- What is Bethel Park?
Bethel Park is a 62+ acre wooded day-use park on Lake Lanier in Forsyth County, owned by you, the taxpayer, and managed by the Army Corps of Engineers.
The Corps reported 21,528 visitors utilized Bethel Park last year. This number reflects vehicular traffic only and does not include those who visited by foot, bike, or boat.
Knowing this, you might be alarmed to learn that Bethel Park is in danger of being
CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC and developed by the Metro Atlanta YMCA for its own purposes.
- Why should you care?
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Forsyth County is the fifth fastest growing county in the United States. It is essential for us to preserve our parks and green space to accommodate growth and secure a place for all families and children to meet, explore, and discover nature for generations to come.
The future of Forsyth County is our responsibility. Once lost to privatization and development, green space such as Bethel Park can never be replaced.
- Who would the camp displace?
In 1998 Corps officials deemed Bethel Park “unsafe” for camping and picnicking. This coupled with budget cuts resulted in closing off the majority of public use areas. By doing so the Corps created a natural habitat perfect for those who enjoy being surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Local churches gather to baptize and worship. Families fish from the shore. The boat ramps are heavily used by county and state residents, fishing charters, and out of state visitors to Lake Lanier. Bethel Community residents walk with their pets and outdoor enthusiasts visit the park to hike, bike, bird watch, swim and enjoy being in this natural habitat.
Even if the YMCA could allow public access to Bethel Park, the reasons why patrons visit Bethel Park would be replaced by development. The Y would be obligated to put the safety of their campers before the needs of the general public. This is where free public use ends and a federal park owned by the tax payers of this state becomes under the sole use of a private organization.
If this project commences, much of the forest will be scalped to build 118,000 sq ft of structure, marinas, 1000 gallon lakeside fuel station, ball fields, pool, four amphitheaters, parking lots, cabins, dining hall, etc.
The YMCA Camp would displace all public users of Bethel Park as it stands today.
- Why is Bethel Park the wrong location?
Bethel Park does not contain the required infrastructure including roads, water, sewage, or emergency services without massive upgrades. The burden of these upgrades and their continued maintenance will fall solely on the tax payers of Forsyth County.
More importantly, Bethel Park is located on the largest part of the lake which experiences an excessive presence of large and high-powered boat traffic. The combination of a youth camp with water activities adjacent to such a dangerous body of water is an invitation for tragedy.
Finally, According to “Title 33, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 211.6(a)(2)”, the Corps is obligated to offer recreational reservoir land to the county first, and, in this case, that did not occur. By not following their own regulations, the Corps caused the Y to invest heavily on plans that will never be used.
- How is the county working to save Bethel Park?
All five of our county commissioners have recognized the value that Bethel Park has to the citizens of Forsyth County and the State of Georgia.
The Forsyth County government recognizes its right to first refusal for federally owned property in its jurisdiction and our commissioners have made their request for the right to lease Bethel Park known to the Corps.
Congressman Nathan Deal has supported this right as well in his letter to the Corps. Click here to read Congressman Deal's letter to the Corps.
Obtaining Bethel Park and all other parks from the Corps is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Forsyth County. Without securing this relatively free green space for future development, our county would then be obligated to spend millions of tax dollars to acquire tracts of land for parks and recreation. Where the county may have more pressing issues, they have not forgotten to uphold their duty to protect and preserve the way of life their tax payers deserve.
- What is at stake?
Gary White of the Georgia Forestry Commission reminds us of this:
“There are few remaining natural areas to be found such as Bethel Park in our developed communities. The US Forest Service’s Assessment of the Southern Forest found that the greatest threat to the health of the forest here in the South is pressure from growth and development. Many people come to North Georgia for the scenery and the views and we have some of the fastest growing counties in the nation here in North Georgia. We are at a crossroads in Georgia. Decisions that we make today about how we develop and grow in Georgia will affect the quality of life for us now and how the landscape will look for our children in the future. Growth will come, but it is important that we consider our options and determine how that growth will occur.”
- How can you make a difference?
Contact your county commissioners, your congressman, and your senators. Additionally, sign the petition to show your support for saving Bethel Park for generations to come.
- Who are the Friends of Bethel Park?
Friends of Bethel Park members are concerned families who are dedicated to preserving Bethel Park
for everyone to enjoy. Our membership includes families throughout the state of Georgia and the United States.
|
