Paces Mill/Palisades Unit Project Moves Forward with Approval from NPS
(CUMBERLAND)- The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) has reached a key milestone in their plans to help rehabilitate the Paces Mill/Palisades Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) by receiving project approval from the National Park Service. The Paces Mill/Palisades Unit project represents a collaborative effort of the National Park Service/CRNRA and the Cumberland CID. Built in the 1970s, the park unit is a popular destination for people participating in recreational boating, fishing, picnicking, jogging, biking and walking activities. The facility is currently the trailhead for the Bob Callan Trail.
The total $11 million renovation will feature the following at the Paces Mill/Palisades Unit:
- A more national park-like visitor experience that realigns the entrance road and repositions the central open meadow and the main parking area.
- Improved vehicular circulation at both boat ramps allowing cars and trucks with boat trailers to circulate more easily.
- Increased river access with new river-viewing platforms and a wide set of river steps.
- An enhanced and expanded picnic area.
- Upgrades to the existing trail system to minimize conflicts with vehicular traffic inside the park.
- A series of bioswales to filter stormwater runoff before it enters the river.
- A new, expanded visitor contact station.
“We are proud to have 840 acres of national park land within the Cumberland CID boundary,” said Kim Menefee, Executive Director for the Cumberland CID. “The CRNRA is the lifeblood of the community, connecting us to our natural environment, our culture, and our way of life. This unique partnership with the National Park Service further positions the Cumberland community as a diverse place to live, work, and visit.”
“The Paces Mill/Palisades Unit renovation will enhance and improve the visitor experience, and we appreciate Cumberland CID being our partner to make it possible,” said Ann Honious, Acting Superintendent of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. “The Paces Mill/Palisades Unit hosts over 250,000 visitors a year connecting to 38 miles of multi-use trails and these renovations will enhance the unit as an entry point for visitors to enjoy the entire park.”
The next phase of the Paces Mill/Palisades Unit project is to select a design consultant and develop design plans by the end of the year.
About Cumberland CID
The Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Georgia’s first CID, is a premier model public-private partnership in the country. Over 190 Commercial property owners pay an additional property tax and the CID leverages these funds to advance key projects for increased access, connectivity, and character throughout the Cumberland area. Each year, the CID creates more value for investors by initiating and leading the enhancements that make Cumberland a more attractive place to operate a business, to work, and to live. Cumberland is home to Fortune 500 companies like The Home Depot, HD Supply, Comcast, Genuine Parts Company, and more.
Schematic design of the Paces Mill/Palisades Park Unit.