Dalton council approves conceptual plan study for Heritage Pointe Park after residents raise wetland and traffic concerns

The Dalton mayor and council on Monday approved a professional services agreement with Goodwin Mills Caywood LLC to prepare a conceptual master plan and feasibility assessment for improvements at Heritage Pointe Park, including a proposed trail and possible roadway connection and cost estimates for grant applications.

The move advances a planning step funded through the city’s 2024 SPLOST project list and positions the city to apply for a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant. City staff said the contract is for conceptual design and cost-estimating only; it does not commit the city to build a road.

The project drew public comment from local academics and volunteers who urged the council to consider environmental and neighborhood impacts before construction. “This is a very large wetland, and it’s inundated for much of the year. The roadbed that passes through there is often under at least a foot of water,” said John Lucret, a biology professor at Dalton State, citing his field work in the area. He also noted Mill Creek “is the home for a federally threatened species of fish named the trispot darter, a state endangered fish.”

A second speaker, who identified himself as a retired elementary and middle school science teacher and manager of a 700‑acre nature preserve, urged the city to balance habitat protection with recreation. He asked whether a traffic study had been proposed for Hale Bohen Drive, which currently becomes congested at student pickup and drop‑off, and whether the bridge would include sidewalks or bike lanes. “Has a traffic study been proposed that will look at the impacts for residents living on Hale Bohen Drive?” he asked.

City staff and the project presenter said the scope before council is to produce a conceptual plan, a road feasibility study and grant‑ready cost estimates. Staff emphasized the work will engage stakeholders — including Dalton State, Park Creek Elementary, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Limestone Valley RC&D — and that environmental and feasibility constraints could determine whether a road is feasible. “We’re not necessarily committing anything other than the feasibility assessment of the road and to develop a conceptual master plan,” the city administrator said.

The proposed scope listed amenities such as a multiuse path, trail connections, shade improvements, concession and restroom refreshes, and conversion of field lighting to LED. Staff said the schematic plans and costs are needed for a Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program pre‑application due next month.

Council approved the agreement by voice vote. Staff said any future construction would require additional design, environmental review and public engagement, and that grant funding would be pursued to cover project costs.

Officials invited the public commenters to follow up with staff; the city administrator and parks department leaders offered to meet with them shortly after the meeting.