Chattahoochee RiverLands

Developed over two years and underpinned by a tremendous engagement effort encompassing over a hundred meetings with more than 290 local groups, the vision stitches together open spaces into an uninterrupted multi-modal trail—expanding connectivity and economic development opportunities in West Atlanta communities that have historically lacked access to the river. Already, the vision has spurred over $169 million in investment and inspired state and federal policy initiatives.

The Chattahoochee River has shaped Atlanta for centuries—sustaining indigenous communities, powering industry, and defining the region's geography. Yet decades of development left much of its urban reach inaccessible, particularly to West Atlanta communities that were historically cut off from the river's edge.

By 2018, with environmental advocacy and grassroots momentum building for generations, the region was ready to reimagine what a return to the river could look like. SCAPE was hired to lead the masterplan.

Following adoption of the vision, SCAPE developed a companion Design Guidelines document—a playbook for the state agencies, local governments, engineers, and trail organizations who will build, operate, and maintain the RiverLands over decades of phased construction.

Developed in collaboration with the Chattahoochee Working Group and a locally appointed Technical Advisory Committee, its recommendations are broken out into a wide range of elements both macro (including trail typologies and ADA compliance) and micro (including material selection, signage, and furnishings) in scale.

The document also articulates detailed technical standards for trail construction in alignment with national, state, and local precedents and requirements, including safety measures for cyclists and pedestrians, universal access recommendations, long-term maintenance and sustainability considerations, and more.

At the heart of the segment lies the site of former Chattahoochee Brick Company—a place of profound historical significance.

Since the vision’s adoption, the project has made significant advancements—including over $169 million in investment to acquire new properties and build pilot projects, including the SCAPE-led showcase site, the Chattahoochee RiverLands Regional Trailhead Park.

Designed in collaboration with the Trailhead Steering Committee, Chattahoochee Working Group, local residents, and community advocacy groups, the trailhead concept presents an ecologically sensitive, regional destination park, with recommendations for a series of greenway connections through and between Cobb and Fulton Counties.

Key elements of the park include a large-scale open space, as desired by residents of the recently incorporated city of Mableton; opportunities for both active and passive recreation; and direct water access through a boat ramp and an ADA-accessible kayak launch.

Ultimately, the Chattahoochee RiverLands will create a connective spine along a water body that has historically sustained, divided, and recently inspired communities throughout the region—creating access points both between neighborhoods and along the water’s edge while fostering a sense of stewardship and conservation of the river.

Learn more about the Connective Power of Rivers.