” as they took off across Orkin Lake to explore.
Recreation and Parks Director Brent Walker said it’s great to have the complex construction project completed. Walker said he’s thrilled to see residents enjoying it.
The path allows nearby families easy access to Morgan Falls Overlook Park, including the Chattahoochee River, dog park and the hydroelectric dam, without using a car. The Springway has planned connections to surrounding neighborhoods, schools and parks on both side of Roswell Road.
City Councilwoman Melody Kelley, representing the Morgan Falls area in District 2, said there is a tangible human benefit to the trail, offering thousands of Sandy Springs families access to new recreational opportunities.
“This represents a part of a huge public investment in the city’s North End … we’re at around $70-$80 million invested right here in this district,” Kelley said, turning to a familiar face in the crowd. “I actually have a former student [at Georgia State] who happens to be a constituent, and I think about her family and their ability to access this trail.”
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