On Thursday, September 17, the Georgia Water Coalition presented Macon-Bibb County with its Clean 13 Award for Amerson River Park. The presentation can be watched by clicking here. During the presentation, you’ll hear the history of how the improved Amerson River Park was created, how many people and organizations came together to create this beautiful space, and how it will soon be connected to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, historic neighborhoods, Downtown, and the Ocmulgee Historic National Park.
The Coalition – the state’s leading water protection coalition – included Amerson River Park in its third annual Clean 13 Report, as well as a feature video that can be watched by clicking here. The award was presented to Macon-Bibb County by Fletcher Sams, Executive Director of the Altamaha Riverkeeper and member of the Georgia Water Coalition’s leadership team.
“Amerson River Park is a glowing example of Macon-Bibb’s progress, deepening the connection of the city and residents to the Ocmulgee River,” said Fletcher Sams. “It has nourished the already profound connection between the community, its residents, and the River. With more people experiencing the beauty of the Ocmulgee, it will be far easier to protect this resource for future generations.”
Amerson River Park was nominated by Georgia Women (And Those Who Stand With Us) and selected by a statewide committee. It was included in the 2019 Report for transforming “the region’s relationship with the river. Now, local residents and visitors alike flock to the river for tubing, canoeing and kayaking. The park’s success has spawned further investments in river access and supported the development of the Ocmulgee River Water Trail,” the Coalition wrote in its press release.
“Amerson River Park has been a true collaboration of many people and organizations over the years to be a major component in miles of both walking and water trails,” says Georgia Women President Claire Cox. “More people and neighborhoods connected to the Ocmulgee River means more people are taking care of it and keeping it clean. The River is for everyone, and Amerson River Park is providing the access for people that both want to enjoy it and keep it clean.”
“This is very exciting news for our river and trail system, and another recognition for people around the state and country to see what our government and community can do when we work together,” says Macon-Bibb County District 2 Commissioner Larry Schlesinger. “Amerson River Park has earned several such recognitions, but this one is especially important because it recognizes the Park’s impact on the river and the surrounding communities.”
“I’m delighted to see our community continue to be recognized for improving the quality of life by providing a place for all people to enjoy, and to provide people access to the Ocmulgee River,” says Macon-Bibb Mayor Robert Reichert. “More and more, people are recognizing what an asset the river is to our lives and our lifestyles, and I look forward to when we have all the trail portions connected. When that happens, you’ll be able to park at Amerson River Park, and bike, walk, or boat for miles all the way to the Ocmulgee National Historical Monument.”
The Georgia Water Coalition is a consortium of more than 260 conservation and environmental organizations, hunting and fishing groups, businesses, and faith-based organizations that have been working to protect Georgia’s water since 2002. Collectively, these organizations represent thousands of Georgians. It publishes the Clean 13 Report not only to recognize these positive efforts on behalf of Georgia’s water but also as a call to action for our state’s leaders and citizens to review these success stories, borrow from them and emulate them.