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RiverLands Gateway Park Property Officially Transferred to Cobb County

Staff Report From Georgia CEO

Friday, April 25th, 2025

Trust for Public Land has officially transferred the RiverLands Gateway Park property to Cobb County. 

The 12-acre park is the first regional trailhead planned for the Chattahoochee RiverLands, a bold regional vision to connect 20-metro Atlanta cities and seven counties to the Chattahoochee River, and represents a powerful investment in environmental equity and community revitalization. Over the next several years, Trust for Public Land will partner closely with Cobb County to transform the former industrial site into a vibrant public space for outdoor recreation, ecological restoration and community connection.

“The transfer of this property to Cobb County is a critical step in our shared vision to ensure equitable river access for all, and we’re excited to help turn this space into a beloved community asset,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director at Trust for Public Land. 

The new RiverLands Gateway Park will include a boat ramp and kayak launch, providing much-needed boat access to the river, as the nearest boat ramp is 13 miles away. This access will work in tandem with the new kayak launch at Standing Peachtree and the floating dock at Riverview Landing, providing another way people can get in and out of the river in this often overlooked section. 

The new park will feature restrooms, parking and restored woodlands to support wildlife habitat and improve water quality. It will also serve as a connector between the Mableton Parkway Trail and the larger Chattahoochee RiverLands and Silver Comet Trail networks.

“I applaud and celebrate this incredible step forward for the RiverLands project in District 4,” said Commissioner Monique Sheffield, who has championed the project since its inception. “This initiative reflects years of vision, collaboration and commitment to the South Cobb community. The Riverlands park will transform the area and be a catalyst for economic growth, spurring investments, a source of community pride and offer residents the kind of access to nature and outdoor recreation they’ve long deserved. This is more than a win for South Cobb –   it’s a turning point.”

In 2023, the State of Georgia allocated $3 million through the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program to help fund the park’s development, joining nearly $15 million in previous state investments in the Chattahoochee RiverLands. The park is expected to open in 2026.

“As one of Georgia’s newest cities, we’re thrilled to be part of this transformative project,” said Mableton Mayor Michael Owens. “This park and trailhead will play a major role in revitalizing our corridors, boosting economic development and improving quality of life for every Mableton resident.”

When complete, the Chattahoochee RiverLands will connect nearly 1 million nearby residents and visitors to the outdoors, where they can enjoy various activities such as kayaking, swimming, bicycling, picnicking, walking, camping and wheeling along the river.