Clairmont Heights Civic Association

On April 7, the PATH Foundation, under contract to DeKalb County, began construction on phase one of the South Peachtree Creek Trail from Medlock Park to Mason Mill Park. The primary purpose of the trail, according to commissioner Jeff Rader, is to provide connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Phase one ends at the stone bridge over Burnt Fork Creek. Completion of phase one is estimated to take three months. Phase two of the project would connect the stone bridge to McConnell Drive via a tunnel under the railroad tracks. The county and the PATH Foundation have received approval from CSX to prepare engineering plans for the tunnel to submit to CSX for final approval. The other proposed segments in our area which would connect Medlock Park to North DeKalb mall are still many years and many meetings in the future. An oversight committee that includes community representatives from CHCA, MANA, and the Medlock Floodplain Coalition met with Commissioner Rader and the PATH Foundation on April 18 to review construction issues and will continue to meet monthly until construction is finished. Most of the clearance for the trail has been completed. Silt fencing was installed throughout the construction route to prevent the disturbed soil from being carried by runoff into the creeks. Approximately sixty five pines and sixty hardwoods over 6-7" in diameter were cut. After construction, the access road from Willivee Place will be replanted as will areas on either side of the trail itself. They will monitor the plantings until they are established and the soil stabilized. In addition to removing any trash or debris along the route, PATH will also remove two large pieces of loose sewer pipe and a junk motorcycle that have been sitting in the woods for years. PATH will have responsibility for maintenance of the trail into the future. Read more