Forsyth County held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday, April 21 for an expansion project at Eagle’s Beak Park.
The expansion will include new walking trails, a river walk along the Etowah River, Trail of Tears historical signage, scenic overlooks and other amenities. In addition, funding for the project will allow for the addition of new pavilions, an inclusive playground and 12 acres of open green space.
“When I first heard that this opportunity was available, I thought about Eagle’s Beak, located on the Trail of Tears. I knew this would be a perfect place to honor the rich Native American history of the area and have a park where parents can teach their children about it,” Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman and District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills said in a press release. “The park will also be the northwest starting point for the North Subarea Trail System which will run east across the County to connect with Lake Lanier once completed.”
The project is funded by a $2.25 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Eagle’s Beak Park is one of 14 statewide recipients of the inaugural grant. Forsyth County’s contribution to the grant is $769,000, which is paid through the County’s Landfill Host Fee fund.
“To be selected in the first year of this new grant program is a testament to our great staff who worked hard on our application,” Mills said.
Eagle’s Beak Park, located at 8420 Old Federal Road in northwest Forsyth County, currently has amenities such as a canoe/kayak launch on the Etowah River, 1.3 miles of nature trails, picnic tables and restroom facilities. The current amenities will remain open during the construction period.
The expansion project is expected to be complete in winter 2021. Construction will be handled by the Bayne Development Group, and the architect for the new amenities is Hayes-James & Associates.
