Sandy Springs opens first segment of Springway Trail to connect neighborhoods and parks

Sandy Springs officials opened the first segment of the Springway Trail on a May afternoon, calling the event a step toward connecting neighborhoods, parks and businesses across the city.

City speakers said planning for the trail began in February 2019 and that the current work replaces an earlier “model mile” concept with the first piece of a planned 5.4-mile loop intended to give residents pedestrian access to green space.

“This is a very special day for our community,” one event speaker said. Another speaker described the opening crowd and encouraged residents to use the new path, saying, “If you're out with your family and you want a new way to enjoy Sandy Springs, come on down to the Springway.”

Speakers emphasized that the trail is intended to link multifamily housing, single-family residential areas and businesses to parks and natural areas so people can walk to green space rather than drive. One speaker said the project evolved from an early “model mile” and that the city “decided that it would make a bigger impression to take on a bigger project,” resulting in the current first segment of a 5.4-mile loop.

No ordinances, motions or formal votes were recorded in the provided transcript of the opening remarks. The event remarks focused on the trail’s planning history, purpose and encouragement for public use.

Organizers did not specify funding sources, construction partners, exact segment length, or a timetable for completing the full 5.4-mile loop in the provided remarks. Planning start date and the 5.4-mile loop target were given during the event.