Milton's Birmingham Park is in line for a major upgrade after the city landed a $200,000 state grant to overhaul trails, build a restroom, and add parking at the 200-acre equestrian hub on Hickory Flat Road.
The Milton Equestrian Committee reviewed the improvement plans at its Wednesday, July 15, meeting at City Hall, chaired by Tony Rich. The project, estimated at roughly $400,000 total, will be funded in part by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Recreational Trails Program, a federally funded, state-administered grant that selected Milton's proposal among 17 projects statewide.
The plan calls for a new prefabricated restroom building, rerouting two trail segments to improve safety, replacing a small bridge, and adding parking spaces including two ADA-accessible spots. Grant funds are expected to be available by the end of 2026, giving the city 24 months to complete the work.
Birmingham Park, at 750 Hickory Flat Road behind Fire Station 43, already features hitching posts and water sources for riders.
Camp and landowner survey on deck
Beyond the park upgrades, the committee revisited plans for an equestrian-themed camp aimed at children, potentially launching next summer. The committee is also developing a survey targeting owners of horse farms and large lots of 3 acres or more to identify incentives that could keep bigger properties intact rather than subdivided. Survey links are expected to be mailed directly to qualifying households.
The seven-member committee, appointed by the mayor and council, advises city staff and elected officials on equestrian matters. Its next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19.
Data center moratorium extended
In related city business, Milton City Council voted Wednesday, July 22, to extend the city's data center moratorium for 180 days. The original freeze, imposed June 15, banned permit applications for building or operating data centers. The extension gives the city time to draft zoning rules governing whether and where server farms fit in Milton, according to The Roundabout.
The following day, council recognized longtime equestrian volunteer Nan Buckner with a commemorative plaque. Councilmember Phil Cranmer, speaking at the July 23 session, said Buckner's legacy is "one of education, preservation, public safety and commitment to protecting the equestrian heritage that defines the City."
Comprehensive Plan hearing set for Monday
Milton City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing Monday, August 3, at 6 p.m. at City Hall on the 2026 Comprehensive Plan Update. Council is expected to vote on transmitting the working draft to the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Atlanta Regional Commission for required review, according to the city's website.
The focused update retains the 2021 plan's vision and policies while incorporating recent initiatives including Destination Deerfield and a new short-term work program guiding city priorities through 2031. Input came from a 16-member advisory committee, online engagement, and a public open house held in late June. Final adoption is expected in fall 2026.
Councilmember Jan Jacobus, at the council's July 16 session, emphasized the need to "truly make the vision of Destination Deerfield happen." City Attorney Ken Jarrard highlighted tools to support productive public-private partnerships, with Crabapple's buildout serving as the reference case for guiding Deerfield's evolution.
