Sugar Hill Greenway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sugar Hill Greenway |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Established | 2016 |
| Length | 16.5 miles (26.6 km) |
| Location | Sugar Hill, Georgia, USA |
| Trailheads |
|
| Use | Cycling and pedestrians |
| Cycling details | |
| Season | Year round |
| Surface | Concrete |
| Website | Sugar Hill Greenway |
The Sugar Hill Greenway is a super cool path being built in and around Sugar Hill, Georgia, USA. When it's finished, this path will be about 16.5 miles (26.6 km) long and 12 feet (3.7 m) wide. It's designed for people who love to ride bikes or walk.
This awesome greenway will connect Sugar Hill to another path called the Western Gwinnett Bikeway. The first part of the project will link the city's downtown area to two parks. These parks are located on Level Creek and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. There will also be new stops on Level Creek Road and Whitehead Road.
On February 27, 2018, the Sugar Hill Greenway was chosen as one of the most important trails in Gwinnett County.
Contents
Why is the Sugar Hill Greenway Important?
Building a big path like the Sugar Hill Greenway will bring many good things to Sugar Hill. The city and its residents can look forward to several benefits. These include helping the local economy, improving health, protecting the environment, making transportation easier, and bringing the community closer.
How the Greenway Helps Everyone
- Economic Benefits: More people might visit Sugar Hill to use the greenway. This can help local businesses like shops and restaurants.
- Health Benefits: Having a safe place to walk, run, or bike encourages people to be more active. This helps everyone stay healthy and fit.
- Environmental Benefits: The greenway helps protect natural areas and green spaces. It also encourages people to use bikes instead of cars, which means less pollution.
- Transportation Benefits: The path offers a new way for people to get around without a car. It connects different parts of the city.
- Community Benefits: The greenway creates a shared space for people to meet and enjoy nature. It can help build a stronger community spirit.
Building the Greenway: A Timeline
The City of Sugar Hill has a plan that shows how the greenway project has been built over time.
Greenway Progress in 2016
Starting the Plan in April 2016
In April 2016, the first report for the Sugar Hill Greenway trail was looked at. The final report was then prepared. This 16-mile loop will go through some very pretty open spaces. City staff started talking with different groups like GDOT and ARC. They wanted to find money to build the next parts of the project.
More Planning in May 2016
By May 2016, the first report for the Sugar Loop Greenway Trail was shown at a meeting. This report became a big part of how the city talked with possible partners. Discussions continued with GDOT, ARC, and other groups. The goal was to find funding for the future parts of the project.
Greenway Progress in 2017
Surveying Begins in March 2017
In March 2017, the first part of the Sugar Hill Greenway project started getting serious. Surveying began this month. This first phase will connect the city's downtown area to two parks. These parks are on Level Creek and Peachtree Industrial Boulevard. New stops on Level Creek Road and Whitehead Road were also being planned. This nearly five-mile path was set to start construction later in the year. A group called "Friends of the Greenway" showed a lot of interest and support. They even had a walk on April 11 to see part of the path.
Coordinating Access in May 2017
By May 2017, the first phase of the project was in the surveying stage. The team worked with many landowners and government groups to get access to the land. The "Friends of the Greenway" group had their walk on April 11. They learned about the design and helped with the layout. The goal was to start building this first phase later in the summer.
Final Design Stages in August 2017
In August 2017, the first phase of the project was almost completely designed. Plans were being put together to get approval from GDOT and Gwinnett County. This was needed for parts of the project that go through their areas. Four smaller groups were also formed to help more people know about the project. These groups focused on running, cycling, logistics, and communications.
Getting Land and Permits in October 2017
By October 2017, the project was moving into getting permits and land. The design was almost finished. The city expected to get documents for land rights soon. They also worked to fix small problems with driveways and the path's route. The "Friends of the Greenway" met a few times to stay involved. They helped build excitement for when construction would start.
Adjustments and Coordination in December 2017
In December 2017, the project was in the late stages of its first plans. Getting land rights was still happening. The city was also working with GDOT, utility companies, and property owners. Some changes to the path's route were being thought about. This was to make sure the slopes were good and to respond to what people said. The path's route along Level Creek Road was marked to help with the land buying process.
Greenway Progress in 2018
Community Meeting in January 2018
In January 2018, a meeting for the "Friends of the Greenway" was planned for January 29. This meeting was to give updates on the project. Commissioner Lynette Howard also shared information about trails across the whole county. The meeting was held at 6 PM in the History Museum Room at City Hall.
Construction Plans Near Finish in February 2018
The "Friends of the Greenway" met on January 29. Commissioner Lynette Howard gave a presentation about the countywide trails plan. Construction plans for about 80% of the first phase were almost done. One important part connecting Peachtree Industrial with Level Creek Road had small delays.
Land Acquisition Continues in March 2018
In March 2018, the project was in the final stages of getting construction documents ready. The city continued to get land rights. About 26 pieces of land were needed for phase 1. Discussions were ongoing with the owners to get permission for the path. The first event to celebrate the greenway was planned for later next month. It would lead up to Earth Day activities along the part of the path on Peachtree Industrial Boulevard.
How the Greenway is Funded
The money to build the Sugar Hill Greenway comes from different places. It's a mix of money from the federal government, the state government, and the local city government.
According to a newspaper called the AJC, the city of Sugar Hill planned to spend about $7,196,717 on big projects in 2018. Most of this money was for starting the Sugar Hill Greenway. It also covered improvements to sidewalks on Suwanee Dam Road, Whitehead Road, and Sycamore Road. Other funds went to transportation improvements and upgrades to the historic downtown Sugar Hill Cemetery.
