Outdoor enthusiasts and community members gathered on September 11 to celebrate a significant milestone for Cobb County's green spaces. After years of work, the Bob Callan Trail completion was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially unveiling the last mile that connects people to the Chattahoochee River at Paces Mill. As reported by Cobb County, this project represents a collaboration between Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID), Cobb County, and the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC).
Starting way back in 2005, the trail has been constructed in three segments, and the final phase cost a sizable $7.4 million. According to Bob Voyles, chair of the Cumberland CID Board of Directors, "The Bob Callan Trail is a powerful testament to visionary leadership that began in the ‘90s, through strategic planning, vital partnerships, and sheer perseverance," according to Cobb County. A new trailhead at Windy Hill Road now stands as the gateway to the fully connected 4-mile route that serves, with the broad range of a trail user in mind, as Cumberland's natural escape.
Notable figures were present at the September 11 event, including Cumberland CID Executive Director Kim Menefee, Cobb County Chairwoman Lisa Cupid, and Commissioners Erick Allen and JoAnn Birrell. Cobb County Department of Transportation Director Drew Raessler also joined the ceremony to usher in this new era for the community's trail systems.
Featuring more than just a path through nature, the trail's final phase introduces a trailhead at the intersection of Windy Hill and Bentley Road. It boasts accessible parking, shaded seating, and fitness amenities provided to the community, as well as bike repair stations, wayfinding signage, and landscaped green space. Moreover, this extension is key for improving access to the 840-acre Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, contributing to the region's network of connected trails.
With this latest addition, Cobb County has enhanced its commitment to providing recreational and transportation options for its citizens. The county's outdoor infrastructure now offers more opportunities for residents and visitors to explore the area's beautiful landscapes and engage in a healthier, more active lifestyle.
