Cobb Considering Next Step in 'Transformational' Trail Project

MARIETTA — The Cobb Board of Commissioners will consider pushing forward south Cobb's piece of a 100-mile-long trail that will connect 19 cities across seven counties on one continuous path.

The project, dubbed the Chattahoochee RiverLands, is being led by the nonprofit Trust for Public Land with assistance from several local governments. The entire trail will stretch along the Chattahoochee from Lake Lanier's Buford Dam all the way to Newnan.

The first piece of the project will be a 2.7-mile "showcase" stretch in south Cobb, connecting Mableton Parkway to Veterans Memorial Highway.

Commissioner Monique Sheffield, who represents the area, said the project will be huge for her district.

"It’s going to be transformational for the community, particularly the very southern part of my district," Sheffield said.

At the northern end of south Cobb's piece of trail is the existing Riverline Park in Smyrna. At the southern tail will sit the incoming 12-acre RiverLands Gateway Park, the first of 25 regional trailheads that will fill the entire 100-mile stretch.

Walt Ray, landscape architect and the Chattahoochee program director for the Trust for Public Land, told the MDJ in June the Gateway Park is slated for completion in 2026, and that he hopes it will be ready for use by 2027.

"(Cobb County) may say 2028, but I’m hoping 2027,” Ray said.

On Tuesday, commissioners will consider approving an agreement with the Trust for Public Land so the nonprofit can complete construction on county-owned land near Discovery Boulevard.

If approved, the commission would also pull $20,000 out of Sheffield's total $200,000 in contingency funding for associated closing costs of the agreement.

Once the construction is complete, the county will assume responsibility for all repair, maintenance and upkeep of the site, estimated at $15,000 per year.

Sheffield said she is excited to see the project moving forward, and is eagerly anticipating all the positive resources the incoming trail and park will bring to her district.

"It’s going to do a lot for the south Cobb community," she said. "I’m very excited about having the opportunity to just walk outside of our doors and take advantage of the natural resources. It’s going to be great for mental health, overall health, and it’s just going to be a fantastic amenity to have in the district."

The commission will meet for its voting session 7 p.m. Tuesday at 100 Cherokee Street.