A Chattahoochee River greenspace project with a stated goal of “refreshing Atlanta’s best kept secret” is set to move forward in a matter of days.

Officials with Cumberland Community Improvement District, the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, and nonprofit One Cumberland have scheduled a ceremonial groundbreaking Tuesday morning for a project called “New Day Palisades” expected to eventually cost $15.8 million.

Plans call for creating a 22-acre, riverside “tranquil greenspace” with pathways, shade structures, new restrooms, and other features from what’s little more than a sloped surface parking lot today, per project officials. 

Another goal is to restore and rehabilitate the Paces Mill in the Palisades Unit, which is considered one of CRNRA’s most popular sites and a top draw for Atlanta nature lovers. (So, yes, not exactly secret.) 

Overview of changes planned as part of the two-phase New Day Palisades project. New Day Palisades; via Cumberland CID

Plans call for closing Paces Mill on Labor Day next month to start phase one construction, with a goal of completing that work and reopening next spring.

Project leaders have raised the $6.3 million needed to complete phase one. It will build a new parking lot and landscape features to enhance access to the river, with a focus on visitor circulation and sustainability.

The more complex phase two—expected to cost $9.5 million—has yet to be fully funded, according to Cumberland CID. Plans tentatively call for it to begin construction in fall 2026 with a goal of creating a “distinct national park experience.” Expanded river entry points, a new visitor information center, and more visitor circulation improvements are in the works for that phase.

Pending funding, all New Day Palisades work is scheduled to wrap in spring 2027. All necessary construction documents were finalized last year.

Location of the $15.8 million project in relation to Cumberland, The Battery, and interstates 285 and 75. Google Maps

Paces Mill was opened in 1978 as a natural respite from Atlanta’s urban growth, and today the park counts more than 270,000 visitors annually.

“While the fun always flows, the area has seen very few improvements,” a project description reads. “[T]he need for adequate parking, environmental protection, improved facilities, and enhanced river access has never been greater.”

Below, find before/after images that vividly illustrate changes planned for the full New Day Palisades project.  

...

Follow us on social media: 

Twitter / Facebook/and now: Instagram  

• Cobb County news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta)