A ribbon-cutting ceremony this week marked the opening of the first trail spur connecting the main route of the Carrollton GreenBelt to downtown.
“The GreenBelt is a Carrollton treasure,” said Mayor Betty Cason. “We’re so excited to open this spur, which will mean greater access to exercise, health services and the shopping, dining and events of downtown for our citizens and visitors.”
This is the first section of trail spur that has been constructed since the completion of the primary GreenBelt loop in 2017. It intersects the main loop near Southwire’s corporate headquarters, runs through the Tanner Health System campus and finishes at Lucille Avenue, adjacent to the Stewart House. Three property owners donated easements for the trail spur: the Miles family, the Stewart House and Tanner Health System. Carl Owens Construction built the spur in just over five months. Georgia and West, Inc., completed the design plans with assistance from the PATH Foundation.
“We’re committed to being a destination for health,” said Loy Howard, president and CEO of Tanner Health System. “We’re not just a place to go when you’re sick, but a place to go to achieve and maintain wellness. That’s why we’ve been so invested in making this project a reality. I’m sure it will be a welcome addition for all our patients and neighbors.”
Howard said he also hopes the spur will help Tanner’s employees with their wellness goals.
“I’m looking forward to seeing staff walking downtown for lunch, or using the GreenBelt after work,” said Howard. “We should be role models for our community — practice what we preach.”
The project included the construction of approximately 2,400 linear feet of trail and a 30-foot bridge, adding to the 1,000 feet of the spur that was constructed along Dixie Street by Tanner during the construction of their Health Pavilion. The city received a Recreational Trails Grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for $200,000 to assist with the construction of this spur. Total project cost was approximately $650,000.
