Nearly 450 Acres of Greenspace to Be Connected in Major Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Expansion

MACON, GA – On Tuesday, July 18, the Macon-Bibb County Commission approved the purchase of more than 10 acres of land that will connect over 270 acres of previously inaccessible greenspace to the 160+ acre Amerson River Park, significantly expanding the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail.

The strategic land purchase will allow for nearly 450 continuous acres of greenspace from Arkwright Road through Amerson River Park, opening the door for a major extension of the Trail.

“Before a few years ago, we never thought an extension of the Trail and the opening of this greenspace to the public could be possible, but with the donation by the Georgia Department of Transportation, a new vision became apparent,” said Mayor Lester Miller. “We can now open up many more miles of trail, offer more opportunities for health and recreation, and have one of our preeminent parks become even more of a destination.”

Alex Morrison, Executive Director of the Urban Development Authority, highlighted the Trail’s role in community connectivity. “This is more than we could have dreamed of as we’ve worked to make connections along our river and into Downtown Macon,” he said. “The Macon Action Plan stresses the importance—based on our community’s input—of connecting people and neighborhoods to parks and services.”

James Fritze, President & CEO of NewTown Macon, added, “This strategic land purchase helps fulfill the long-standing vision for the Trail and ensures more Maconites have access to the beauty and recreational opportunities along the Ocmulgee River.”

The purchase is funded by Macon-Bibb County, the Urban Development Authority, and NewTown Macon.

Once complete, the expanded greenspace and Trail will stretch south through Riverside and Rose Hill Cemeteries, connect to the Historic Pleasant Hill Neighborhood, run along the east bank of the Ocmulgee River, link to the upcoming Renaissance on the River and East Bank developments, extend into Downtown and the Mill Hill East Macon Arts Village, and terminate at the Ocmulgee Mounds National Historical Park.