The Stockbridge council has approved the city’s trails action plan. The council gave its unanimous approval for the plan on February 25. Design work may now proceed forward for a model trail segment near Clark Park.
The city 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.
The below article was first published by The Henry Reporter on January 30, 2025. There were no changes to the city’s plan from then to now.
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.
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.”
Council members made the above comments at the council’s January 28 meeting. The council approved the plan with no comments on February 25.
Presentation
The full presentation made to the city council is available below.
Featured image shows the proposed Stockbridge trails network. Stockbridge photo.
