Projects in Process

Sandy Springs Conservancy seeks opportunities to create, conserve and connect parks and greenspace in Sandy Springs. The Conservancy works with all stakeholders in the community such as residents, landowners, businesses, the city of Sandy Springs, Fulton County and the National Park Service. The goal is to improve and create amenities for the benefit of the community. If you know of land or connection opportunities, please let us know. We are currently working on the following projects.  With your help – we can move these and other projects along to fruition for all to enjoy!!

Springway Trail Plan Implementation

The Conservancy supports the city of Sandy Springs’ efforts to implement the Springway Trail Plan in stages across the city. The first section selected for construction is the Morgan Falls Park Connector. The city broke ground in December 2022 on the first of 5 sections of the Connector, a 5-mile loop trail. The first section is a 1.6 mile stretch that connects Morgan Falls Overlook Park to Roswell Rd and includes a boardwalk over Orkin lake just east of the Chattahoochee River. Construction was delayed due to weather, environmental and technical issues. The final touches are expected to be completed in early 2025 with a grand opening in the spring of 2025. Meanwhile, the city is preparing 2 other sections of the loop for construction. Work includes final designs, securing property easements and seeking grant opportunities for construction. The Conservancy contributed $25,000 toward the Springway Trail Plan and $30,000 in community support funds for a $3M construction grant for the first section. The Conservancy is prepared to assist the city with grant opportunities for the remaining sections of the loop trail.

Old Riverside Park

The Conservancy is actively supporting efforts by the city of Sandy Springs to create a new park on Old Riverside Drive on land that overlooks the Chattahoochee River. The Conservancy has members on the city’s community steering committee that is contributing input on the design of the park. Topics of focus include plans that will best enhance the existing natural topography, wooded areas and mature trees as well as adding a natural playground made of materials that blend into nature. The city has funded the construction of the park and expects to begin work in 2025.

Library Reading Garden Restoration

The Conservancy in conjunction with the Sandy Springs Garden Club and the Sandy Springs Society has helped to manage restoration efforts of the Sandy Springs Library Reading Garden. Restoration efforts began in 2023 with clean up days with volunteers from Conservancy corporate sponsors Morgan Stanely and Bennett Thrasher and additional workdays with volunteers from the Conservancy board and garden club members. Volunteers cleared brush, pruned bushes, cut back ivy, removed dead vines from the pergola, transplanted bushes and perennials from the nearby former Spruill property and spread bark mulch. The Conservancy utilized grants from the Sandy Springs Society to hire professionals to restore the labyrinth paths, remove dead trees, grind stumps, raise sunken brick borders and restore the peace pole. Boulders were installed to make seating for a children’s reading circle. In 2024 the Conservancy connected with city officials about ongoing maintenance issues with the garden which is Fulton County property. Councilwoman Melissa Mular championed the effort to shift property maintenance from the county to the city. In early 2025 the Conservancy is utilizing another grant from the Society to restore the Reading Garden’s two Town Turtles.

Enhanced Access to the Chattahoochee River

The Conservancy supports opportunities for sidewalks on Roberts Drive and additional nature trails in the area to provide additional access to the Chattahoochee River and the Island Ford Unit of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. The Conservancy is contributing input on city efforts to design sidewalks on Roberts Drive.

Improved Pedestrian Access Over the River

The Conservancy supports plans and concepts for enhanced pedestrian access over the Chattahoochee River on the Roswell city line either on or next to the Roswell Rd bridge, and also across the river near the Morgan Falls Hydroplant dam to NPS land in Cobb County.  Pedestrian bridges would provide increased regional connectivity with our neighboring communities.

Allen Road Park Expansion

This popular three-acre park, with a walking trail and playing fields near l-285 and Lake Forest Drive, will grow by 1.5 acres. The Sandy Springs Conservancy has been building support for this park expansion with property owners and the City for a number of years, and we are excited to be involved in making the park bigger and better.

Mount Vernon Highway Multi-Use Paths

The Conservancy supports the city’s efforts to build multi-use path along Mount Vernon Highway connecting the City Green, Veterans Park and Library Garden with a greenway path for pedestrians and bicyclists. The project is part of the city’s road re-alignment plan currently under construction at Mount Vernon Highway, Johnson Ferry Road and Roswell Road.