The newest portion of the Tumbling Creek Section of the Highlands to Islands Trail near the Gainesville campus of the University of North Georgia was officially unveiled during a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday.
Officials with Hall County, the university, and members of the community alike gathered to celebrate the opening of the final addition to the Tumbling Creek Trail Project, which added an additional 0.6 miles to the existing trail, and extends from the pedestrian bridge near UNG to the pedestrian tunnel under Atlanta Highway.
“Many of you know the great deal of collaboration that has gone into The Highlands to Islands trail network, and the many meetings and the many groups that have spent so much time and commitment and moving this forward,” Zack Propes, Hall County Administrator, said. “This ribbon cutting ceremony not only serves as a special occasion for us to band together and celebrate, but it also serves as a representation of Hall County's commitment and serving its citizens and providing long term infrastructure that coincides with a high quality of life.”
The Tumbling Creek Trail, which includes a wooden boardwalk and tree-lined path, is apart of a larger ongoing project by Hall County to create a multi- trail system that will eventually connect the Rock Creek Greenway and Gainesville Square to the multi use pathways along Friendship Road and Lanier Islands Parkway near Flowery Branch. Once all portions of the project is complete, there will be roughly 40 miles of trails in the county. Currently, about 20 miles of this has been completed.
“We're here to celebrate a collective achievement, a testament to unity, help and a commitment to a greener future,” Public Works and Utilities Director Bill Nash said. “Every step taken on this path is an investment in our well being, our environment and our community. However, this accomplishment is not a solo act. It's a Symphony played by numerous dedicated stakeholders.”
Nash credited the achievement of the new portion of the trail to the contribution of and involvement of the Board of Regents, University of North Georgia, Hall County Board of Education, the Hall County Board of Commissioners, the Cities of Oakwood and Gainesville, and many others who helped guide the planning of the project.
District 1 Commissioner Kathy Cooper explained that the project not only hopes to promote healthy lifestyles for residences, but also is a part of a focus on green space preservation within the county.
“It's no secret that people want to move to Hall County,” she said. “No matter your age, it's important to be able to enjoy a safe, healthy and active lifestyle. And that's why we're here today to celebrate another opportunity for citizens to thrive in Hall County. The new trail segment covers over a half of a mile from the Department of Labor building to Atlanta highway to the University of North Georgia. With this connection, somebody can now walk or bike to UNG all the way to Lee Gilmer Airport in Gainesville. And it's important to note that today is not just another step in the journey. This is one piece of the trail, the network that eventually canvasses the whole county, truly the Highlands to the Islands.”
State Senator Shelly Echols provided her insights on the project planning as a whole.
“I think this is a perfect example of collaboration with different groups, for the betterment of the citizens of Hall County,” she said. “There's been a lot of negotiation that's happened with private property owners, with different municipalities with school systems, university systems, and to have this product available for the community is exciting. And I know that other segments of the trail that are already in use are very popular and they're widely used. And so, I'm excited to add this small piece of connectivity to enhance our trail system.”
