Plan to create Atlanta Beltline-like trail by Georgia's Flint River moving forward – CBS News

Plan to create Atlanta Beltline-like trail by Georgia’s Flint River moving forward  CBS News

For decades, one of Georgia's greatest natural treasures has remained largely hidden in the shadow of the world's busiest airport. Now, the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) is moving forward with an ambitious vision to develop a 30-mile trail corridor along the Flint River.The hope is to create a multi-use greenway network similar to the Atlanta Beltline, but designed specifically for South Metro Atlanta.Planners say the corridor would weave through Hapeville, East Point, College Park, and down into Clayton County, providing safe pedestrian and bike access through areas long dominated by busy highways and airport infrastructure."We see this trail and this corridor around the river as a way for people to connect to the river and connect to business and economic development opportunities," said Josh Phillipson, the principal program specialist with the Atlanta Regional Commission's Transportation Planning Department.Officials envision the trail as both an ecological restoration effort and an economic engine.

Proposed features along the 30-mile corridor include:Dining spots and outdoor patio spacesEvent lawns and community gathering areasPublic art installations and botanical gardensPlane-watching observation decks near runway corridorsDirect water trail access for kayaking, paddle sports, and fishing"We want to get people reoriented with the river and be able to use it as a transportation corridor, as a place to go and walk and recreate, get exercise, and as a way to