The Smyrna City Council has approved a contract with a company to establish a trail network at one of its parks. The council awarded a contract to Progressive Bike Ramps to build a 3.5-mile multi-use trail system at North Cooper Lake Park for $320,375.
Smyrna will pay for part of the project using a $200,000 grant from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Recreational Trails Program. It will cover the balance using Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax revenue.
Richard Garland, Smyrna’s parks and recreation director, said the trail will be designed for riders ranging from beginner to intermediate, and will feature a “puppy loop” for those who want to walk or bring their pets. A bicycle playground area will also be installed at the park.
Garland said construction at the park, which is about 52 acres, will begin in about six months. Once the project gets underway, it should take another six months to complete. Builder Progressive Bike Ramps is based in Missouri.
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North Cooper Lake Park is currently a passive-use park with a community garden, and Garland said the city is only using 8 to 10 acres of the land. Garland said the park is typically quiet now, but the trail system will attract more people to the area.
Garland said the addition of these trails won’t disrupt the existing tree canopy at the park. He also said the project is another example of Smyrna offering parks and recreational amenities that aren’t limited to traditional sports.
“It’s one more thing that the citizens of Smyrna can take advantage of,” he said. “They are not having to travel to take advantage of this unique recreational opportunity.”
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