Dalton, Ga.Dalton leaders have applied for a $1 million grant aimed at connecting the city's central business district to outdoor recreation north of town.
The greenway project, if funded, will be the first step in a long-term plan to make Dalton a destination for outdoor-loving young professionals. Leaders say they want a "walkable downtown with a green hat," referring to the jutting crest of Mount Rachel a mile north of shops and dining.
"Here in Dalton we have a mountain, a river and a lake all within a short stroll north of downtown," City Administrator Ty Ross said. "This is what we call Dalton's green hat. Dalton has the potential to share an eco-experience that is similar in many respects to Chattanooga."
The city has just applied for the transportation enhancement grant through the Georgia Department of Transportation, and officials said they should know by April whether it is approved.
The $1 million grant would fund the first phase of the project, Ross said, and requires a 20 percent local match from the city.
The first greenway leg would stretch south from the intersection of Selvedge and Gordon streets through downtown along Chattanooga Avenue, then split along three paths that carry pedestrians to Mount Rachel, Haig Mill Lake and Heritage Point.
Leaders are looking to Chattanooga; Savannah, Ga.; and Gainesville, Ga. - cities with vibrant downtowns - for inspiration.
Dalton leaders envision a network of walking, biking and running trails that wrap around Mount Rachel, connect to Heritage Point Park and terminate at a planned park downtown near future trolley stations and an entertainment district.
Some residents have expressed concern about other components of Dalton's rejuvenation effort, such as a downtown streetscaping plan, Ross said.
But there is overwhelming support for the greenway project, said Melissa Lu, a University of Georgia Archway professional working on a long-term "revisioning" effort.
Archway assists local governments in strategic planning. The Dalton effort has been going on for more than a year, seeking opinions and involving locals in planning for the next 20 years.
"In focus groups, high school students, young professionals, retirees and social workers spoke convincingly about the need for an expanded greenway system to impact both the quality of life and the economy," Lu said.
The city has been promoting the greenway project at several large-scale meetings since spring.