From NewTown Macon – The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail in Amerson River Park has been extended thanks to a public-private partnership between Macon-Bibb County and NewTown Macon. This spring, the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail committee completed a quarter-mile section of trail that connects the Jay Hall North River Access to the overlook. The North Amerson Extension creates a continuous paved path that floaters, kayakers, and canoers can use after completing a float or ride on the Ocmulgee River. Additionally, it expands the trail network for cyclists and pedestrians to enjoy.
“After battling more rain than normal and soil that would not dry, NewTown Macon added another section of trail from the canoe launch downstream to the overlook. As one of the more picturesque sections of the trail, it features a delightful seating and play area sponsored by the Leadership Macon class of 2016,” says Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Committee Chair Chris Sheridan.
The Leadership Macon Class of 2016 enhanced this section of trail by building an overlook with a view of the river, complete with benches made from recycled stone and a slide. The Leadership Macon overlook provides a playful respite for park-goers using the trail and another way to enjoy the natural beauty of the Ocmulgee River.
“The new section of trail offers even more walking and biking opportunities for Amerson Park and is a great addition to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail,” says Parks and Beautification Director Michael Glisson. “With the path along the river and the new overlook from Leadership Macon, park-goers will be able to enjoy great views of the river. Big thanks to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Committee and NewTown Macon for their hard work on this project.”
The North Amerson Extension was part of the original master plan for Amerson River Park but was cut from the construction of the park due to budget constraints. Seven donors contributed $200,000 to complete the North Amerson Extension and add another amenity to Amerson River Park. Currently, there are $40 million worth of proposed trail projects that will complete a comprehensive trail network, connecting North Macon to the Ocmulgee National Historical Park. Private donations and grants fund the expansion of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.
“This is yet another thing to celebrate in our community. Expanding our parks and trail system is vital because it improves our health, connects our neighborhoods, and brings us closer together,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “While this is a moment to celebrate, we are not done, yet. We will continue to expand this trail effort in both directions until we have connected Amerson River Park to Pleasant Hill to Downtown to the Ocmulgee National Historical Park.”
Citizens can invest in the trail network by making a donation to the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Fund at https://newtownmacon.com/donate.
About Macon-Bibb County
Macon-Bibb County is the fourth largest city in Georgia and its newest consolidated government. It was created on January 1, 2014, after a popular vote in July 2012, and it replaced the older, outdated, often contentious, and separate municipal and county governments.
The Macon-Bibb County consolidated government serves more than 157,000 residents, with nearly 30,000 more people driving in each day to work, eat, or shop. Thousands more travel through each day thanks to Interstates 75 and 16. The entire county serves as a regional hub for services, eating, shopping, entertainment, jobs, transportation, and more.
In January 2021, a new mayor, Lester Miller, began serving as the first new mayor in 13 years. Through a months-long process of forums, surveys, meetings, and more, he found the community’s top priorities to be: public safety; economic development; education & workforce development; diversity, equity, & inclusion; and recreation & tourism. In his first year, several successful initiatives have been launched, including the Brookdale Resource Center, Macon Mental Health Matters, the Blight Fight, Clean Streets Matter, and more.
About NewTown Macon
For 25 years, NewTown Macon has been leading the revitalization efforts of downtown Macon. NewTown’s mission is to attract, leverage, and invest in self-sustaining transformation with the vision of a vibrant and authentic city experience unparalleled in the South. NewTown Macon’s headquarters is located at 555 Poplar Street, Macon, GA 31201 and can be reached at (478) 722-9909. For more information, please visit newtownmacon.com.