Trust for Public Land (TPL), in partnership with the City of Chattahoochee Hills and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), has finalized the acquisition of approximately 78.8 acres to expand Campbellton Park and permanently protect 0.65 miles of Chattahoochee River frontage.

The $2.5 million project was funded through a $1.919 million Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) grant, with matching contributions made possible by a generous land donation from one of the property owners. The addition grows Campbellton Park, a key destination along the Chattahoochee RiverLands Camp + Paddle Trail, from 18 to more than 95 acres, strengthening its role as a hub for outdoor recreation and river access.

“This project is a major milestone for the Chattahoochee RiverLands vision,” said George Dusenbury, Georgia State Director for Trust for Public Land. “By expanding Campbellton Park, we’re connecting more people to nature, recreation and the river that defines this region. It’s a model of what’s possible when local leadership, state resources and community generosity come together.”

The acquisition builds on the April 2025 ribbon cutting that celebrated recent improvements at Campbellton Park and sets the stage for future phases of development focused on expanded trail connections and interpretive amenities.

“Chattahoochee Hills is proud to preserve this remarkable stretch of riverfront for generations to come,” said Mayor Tom Reed. “Campbellton Park has always represented more than a gateway to the river—it’s a gathering place for our community and a cornerstone of our city’s identity.”

“This expansion represents years of patient work and partnership,” Reed continued. “I’m deeply grateful to the landowner, Trust for Public Land, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for their shared vision and commitment. Their support ensures that the people of Chattahoochee Hills and visitors from across the region will always have access to the river that defines us.”

“The addition of these 88 acres continues our city’s long tradition of conservation leadership,” he added. “It strengthens our local park network, connects more people to the Chattahoochee RiverLands and reinforces our shared belief that great communities are built around shared natural spaces.”  

Campbellton Park is the third official take-out site on the Camp + Paddle Trail, a 48-mile blueway stretching from the City of Atlanta to Carroll County. The site has seen continuous investment in recent years: in 2020, DNR’s Wildlife Resources Division funded a $200,000 boat ramp, followed by more than $1.3 million in capital improvements led by the City and TPL to build restrooms and showers, ADA-accessible campsites, a community gathering space, trails and ecological restoration areas.

“Through the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program, we’re helping communities like Chattahoochee Hills protect the natural resources that make Georgia special,” said Trevor Santos, Deputy Commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. “This project ensures public access to one of the state’s most important waterways while safeguarding critical habitats along the Chattahoochee River.”

When complete, the Chattahoochee RiverLands will connect nearly 1 million nearby residents and visitors to the outdoors where they will be able to kayak, swim, bicycle, picnic, walk, camp and wheel along the river. Stretching across 20 cities and seven counties, this network of trails will bring people to the water’s edge, spark a lifelong love of the river and reveal the magic of the Chattahoochee to all.

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