Woodstock Renames Trail In Memory Of Former Council Member

WOODSTOCK, GA -- A new trail that will soon be under construction is expected to be dedicated to one of Woodstock's most celebrated public servants.

The City Council on Monday approved a resolution to rename the Towne Lake Pass Trail segment of the Greenprints network the Tessa Basford Memorial Trail.

The renaming honors the former Ward 6 City Council member who passed away in October 2014. Cherokee County District 4 Commissioner Scott Gordon said his colleagues on the County Commission will consider the joint resolution at their Dec. 20 meeting.

Woodstock Mayor Donnie Henriques recognized Basford's mother, Sheila Little, and her husband, Wayne Basford, before the Council signed off on the resolution.

“I know it’s a special occasion for you and your family,” he added.

Basford, who passed away following a battle with cancer, started her term on the council on Sept. 13, 2010, filling the unexpired term of former Council member Steve Faris. She was elected to her first full term in November 2011.

While on the council, Basford served on the Woodstock Public Safety Foundation’s board of directors and was an advocate for the Cherokee County Special Olympics. She graduated from Florida State University and spent her professional career protecting and advocating for the civil and human rights of individuals with disabilities.

Cherokee County Commissioners approved a $2.86 million contract with Integrated Construction & Nobility, Inc. to build the Towne Lake Pass Trail, a 1.2-mile concrete path that will run from the Woofstock Dog Park to Towne Lake Hills South.

Its route will run northwest from the dog park, under I-575 and through the wooded area near Woodstock Middle and High schools until it reaches Towne Lake Hills South.

The project would also construct concrete sidewalks along Towne Lake Hills Drive South from the trailhead to Woodstock High School and Towne Lake Hills South Drive from the trailhead to Towne Lake Parkway.
The project will be funded using Woodstock's portion of the county's 2008 parks bond proceeds.

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