[PHOTOSTORY 1: OUTDOORS] Forsyth County works to revolutionize green spaces in outdoor shopping centers to benefit residents

By: Grace Drawdy 

 

Children play outside the green space at the Collection of Forsyth. Built in 2008, the Collection is one of the oldest and first implementations of the green outdoor spaces. 

Shopping, dining, and community engagement are all events that take place at The Collection Forsyth. While The Collection was meant for more commercial benefits rather than for "mixed use" property, the green space provided still has benefits to the public.

Two girls sit at the surrounding table and chairs around the green space. As green space and outdoor urban centers continue to develop in Forsyth County, the Collection remains a hot spot for high-school teenagers because it is close to South Forsyth High School, one of the largest schools in the country. 

Halcyon shopping center, also located in Forsyth County, is one of the county's latest "mixed use" property developments which is a space with both retail and commercial use. "Mixed use" shopping centers hope to provide more green, outdoor spaces to residents and visitors as well as ease the ongoing housing crisis by also providing housing within the spaces. 

 

Halcyon also features small boutiques and restaurants owned by local business owners. This combination of green outdoor spaces with retail gives small businesses the opportunity to thrive, and provide more solutions to the housing crisis. "Because retail has historically followed rooftops, most malls are already in dense population centers-the exact places most in need of housing. The dynamic is pushing developers to repurpose mall sites into mixed-use projects that can supply both the housing and retail that communities need to thrive," according to Forbes magazine.  

Halcyon's green space features an outdoor area for both residents and shoppers to utilize outdoor space more. Resident Ronnie McCaskle uses the green space to finish up his work outdoors. "I think we're all kind of cooped up inside too much these days and so I like to sit outside and do my work," said McCaskle. 

  

For many, the green space serves as a resting place for parents like Julia (left) to relax yet let their kids have the freedom to enjoy time outside. "I think it's just flexible. There are a lot of different things around and there's places for the kids to go and move around," said Julia. 

 

For Stacy Decker (left), the green space provides a place for her to spend time with friends while her child can spend time outdoors while still under supervision. "We had one little [one] with us, so we needed a place we could eat and chat, and she could play," said Decker. 

 

Like the Collection, young teens also use this space to spend time outdoors together. "It's our 7 year anniversary of being friends so I thought this was a nice place to come because the weather's nice and there's so many beautiful boutiques and shops, there's good food, and it's nice to hang out here too," said Jennifer Griner. 

With green spaces such as these, children get the opportunity to spend time outside, which is important for development. It is recommended that children spend at least 30-60 minutes outside daily, according to the National Wildlife Foundation. 

Children enjoy the green space with physical activity like handstand competitions. Being outdoors help break the increasing issue of screen time. National Wildlife Foundation estimates children spend at least 7 hours and 38 minutes using screens daily. 

Halcyon also features a sand pit for children to play as well. While outdoor space may not be the focal point for every person's visit, having an area such as this may serve as a way for children to spend time outside while waiting for dining reservations. 

Multi-use green spaces are now more equipped with different games and toys. Children use their creativity to play while simultaneously getting all of the benefits of outdoor play. 

Halcyon also has a "Gaga Ball" pit near the green space. Gaga ball first originated in Israel in the 1970s before making its way all the way to the United States according to Gagasphere. 

Families spend time together playing a game of connect four next to the green space. Games like connect four help strengthen familial bonds and encourage communications and relationships between busy families. 

Another outdoor "mixed use" property within the county is the Cumming City Center which features a slightly different green outdoor space. The Cumming City Center recently opened last year and features an outdoor amphitheatre for larger events like concerts. 

The Cumming City Center hopes to provide a more "downtown" feel to the city of Cumming. Since the city of Cumming is home to all of the municipal buildings needed for the county, there is no room left for a downtown space for residents to eat, shop, and relax. 

 

The city center features rooftop dining facing the amphitheatre so visitors can dine while enjoying the music. The restaurants are still a place for visitors to dine and enjoy the view even if there is no live music.  

The Cumming City Center also features activities like mini-golf. Located almost down the street from Cumming's "true downtown" the city center hopes to become the true "social center" for the city and surrounding areas. 

As outdoor "mixed use" properties and green spaces evolve, they continue to meet the needs and serve their communities. The Collection, Halcyon, and the Cumming City Center hope to remain a place of rest and relaxation for all Forsyth County residents.