The DIRT on PATH400
Denise Starling, Executive Director of Livable Buckhead, gives us the dirt on PATH400 progress
This vibrant, 5.2-mile greenway runs along the heart of Buckhead, connecting people, places and possibilities.
Hey DIRT lovers
Trail walkers, bike riders, and professional “hydration” enthusiasts, welcome back to your favorite neighborhood gossip rag about all things PATH400. My favorite season, fall, is supposedly in the air, disguised as these brisk 90-degree temps. Perfect weather to get outside and ride a bike or take a walk, right? Even better news: you’ll have a brand new stretch of PATH400 to stroll on when we officially open it on September 26th. Mark your calendars now, party details below.
Sneak Peek!
It’s getting real, y’all. The ENTIRE project team gathered last week for the initial punch list walk. If you saw a small herd of about 15 of us clustered together nitpicking every last detail, that was us. (And yes, one of you honked from the highway… John A, I’m looking at you.)
The good news? Nothing major came up, just that pesky water draining off the highway above us. The team is now polishing things up, installing signs, scrubbing concrete, and generally dressing her in her finest for her big debut. Yes, you read that right: we’re officially opening on September 26th! (Which basically guarantees that Mother Nature will smite us with apocalyptic weather that day because, well, she hates me.)
But rain or shine, we’ll be celebrating in style. Picture this: face painting, bubbles, and…llamas. Because honestly, how do you open a trail without llamas? Join us Friday, September 26th from 4 to 7pm for some fall festival fun. No alcohol provided, but let’s just say if your “water bottle” seems extra festive, we’re not the party police.
Why This Section Rocks
Aside from being completely awesome, the new section gives North Buckhead families a new way to get to school, by walking or biking! Our Livable Buckhead mobility team has partnered with Georgia Commute Options to launch a Walking School Bus for students at Sarah Smith’s Wieuca campus. If you’ve got a kiddo who qualifies, keep an eye out for sign-up info at the September 26th event.
Construction Updates
Loridans to Sandy Springs
Not a ton of action at the moment, mostly geotech work and design tweaks to make sure everything works with the actual site conditions. Nothing flashy yet, but we’re laser-focused on the bigger prize. And now that I think about it…this DIRT has been sorely lacking a David Moss Geek-Out Moment. So here you go, David: soil borings, slope stability checks, and design revisions galore. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the behind-the-scenes nerd stuff that keeps the trail from sliding off the hill.
Heads-up: equipment noise will be increasing beginning Monday. We know this is last-minute news, and we’re sorry for the short notice, but we were just informed ourselves. Thanks for bearing with us as the work ramps up.
Trail Mix
Mama Says Mind Your Damn Manners
Apparently, we’ve got a cyclist out there treating PATH400 like the Tour de France and scaring the crap out of folks just trying to stroll. Reminder: there is a speed limit (10 – 15 mph depending on section), and a simple “on your left” goes a long way. Keep right, pass on the left, and remember that pedestrians always have the right of way.
Think of it as the golden rule of trails. Don’t be that guy who blows past strollers and dog walkers like you’re sprinting for a yellow jersey. Share the path, respect pedestrians, and keep it fun for everyone. Be cool, people.
PARKS!
Mountain Way Common and Loridans Parks are getting their vision plans refreshed and flipped into construction documents. (Yay, my coolio slides are in there!)
Want a sneak peek?
Join us on Thursday, August 28th at 6pm. Once those plans are finalized, we’ll start knocking projects off the list and putting that bond money to good use. YEEEHAW.
PATH400 Rules & Join Us
One party isn’t enough, so we’re doing it again. Party on the PATH is back on Sunday, October 5 and trust us, you want to be there. Think live music, killer bites, silent auction steals, the infamous heads-or-tails wine game, and oh yeah, a special guest whose name starts with “A” and ends with “DRE.” Snag your tickets now before they’re gone.
Keep the Party Going
We joke a lot in The DIRT (and yes, we do love llamas and wine games), but the truth is none of this happens without you. PATH400, parks, mobility programs, festivals…it’s all made possible because our community shows up and chips in.
If you love seeing Buckhead become more walkable, more connected, and honestly just more fun, please consider kicking in a little to keep the good stuff going. Every donation helps us keep building trails, creating parks, and yes, throwing parties that bring everyone together.
Stay cool, play nice on the trail, and for the love of Buckhead, save the Tour de France speeds for, you know, France. 🦙
Professional Barrier Beggar | Grass Whisperer | Trail Nerd Extraordinaire
