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Phase 1 of Chattahoochee Riverlands ribbon cut in South Cobb; 2.7-mile section opens
Summary
Trust for Public Land and partners marked the opening of Phase 1 of the Chattahoochee Riverlands, a multi-use trail segment in Mableton that is part of a 100-mile regional greenway vision. The section includes paved and unpaved trail, boardwalks, and access points; partners noted plans to expand connections to Smyrna and Mableton Parkway.
Trust for Public Land and local partners on Monday celebrated the ribbon cutting for Phase 1 of the Chattahoochee Riverlands, opening a multi-use trail along the Chattahoochee River between the northern banks of Nickajack Creek and Veterans Memorial Highway at Discovery Park in Mableton, Cobb County.
The project is the first built segment of a regional plan to create 100 miles of parks and trails along the Chattahoochee. "Phase 1 will open a multi use trail along the river between the northern banks of Nickajack Creek and Veterans Memorial Highway next to Discovery Park," an event speaker said.
Commissioner Lisa Cupid, representing District 4, said the South Cobb contribution to the Riverlands totals about 2.7 miles within Mableton and described the trail as "more than just a trail," calling it a pathway to better physical and mental well-being and a potential economic catalyst for nearby attractions and neighborhoods. "This is more than just a trail. It is a healthier, more vibrant, and connected future," Cupid said.
A representative of the Trust for Public Land said the organization aims to "connect everyone to the outdoors" and credited partnerships with Cobb County, the city of Atlanta, the Atlanta Regional Commission and several foundations for making the project possible. The Trust for Public Land speaker described the Phase 1 stretch as a "down payment on the Chattahoochee Riverlands" and said the organization is working with the city of Smyrna, Mableton and Cobb County to extend the showcase section from Riverview Landing in Smyrna downstream to Mableton Parkway.
Project features described at the event include sections of paved and unpaved trail, timber boardwalks, concrete pavers, decorative boulders and bicycle racks. Event remarks said the Riverlands planning process began in October 2018 and a study was published in 2020; speakers described nearly two years of public inquiry and regional planning that informed the 100-mile vision.
Speakers at the event thanked philanthropic partners including the Woodruff Foundation and referenced a mix of private philanthropic funding and local DOT funds used to assemble the project budget; one speaker said Cobb DOT set aside at least $1,000,000 for the project at an earlier stage. Eric Meyer was identified in remarks as the Cobb County planning director at the time he first brought the site to partners' attention.
Organizers said the Riverlands showcase project is intended to demonstrate the model for expanding trail and park connections across the region and that additional ribbon cuttings are expected as more sections are completed. The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting at the Discovery Park trailhead.
