The Sandy Springs Conservancy, a citizen-led nonprofit promoting parks and paths around the city, recapped its ongoing efforts to construct new nature trails and recreation areas in a recent June newsletter.
Other announcements included a public art installation at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, new leadership at the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, and a $7,500 grant from the Sandy Springs Society for improvements at Ridgeview Park.
Morgan Falls trail loop
The Sandy Springs Conservancy is working alongside city staff, the PATH Foundation, and Kaizen Collaborative to help secure funding for a 1.6-mile addition to the Morgan Falls Loop and Sandy Springs Springway.
Beginning at Morgan Falls Overlook Park, the trail will extend east, following a tributary of the Chattahoochee River through mature forest, past dramatic rock outcroppings and beautiful waterfalls before connecting to Roswell Road.
When completed, Segment 2C will expand the Morgan Falls loop from 1.8 miles to approximately 3.4 miles, bringing the path closer to the vision of a continuous 5.6-mile trail loop around the park.
Conservancy members expect the city council to consider funding for Segment 2C before the end of the year. They encouraged the public to lobby their council member and let them know how important it is to keep the project moving forward.
“Completing the Morgan Falls Trail loop is more than just building another trail — it is an investment in Sandy Springs’ quality of life, environmental stewardship, public health, and long-term economic vitality,” the newsletter said. “It will become one of our community’s signature recreational destinations and a lasting asset for generations to come.”
Old Riverside Park build-out
The Sandy Springs Conservancy is tracking the beginning of work on the city’s “new” Old Riverside Park project. The project is transforming a 23-acre, forested property along the Chattahoochee River in western Sandy Springs into an accessible, environmentally sensitive, and community-focused park.
Old Riverside Park is located north of the Riverside Swim and Tennis Club and the intersection of Old Riverside and Riverside drives. City officials expect construction to wrap up before the end of the year.
The city awarded an almost $4 million contract to Eastern Builders, Inc. on April 7 for the construction of Old Riverside Park. It’s expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The park’s master plan includes public access to the Chattahoochee River, a playground, green infrastructure, nature trails, and a restroom facility, while leaving a majority of the site’s natural features untouched.
2027 “Next Chapter” plan
Sandy Springs staff coined the 12-month process to create the city’s new comprehensive plan and recreation and parks master plan as “The Next Chapter.” While a comprehensive plan is not a legally binding document, it is routinely cited in zoning decisions by city boards, staff, and council members.
In March, elected officials approved a $1.14 million contract with Rhodeside & Harwell, TSW Design, and KB Advisory to create both policy documents.
“By now, a lot of residents in Sandy Springs have heard about The Next Chapter,” the newsletter said. “As business activity slows down for summer, the city is speeding up on civics – specifically long-range community planning and recreation and parks planning.”
Conservancy board members already provided input on June 23 at an official stakeholder meeting. The nonprofit’s Thought Leaders Dinner, scheduled for Sept. 24, is designed and timed specifically for attendees’ input on the comprehensive plan rewrite.
Read more about the comprehensive plan process and advisory committee here.
