The State of Georgia has approved a $3 million grant for Trust for Public Land to begin work on the RiverLands Gateway Park in Cobb County.

Situated at the southern terminus of the Chattahoochee RiverLands Showcase site, the 12-acre RiverLands Gateway Park will transform a former industrial site into an integral part of the RiverLands—a defining public space spanning 19 cities and seven counties in metro Atlanta.

"We are sincerely thankful for the approved grant and the unwavering support from the state for the Chattahoochee RiverLands,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director at Trust for Public Land. “This marks the latest in a series of investments, totaling nearly $15 million, highlighting the state's steadfast commitment to our shared vision."

The grant received approval from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and the state Department of Natural Resources, subsequently passing through the Senate and House Appropriation Committees.

"We are excited to support the development of the Chattahoochee RiverLands with a grant from the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees, " said Walter Rabon, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Chairman of the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund Board of Trustees. "I look forward to seeing this project's impact on river access, the diverse recreational opportunities it it will unveil, and its pivotal role in safeguarding critical habitats for protected species." 

RiverLands Gateway Park is expected to open in 2026 and will feature a boat ramp, parking, bathrooms and kayak launch. In addition, early work will include woodland restoration to promote diverse wildlife and capture stormwater runoff to restore ecological function to the wetlands on the site.The park will also connect to the Mableton Parkway Trail, providing a connection between the Chattahoochee RiverLands project and the Silver Comet Trail. 

“As one of Georgia’s newest cities, we are excited to be part of this project that will transform our community,” said Mableton Mayor Michael Owens. “One of my goals is to revitalize the Veterans Memorial and Mableton Parkway corridors, and this new park and bike trail will serve as a catalyst for enhancing the area and improving quality of life for all of our city residents.”

The RiverLands study, published in 2020 by the Atlanta Regional Commission, Trust for Public Land, Cobb County, and the City of Atlanta, outlined the ambitious project's goals: bringing people to the water's edge, promoting river stewardship and revealing the Chattahoochee's magic. In 2021, Trust for Public Land partnered with Cobb County to construct a 2.7-mile section of the RiverLands—the RiverLands Showcase—a pilot project demonstrating the potential for equitable river access, recreational amenities, and connection to the outdoors.

TPL purchased 8.6 acres for RiverLands Gateway Park a year ago site and has been working with Cobb County, which owns the remaining property, on plans to bring the project to life. Once the property is fully developed, TPL intends to donate it to Cobb County Parks and Recreation to manage and open for public use. 

“I applaud and celebrate the continued support for the Chattahoochee RiverLands Project in South Cobb.  This community enrichment asset has been years in the making and one that I have continually collaborated with Cobb County staff, Trust for Public Land, the Atlanta Regional Commission, and my federal counterparts,” said Cobb County Commissioner Monique Sheffield. “The RiverLands project is a major contributor to the trajectory of economic development in District 4.  It empowers progress, strengthens our community’s spirit and will transform the South Cobb area.”

Trust for Public Land is championing the creation of this outdoor recreation destination with 100 miles of parks, trails and amenities stretching from Buford Dam to Chattahoochee Bend State Park. The Chattahoochee RiverLands will connect nearly one million nearby residents and visitors to the outdoors, providing opportunities for kayaking, swimming, cycling, picnicking, walking and camping.