Trust for Public Land announced today the successful transfer of more than 14 acres of riverfront property in Sandy Springs to the National Park Service (NPS), expanding the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area’s Island Ford Unit. 

This expansion is part of Trust for Public Land’s broader vision for the Chattahoochee RiverLands, a continuous, 100-mile linear park through the heart of one of America’s largest metro regions.

The property, acquired from the City of Sandy Springs by Trust for Public Land for $2.6 million, has been transferred to the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area and will now be permanently protected as public land. The acreage includes mature woodland and riparian habitat that safeguards water quality, enhances climate resilience and provides new opportunities for public river access and recreation.

“This acquisition reflects the power of partnerships to expand access to nature for the metro Atlanta community,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director for Trust for Public Land. “We’re proud to work alongside the City of Sandy Springs and the National Park Service to ensure this remarkable stretch of the Chattahoochee River is protected for generations to come.”

The City of Sandy Springs emphasized the local and regional benefits of the project. “Protecting and opening this property to the public demonstrates our city’s commitment to conservation and community wellbeing,” said Rusty Paul, Mayor of the City of Sandy Springs. “We are thrilled that residents and visitors alike will have new opportunities to enjoy the river while preserving its natural beauty.”

The National Park Service celebrated the addition of the property to its stewardship. “This expansion strengthens the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area by safeguarding critical forest habitat and creating new points of public access to the river,” said Patrick Gamman, Acting Superintendent of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. “We thank our partners at Trust for Public Land and the City of Sandy Springs for their leadership in advancing this vision for a connected, resilient river corridor.”

For more information, visit tpl.org/our-work/chattahoochee-riverlands.