Stockbridge Officials Learn More about their Trails Action Plan

Map shows the proposed Stockbridge trails network (city map).
(Stockbridge map)

Stockbridge contracted with the PATH Foundation, a leading non-profit in trail construction, last year to review its existing trails plans and consolidate them into a strategic action plan. The council reviewed the foundation’s findings at their January 2025 meeting.

Stockbridge Trails Action Plan

The Stockbridge trails action plan recommends a long-term vision totaling 24 miles of trails. They connect downtown Stockbridge, parks, schools, commercial areas and regional destinations.

Presently, the city has 3.3 miles of existing trails. This includes the Reeves Creek Trail off Flippen Road. There’s also 5.5 miles of programmed segments. Programmed segments are projects actively in design. One such example is the upcoming Rock Quarry Road widening. It should start construction this summer. The road widening project includes adding a pedestrian path.

Moving forward, the plan recommends five miles in phase 1. These segments the PATH Foundation reasonably believes the city could complete in the next 10-12 years. The phase 1 trails are concentrated in the downtown area. There’s also discussion about a pedestrian path on Walt Stephens Road. Phase 2, looking long-term, would build another ten miles.

Model Trail Segment

The PATH Foundation is recommending the Brush Creek Greenway segment 1 for a model project. The trail segment measures 0.25 miles in length, and it’s located on mostly city-owned property. Discussions are underway with the one private land owner affected. The trail segment would connect Clark Community Park and Club Place in Club Drive subdivision.

A model trail segment is selected based on its connectivity and ability to deliver quickly. PATH Foundation estimates the trail’s design and construction could be complete by early 2027.

Concept rendering shows the Brush Creek Greenway extending underneath the Norfolk Southern railroad (Stockbridge photo).
(Stockbridge photo)

While the model project advances to construction, the city can design other segments. One such segment looks to build a pedestrian tunnel underneath the Norfolk Southern railroad. This would connect Clark Park and Cochran Park.

The idea for a pedestrian tunnel dates back several years. According to Stockbridge staff, the city had the railroad’s approval in 2008 to build it. They would need the railroad’s approval again to proceed forward.

Implementation Costs

The model trail has an estimated build cost of $2 million. This includes both design and construction. The city has existing SPLOST funding which can pay for this.

The entirety of phase 1 would cost an estimated $39 million to build. By comparison, the city has about $21 million set aside in T-SPLOST for sidewalks and / or trails projects. Other city funding is available through SPLOST V, and starting in April, SPLOST VI.

Council Comments

Members of the city council voiced excitement and optimism about the plan. “There’s several things I like about the plan,” shared Mayor Ford. “The connectivity between the parks is wonderful…There’s plenty of great things to say about the trails plan.”

Councilwoman Gantt spoke about building the path along Walt Stephens Road. “People go to [Clayton County’s Lake Spivey] to use the trails. We can connect Reeves Creek and the west side of the city,” she remarked. “I’m all for it.”

“It would be a game changer to connect the Lake Spivey Park with Reeves Creek,” added Councilman Alexander. “Residents could then go to downtown and the amphitheater after the system is built out.”

“We are excited about this project,” voiced Councilman Thomas. “I know our residents are excited about this.”

Next Steps

The council will consider adopting the plan in February. If so, then the city could immediately begin design work on the model trail segment.

The full presentation made to the city council is available below.

Featured image shows the proposed Stockbridge trails network. Stockbridge photo.

About Clayton 1746 Articles
Clayton Carte is the founder and owner of The Henry Reporter. He founded the site in 2017 to highlight transportation projects. Over time, he began covering other topics like new development so residents can best know what’s happening in our community.