Forsyth County, Georgia – A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21, for an expansion project at Eagle’s Beak Park (8420 Old Federal Rd.) that includes new walking trails, a river walk along the Etowah River, Trail of Tears historical signage, scenic overlooks and other amenities.

Funding for the project is made possible through a Georgia Department of Natural Resources grant in the amount of $2.25 million. Eagle’s Beak Park is one of 14 statewide recipients of the inaugural Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) grant. The County’s contribution to the grant is $769,000, which is paid through the County’s Landfill Host Fee fund.

“To be selected in the first year of this new grant program is a testament to our great staff who worked hard on our application,” said Forsyth County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman and District 4 Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills.

“When I first heard that this opportunity was available, I thought about Eagle’s Beak, located on the Trail of Tears. I knew this would be a perfect place to honor the rich Native American history of the area and have a park where parents can teach their children about it. The park will also be the northwest starting point for the North Subarea Trail System which will run east across the County to connect with Lake Lanier once completed.”

The funding will also allow for the addition of new pavilions, an inclusive playground and 12 acres of open greenspace. The project is anticipated to be complete in Winter 2021 (weather permitting). Construction has been awarded to the Bayne Development Group, and the architect for the new amenities is Hayes-James & Associates.

Eagle’s Beak Park, located in northwest Forsyth County has amenities such as a canoe/kayak launch on the Etowah River, 1.3 miles of nature trails, picnic tables and restroom facilities. The current amenities will remain open during the construction period.