The City of Alpharetta, Georgia, has received the 2008 Water Resources Project of Excellence Award for Rock Mill Park. The award is given annually by the Georgia Association of Water Professionals and the Georgia Section of the American Water Resources Association to a project in Georgia that provides for water quality, habitat or flood control. Projects are judged on the use of innovative techniques, public involvement, educational components and benefits to the community.

Rock Mill Park, managed and maintained by Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department, is a showcase for storm water quality treatment. It includes a green roof pavilion, constructed wetlands, sand and biofiltration ponds, and connectivity to the popular Big Creek Greenway path system. Rock Mill Park has hosted the City's 2008 Arbor Day Celebration, a Water Conservation Workshop, and various scout field trips.

Over 13 years ago, the City of Alpharetta began a discussion about the desire for an environmental education and outreach center. The idea was to provide a space for citizens to become educated about low impact development, storm water treatment, and native plantings. The plans increased over the years to include a greenroof pavilion, an outdoor amphitheater for educational use, and constructed wetlands.

With environmental education as the main objective, the City expects the park to be a popular outdoor public venue where visitors can connect with nature, learn about environmental issues, gather with friends, and enjoy the great outdoors.

For more information, contact Alpharetta Recreation and Parks Department at recreation@alpharetta.ga.us or 678-297-6100, or visit the website at www.alpharetta.ga.us.