Completed Projects at Newtown Park
The Newtown Park Community Foundation (NPCF) completed several renovations and improvement projects over the last few years in partnership with the City of Johns Creek.

Park Place at Newtown Park in the Historic Newtown School – Open for Senior Adults
The former Newtown School has been completely transformed inside and out and it's taking on a new life as an adult activity center for area seniors. Having received a multi-year Community Development Block Grant specifically for this project, the City of Johns Creek did an outstanding job renovating the 1929 historic school into an attractive, functional facility while maintaining its historic characteristics and charm. SEE Park Place in pictures–click here!




The City of Johns Creek welcomed a standing room only crowd to the grand opening of Park Place in July, 2011. With classes and activities now available for adults 62 and older, the former school resumes a vital, but new service to our community.

The Foundation funded the upgrade of the new concrete patio, located on the park-facing side of the building. A sitting wall, staining of the patio, cut outs in the patio for trees, large pots, patio furniture, additional trees and a landscaped lawn just steps off the patio were enhancements to the renovation. Troy Landry, of Landry Design, designed and supervised the hardscapring and landscaping improvements.

A Little History
In the last decade, NPCF played an active roll with support from our local Fulton County Commissioner in saving the building from demolition, preserving the unprotected structure from weather and vandals, and assisting with design development plans for renovation. The Foundation also helped Fulton County staff pursue recognition for the structure, resulting in the Newtown School building being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Newtown Park Community Clubhouse – Open for 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 (More) 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 created this opportunity for the Foundation.

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. To reserve the facility, go the City of Johns Creek website.

Dream Dog Park
Where can you find sprinklers for dogs, a doggie obstacle course, a bone bridge, and lush artificial turf? At Newtown Park! That’s where a fantastic new dog park was constructed on the site of the original dog park thanks to Johns Creek resident, Pat McNeely, and his dog, Koda. McNeely won a $500,000.00 competition sponsored by Beneful® and the City of Johns Creek chose Newtown Park as the location. The Newtown Park Community Foundation provided funds for some additional fencing to expand the footprint of the dog park. SEE PICTURES!

For more information about Dream Dog Park, go the City of Johns Creek website.

Community Garden
Now in its second year, the Community Garden has proven both popular and a great success with the Newtown Park Community. SEE PICTURES! Gardeners of all ages have grown flowers and seasonal vegetables in plots they rent, plant and maintain. Get your green thumb ready for the fall or spring. Click here for more information on how you can rent a plot.

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.

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