Engineering Georgia

Engineering Georgia

Transforming a Vital Waterway

For centuries, the Chattahoochee River has carved its path from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Gulf of Mexico, nurturing life along its banks since at least 1,000 B.C. Indigenous communities flourished here, and today, this river remains a crucial water source for metro Atlanta. Yet, despite its importance, many locals only glimpse the Chattahoochee from their cars as they cross a bridge.

This paradox—a river so essential yet often disregarded—highlights the challenges faced by the Chattahoochee. In many areas, especially south of Atlanta, public access is limited. Those eager to kayak or canoe can find themselves navigating long stretches without a place to land. Many view the river through the lens of litter and chaotic parties from decades past. When Walt Ray of the Georgia office of the Trust for Public Land began discussing the river seven years ago, he was surprised to find that some believed the name was a figment of country music.

“I quickly realized the Chattahoochee had a significant public relations challenge,” Ray recalled.

                Envisioning a Connected Greenway

Imagine a Chattahoochee where the river’s beauty is accessible to all. What if there were pathways, campsites, and river access points seamlessly connecting neighborhoods to nature? A continuous 125-mile greenway stretching from Buford Dam to Chattahoochee Bend State Park could transform how residents engage with this vital waterway. 

This ambitious vision took shape when Cobb County, Atlanta, and the Trust for Public Land approached Mike Alexander of the Atlanta Regional Commission for $1.5 million to conduct a comprehensive study. “It was quite audacious,” Alexander reflected. “Typically, you don’t undertake a corridor study that spans 100 miles. But when multiple local governments collaborate, it’s a serious endeavor.”

What began as a study has now evolved into the Chattahoochee RiverLands initiative, aimed at redefining Georgia’s relationship with the river. While it’s still in its formative stages and will take years to fully realize, momentum is building. Local municipalities are on board, and a pilot project—a 2.4-mile trail in Cobb County—is set to open in November.

                  A Growing Desire for Access

Erin Thoresen, a Transportation Planner with Gresham Smith, shares her enthusiasm for the project. “After moving to Atlanta a decade ago, I wondered, ‘Where’s the river? Where can I kayak or just unwind?’ The Chattahoochee is our answer,” she said. “Historically, the river wasn’t a desirable spot, but in the last 25 years, it has become a precious resource, offering a natural escape from the urban sprawl.”

                        Championing Change

If there’s a driving force behind the Chattahoochee RiverLands project, it’s Walt Ray, a landscape architect and urban planner who has been instrumental in advocating for the river. After a year of engaging with stakeholders, he uncovered significant disparities in river access and a dated perception of the waterway.

“While the northern suburbs have decent access, those south of Atlanta often struggle to even locate the river,” Ray explained. “People would ask me, ‘The Chattahoochee—what’s that? Is it even in Georgia?’ My mission became clear: reintroducing the region to its river.”

                         The Vision Expands

The initial study primarily focused on the 100 miles of river through metro Atlanta. However, Ray’s vision soon grew to encompass a full 125-mile greenway. Why not connect the myriad parks and trails throughout the area, making the river accessible to one million residents within a 15-minute bike ride?

“We’ve effectively obscured the river behind industrial developments and infrastructure,” Ray noted. “Yet, just beyond these barriers lie countless homes. Our challenge is connecting these communities to the river.”

The plan is ambitious, yet tangible. The first step is the ongoing pilot project in Cobb County, showcasing innovative design inspired by successful projects in the Florida Keys. This 2.4-mile trail is a stepping stone, linking to existing paths and integrating the natural landscape.

                            The Bigger Picture

The scope of the Chattahoochee RiverLands project extends beyond its impressive length. It involves harmonizing the interests of numerous municipalities along its route, a responsibility entrusted to the ARC. Utilizing federal gasoline tax revenues, the ARC allocates grants to local governments for their sections of the greenway.

The enthusiasm from local governments has been remarkable. “Counties like Cobb and Gwinnett are actively developing their trail plans, with Gwinnett aiming for an ambitious 300-mile trail network,” Alexander said.

                   Funding and Future Prospects

Recent funding boosts, including a $3 million grant from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, promise to accelerate progress. This funding will expand the Cobb County pilot into a larger 100-mile section of the Chattahoochee RiverLands, with a projected opening by 2026.

The proposed route includes 20 miles within the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, leveraging existing trails and infrastructure. Remarkably, about 70% of the trail’s planned length will be situated on publicly owned land.

                    Navigating Challenges Ahead

However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the 30% of the route that crosses private properties. “We’re in discussions with landowners to gauge their openness to the project,” Ray explained. “Fortunately, we have enough public land to progress without rushing.”

Completion of the entire 125-mile greenway is still years away, and some communities may take longer than others to implement their sections. Yet, Ray remains optimistic. “My goal is for ‘Chattahoochee RiverLands’ to become synonymous with connection and community. I hope to lay a strong foundation for future leaders to build upon.”

                        A Vision for Generations

As the Chattahoochee RiverLands initiative gains momentum, it symbolizes a shift toward greater accessibility and environmental stewardship. While the path ahead may be long and winding, the project promises to reconnect Georgians with the river and create a vibrant outdoor space for generations to come.

Tags: Chattahoochee RiverLands, Reimagining the Chattahoochee, A Greenway Revolution for Metro Atlanta, Transforming a Vital Waterway

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