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Forsyth County previews Barker Overlook at Sawnee Mountain Preserve
Summary
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Director Kirk Franz previewed the Barker Overlook project, saying the county acquired about 13 acres in 2003, that SPLOST 9 funds the project, a contract was awarded to Vertical Earth, and officials estimate construction will take about one to two years.
Forsyth County Parks and Recreation Director Kirk Franz said the county will build a new Barker Overlook at Sawnee Mountain Preserve, a hike-in destination the county acquired from the Barker family in 2003.
"This is our Barker Overlook project," Franz said, describing it as part of the countycapital improvement plan and noting the property is roughly 13 acres. He said visitors will reach the site by a three- to four-mile hike depending on access points and will find a plaza, shaded pavilions and an observation overlook with multi-mountain views.
Why it matters: The project combines recreation and local history. Franz said the county intends to honor Jim Barker and the distinctive "spaceship" house that once stood on the site with interpretive displays. County officials also framed the overlook as a way to expand hiking destinations and respond to residents' interest in more places to walk and hike.
Project details: Franz said the county funded the project with SPLOST 9 and that the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners "recently awarded the contract to Vertical Earth," which will serve as the general contractor. He estimated construction will take "approximately a year or 2," and also said staff are "hoping by this time next year" the public will have access — comments that indicate both an optimistic target and a more conservative timeline.
Franz named nearby landmarks visitors will see from the overlook, including Yonah Mountain, Blood Mountain and Ellijay. He said Sawnee Mountain Preserve is a passive-area park with a visitor center and other hike-in destinations such as the Indian Seats. Franz cited about 30,000 registered participants and said county technology estimates more than 300,000 visits annually; he predicted the new overlook will boost visitation.
Whathappens next: Franz said construction is set to begin after procurement steps and that the county will post updates on the Forsyth County Parks and Recreation website and the countysite. The segment was an informational preview; no new approvals were taken on-air.
