Friends of Wills Park - Park Beautification and Stream Restoration

Foe Killer Creek is a perennial stream that flows through Wills Park in Alpharetta, continues into Big Creek and eventually into the Chattahoochee River. Unfortunately, the creek has been identified as an impaired (polluted) stream due to increased presence of fecal coliform bacteria and sediment load.

Project Scope

Alpharetta Rotary has partnered with the City and local businesses to develop a stream restoration project that will improve the quality of water of Foe Killer Creek. The Club will help restore a portion of the stream by establishing a 25 foot stream buffer along 720 feet of Wills Park. This project is expected to cost $200,000.

Project Status

Alpharetta Rotary finalized a partnership with the Alpharetta Business Association for construction funding. Additionally, the club completed a three-month engineering design in January 2017. The next steps include:

1. Finalize construction cost with Contractor
2. Include the 2018 City Budget
3. Submit Global Grant to Rotary Foundation
4. Construction in 2018

Project Goals

1. Vegetation will reduce levels of pollutants entering the creek.
2. Slow stormwater runoff to reduce sediment and erosion along the creek bank.
3. Educate the community on the importance of protecting our local streams.

Rotarian Involvement

This project has achieved high engagement from members at 45%. We have broken into the following sub-committees:

1. Grants & Funding (8 members)
2. Construction Planning (7)
3. Volunteers (31)
4. Events Support (10)

Measuring Success

Alpharetta Rotary adopted the stream alongside Wills Park and must complete periodic water testing as part of the program. The measurable benefits of this project for the 62,000 residents and visitors to Alpharetta includes:

• Reduction of Fecal Bacteria
• Improved Wildlife Habitat
• Beautification of Wills Park
• Improved Stream Function