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PRESS RELEASE: NewTown Macon and Macon-Bibb County to Celebrate Latest Ocmulgee Heritage Trail Extension at Amerson River Park
MACON, GA -- NewTown Macon and Macon-Bibb County will host a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, August 27 at 9:30 am at Amerson River Park to celebrate the newest completed extension of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail. The public is invited to walk the new stretch of trail, which added a paved parking lot at the Jay Hall North River Access and 1,500 feet of trail connecting to the new James Hyde Porter Overlook.
NewTown Macon and Bibb County leaders first envisioned the trail in 1996 as a multi-use river trail system to connect Macon's parks, neighborhoods, and downtown. What started as a shared vision has grown one section at a time, largely through public-private partnership and fundraising. Nearly 30 years later, it spans more than 13 miles, and this extension keeps that vision moving forward.
“This trail system has always been a primary mission for NewTown Macon, because our initiative is to give people a way to explore everything from Amerson River Park to Rose Hill and on into downtown, with future plans to connect across the river into East Macon. We're excited to keep this momentum going, and we want to thank the many donors, partners, and members of the public who have continued to support the trail."
“It’s a great day in Macon-Bibb County when we can celebrate the expansion of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, which is connecting more and more parts of our community to one of our park system’s jewels, Amerson River Park,” says Mayor Lester Miller. “The Trail is giving people a more pedestrian and bike-friendly access to this amazing third space, and I applaud the many people and groups working to increase its length.”
The ceremony will mark the milestone, celebrate the donors and partners who made it possible, and share the story behind this latest extension. Speakers will also discuss why trails like this matter for recreation, connection, and community health. Parking is available at the first left turn into the park, in the newly paved lot at the Jay Hall North River Access.
For more information about the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail, visit newtownmacon.com.
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About NewTown Macon
We are an independent nonprofit that focuses on economic development and revitalizing Downtown Macon. We make it safe and beautiful and fun and affordable. And we keep it local. We are located at 555 Poplar Street, Macon, GA 31201 and can be reached at (478) 722-9909. For more information, please visit newtownmacon.com.
