The Peachtree Creek Greenway is officially open — after years of discussion, preparation and construction.
Brookhaven city officials cut the ribbon Thursday on the first mile of the multi-use path that snakes between trees along the North Fork Peachtree Creek. Supporters hope it will eventually extend for 12 miles along the I-85 corridor, stretching from I-285 to the Atlanta Beltline.
“One down, 11 more miles to go, ” said Betsy Eggers, the founder of the Peachtree Creek Greenway nonprofit.
About 200 residents and officials attended Thursday’s event. The first leg stretches from North Druid Hills Road to Briarwood Road, with one trailhead near Corporate Square. The 14-foot-wide paved path is similar to the Beltline, but is inclined at times as it traverses along and over the creek.
“We call it a miracle mile,” Brookhaven Mayor John Ernst said. “People thought it would be a miracle to get this thing done.”
Credit: ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM
Credit: ALYSSA POINTER/ALYSSA.POINTER@AJC.COM
The ribbon-cutting fell on the exact one-year anniversary of the groundbreaking for the construction. Attendees wore green Peachtree Creek Greenway shirts and ate a cake that had fake grass and a replica of the raised pathway on top.
Eggers said the nonprofit was founded more than six years ago, and it was “inspiring” to see the greenway open for walkers, joggers and bicyclists.
“People who live, work or want to play along the 85 corridor can now get on a bike (or) go for a walk to get where they need to go,” Eggers said.
About 3 miles of the Peachtree Creek Greenway are projected to run through Brookhaven; leaders estimated that the remaining two miles could be built in the next five to seven years.
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Other municipalities, including Atlanta, Chamblee and Doraville would be responsible for funding and organizing the future legs of the greenway that run through their cities. Eggers said the nonprofit has been in conversation with them.
Brookhaven paid about $10 million in hotel-motel tax funds for the first mile of the trail. The city also plans to install a $15 million public safety complex along the greenway, near the Briarwood Road trailhead.
“Today marks an unbelievable achievement,” said Councilman Joe Gebbia, whose district includes the area where the greenway is located. “What it’s going to spark is amazing.”
The city partnered with several private entities to make the path a reality, including the Salvation Army and Emory University. The PATH Foundation oversaw the project.
The path is lighted and open every day from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
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