Grand Opening Celebration for the Chattahoochee Nature’s Center New River Boardwalk Trail
Imagine children ambling over the marsh and swamp, past mud holes and Great Blue Herons, among the cattails and the water lilies, and out to the river. No other venue on the Chattahoochee River provides this special vantage point to observe and learn about our natural world.
Chattahoochee Nature Center (CNC) will celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the new River Boardwalk Trail and Connection Bridge on Tuesday, March 15 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The River Boardwalk Trail and Connection Bridge — funded through the generous financial support of the Board of Trustees, CNC staff, individuals, foundations, corporations, and government entities — will forever change CNC and how people connect with nature. After nearly forty years of use and the treading of hundreds of thousands of exploring feet, CNC’s 2,000-foot river boardwalk has been restored using state-of-the-art, environmentally sustainable materials. One of the most exciting elements of the project is the pedestrian bridge over Willeo Road, which includes ADA-accessible ramps. For the first time, the CNC main campus will connect directly to the River Boardwalk Trail and allow visitors a safe, uninterrupted experience exploring the riverside campus instead of crossing Willeo Road at a crosswalk.
“It’s a game-changer for CNC and the entire community,” said Clarence Jackson, CNC board chair “The River Boardwalk [Trail] and Connection Bridge will provide a conduit for the community to discover the ecology of our area more intimately while fostering a greater understanding of and connection with nature. We are proud to open this space where our community can safely gather to create lasting memories with family and friends. The learning possibilities are endless, and it makes me proud that our supporters were committed to this endeavor. The River Boardwalk Trail offers beautiful vistas of the Chattahoochee River and the surrounding wetlands and will include a ‘River House’ gathering area for enhanced educational and event programming. An improved canoe launch will allow greater access to the river for populations with varying abilities.”
The River Boardwalk Trail will offer the perfect setting for exploration and quiet reflection along the river and the perfect backdrop for intimate receptions or events in a safe, outdoor space.
The River Boardwalk Trail and Connection Bridge was completed through Phase I of CNC’s “Bridging.Teaching.Inspiring.” capital campaign.
The public is invited to attend the Community Grand Opening Day on Sunday, March 20, 2022. This event is generously sponsored by Fulton County and includes free admission for all.
FUN FACTS
>> For almost 50 years, CNC has promoted stewardship of Georgia’s
natural resources and provided outdoor recreation opportunities to
more than 3 million visitors.
>> CNC’s 127-acre campus is vital to the region serving as the connecting
point and gathering spot for community organizations, improving
the community’s overall health and well-being, linking individuals to various outdoor recreation opportunities, and, most importantly, educating thousands of students and visitors about the importance of Georgia’s natural resources.
>> CNC is often referred to as a “gateway” to a life-long connection to the outdoors. We provide safe and unique experiences that give individuals the confidence to continue to more robust recreation adventures.
>> CNC‘s campus serves as a critical watershed to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). The nationally certified staff of naturalists provide interpretation and environmental education to further the stewardship of this precious natural resource.