Recap: Southwest Connector Trail Dedication

With over 100 neighbors, cyclists, walkers, runners, police officers, special guests, and Atlanta BeltLine supporters in attendance, the Southwest Connector Trail dedication was a huge success! The ceremony took place next to Beecher Hills Elementary School on August 10, 2013, right after students came back to school with a new amenity in their backyard. Special thanks to the PATH Foundation, Department of Parks and Recreation, and Department of Watershed Management. In case you missed it, click here to view the full Southwest Connector Trail dedication photo album.

Reverend Gerald Durley, Pastor Emeritus at Providence Missionary Baptist Church, opened with a rousing invocation, and Council Member Lamar Willis served as the emcee.

Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
Reverend Durley leads the opening invocation. Photo credit: Kwadwo Atta.

Mayor Kasim Reed also delivered remarks, along with Atlanta City Council President Ceasar Mitchell.

Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
Mayor Reed delivering remarks at the Southwest Connector Trail dedication. Photo credit: Kwadwo Atta.
Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
The crowd at the dedication of the Southwest Connector Trail. Photo credit: Kwadwo Atta.

But the celebratory mood didn’t end with Reverend Damon Williams’ benediction, and the crowd stuck around long after the ribbon cutting. Walkers, joggers and bicyclists were waiting eagerly to break in the trail on its inaugural day.

Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
Bikers pose for a photo before taking off on the trail. Photo credit: Kwadwo Atta
Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
Bicyclists break in the Southwest Connector Trail. Photo credit: Kwadwo Atta

Beecher Hills Elementary School was really hopping at the dedication – the kids at the ceremony were treated to a big bounce house, and a DJ hosted a dance party for folks of all sizes.

Lt. Baxter and the Atlanta Police Department’s Path Force joined the dedication, as well as some four-legged APD “officers.”

Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
Lt. Baxter and the Path Force join Atlanta BeltLine CEO Paul Morris for a photo at the dedication. Photo credit: Kwadwo Atta
Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
Officers on horseback come out for the Southwest Connector Trail dedication. Photo credit: Kwadwo Atta

The Southwest Connector Trail is phase 1 of a 4.5 mile spur trail that will eventually connect the Westview Neighborhood to the Atlanta BeltLine. The trail allows for improved access to Beecher Hills elementary school, connecting the existing Lionel Hampton Trail with Westwood Avenue. The Southwest Connector Trail, along with the Eastside Trail, the West End Trail and the Northside Trail, will bring the total of permanent trails to nearly seven miles along and near the Atlanta BeltLine corridor.

Southwest Connector Trail, Atlanta BeltLine
The Southwest Connector Trail is a spur trail that will eventually connect to the Atlanta BeltLine.

This spur trail is part of the 33-mile network of Atlanta BeltLine trails that will eventually connect to the 22-mile corridor. More information on the Southwest Connector Trail can be found in the press release.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *