PATH Foundation Seeks To Add 37 Miles of Trails Around Atlanta

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ATLANTA, GA -- The PATH Foundation is celebrating its 25th anniversary with plans to add 37 new miles of trails.

The organization is seeking to raise $15.8 million in private funds through a recently-launched fundraising campaign, which will leverage more than $34 million in public funding for a total investment of $50 million in new trail projects.

To encourage community support, the James M. Cox Foundation has committed $6 million to the effort.

"This is another example of the James M. Cox Foundation demonstrating an ongoing commitment to a viable Atlanta," said PATH Executive Director Ed Brayer. "We hope others will follow their lead and support our campaign. People of all ages and backgrounds incorporate PATH trails into their lives every single day - from parents pushing strollers, children walking to school, young adults going to work and grandparents enjoying an afternoon stroll. This is fulfilling our vision of a healthier, greener, more vibrant community."

The new trails will serve as community connectors by linking existing trails to new neighborhoods and to Atlanta's colleges and universities, extending the PATH400 project in Buckhead, completing a new segment at the GA 400/I-285 interchange and expanding the trail network into southwest Atlanta.

• RELATED: Council Takes Step To Bring Path400 To Sandy Springs

Plans also call for building a new segment to Vine City to downtown around the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium and create a "Bike Depot." Located between Centennial Olympic Park and the Georgia Aquarium, the Bike Depot will provide bike rentals and cyclist parking. Jim Kennedy, PATH board member and chairman of Cox Enterprises, is leading the campaign.

"PATH does a great job getting people outside to engage in healthy activities like walking, running or cycling," Kennedy said. "Since its founding 25 years ago, PATH trails have become very important to our neighborhoods – connecting people, parks and greenspace. PATH is building the green arteries that lead us through the heart of our city."

PATH is Georgia's only nonprofit that is entirely dedicated to trail planning and implementation. As such, PATH provides targeted assistance for trail projects in locations across the state, including Carrollton, Columbus, Clayton County and Glynn County.

The organization has been building a network of off-road trails in and around Atlanta for walkers, runners, cyclists and skaters for 25 years. This system of scenic greenways preserve our region's forested character and offer opportunities for families to enjoy nature together.

For more information, visit the PATH Foundation's website.

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Image via PATH Foundation