Chattahoochee Hills officials recently marked the opening of two riverfront parks that promise ADA-friendly recreation along the Chattahoochee River. RiverLands Park and Campbellton Park both opened on April 1, 2025, offering expanded access to a half-mile of riverfront according to an official report.
RiverLands Park introduces a new floating dock and an accessible kayak launch intended to simplify boat entry for individuals of varying mobility levels. City officials said the property had been fenced off for years, requiring visitors to navigate rough land to reach the water. The park now includes restrooms, showers, group campsites and walking trails. Mayor Tom Reed described the accessible launch as a “unique thing.” He added, “It creates an amazing quality of life. Because everybody is connected to nature. Because nature is close to everybody,” the coverage shows.
Campbellton Park, which has kept its pavilion, restrooms, showers and existing boat ramp, was updated with an ADA-compliant campsite. The Trust for Public Land is working with local leaders to acquire more land along the bluff, aiming to add about half a mile of riverfront to the area. In remarks reported by multiple community officials, Cobb County Board of Commissioners Chair Lisa Cupid reflected on her own experiences near the river and called her prior access “cherished.” She said, “I never thought when I moved to South Cobb that we would be able to experience something similar until this project came along,” and noted that “nature is probably not one of the amenities that you would typify for those communities.”
Leaders have emphasized the overarching Chattahoochee RiverLands initiative, which envisions a continuous linear network of green spaces and trails spanning seven counties. Plans to link the Buford Dam to areas farther south have attracted $15 million from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and $22 million in private donations. Anna Roach, CEO of the Atlanta Regional Commission, recalled how the idea seemed “little more than an ambitious idea” before new developments took shape. “I think they underestimate the value of their persistence, and I think they underestimate what this little river project that they have invented, a decade in, is going to return on investment and resources for all the region,” she said. She also remarked, “I’m not sure any of us imagined at that time that what we see before us today is what really and truly would come to fruition,” and concluded, “To me, personally, this river, the Chattahoochee River, is one of our greatest natural wanderers and resources in Metro Atlanta.”
In addition to the major funding efforts, the city has secured support to expand Campbellton Park further. The Trust for Public Land plans to add 70 total acres that would preserve open space and enhance opportunities for fishing, boating and camping a detailed summary shows. These parcels are considered essential for boosting regional recreation while protecting local habitats, according to project remarks.
Creating more inclusive facilities through ramps, traction-friendly docks, and staff trained in assisting differently abled guests can transform a campground into a more accessible destination. Simple additions like wider restrooms, handrails and accessible common areas also tend to reduce barriers and draw a broader range of visitors. The newly installed kayak docks and upgraded campsites near Chattahoochee Hills may inspire other parks to follow similar strategies.
Widely accepted best practices suggest that adding accessible pathways, parking areas, and common facilities with traction-friendly surfaces can accommodate wheelchairs and mobility devices more effectively. Floating docks with railings and helpful seating structures allow paddlers of all abilities to enter and exit the water safely, while regular staff training on using accessible equipment maintains consistent service standards. Further refinements such as spacious restrooms, shower handrails, and accessible fire rings can reduce barriers and draw new visitors.
The recent opening of ADA-accessible kayak docks and campsite upgrades at these two parks demonstrates an example for campground, RV park, and glamping resort owners who aim to expand their visitor base. By replicating or adapting these inclusive strategies, outdoor hospitality destinations can meet a growing demand for accessibility while aligning with industry practices that benefit travelers with varying mobility needs.
Collaborative programming also aligns with recognized methods for boosting experiential and educational tourism. Working with local tour guides or environmental groups can broaden recreation offerings through guided paddling trips and nature walks. Organizing sessions on water safety, wildlife, or sustainable camping adds value for visitors seeking enriching outdoor experiences. Bundled services that combine camping, catered meals, and lessons can further encourage longer stays and strengthen guest satisfaction.
Project leaders also note the collaborative programming in the works. Scheduled educational sessions about wildlife, water safety and sustainability can deepen visitor engagement, and cross-promotion with nearby heritage sites or local events often leads to extended stays. City leaders say these approaches benefit the local economy and enhance visitors’ overall experience.
Georgia Rivers, a nonprofit group, is organizing a two-night paddling excursion that will make use of both revamped parks. Participants will begin at Campbellton Park with a campsite, then travel 16 miles downstream to RiverLands Park for another evening under the stars. Registration fees fund catered meals, shuttle services, bathroom access and an array of programs on the river’s ecology event details confirm.
Rena Ann Peck, Georgia Rivers executive director, referred to these new Chattahoochee Hills amenities as a chance to expand the state’s water trail system. “This is an exciting development for Georgia’s rivers,” she said, adding, “As we continue to grow the state’s water trail system, these campsites can serve as a model for similar projects on other rivers. Amenities like this are common in other states where they generate tourism revenue for rural communities.”
City leaders point out that RiverLands Park completes a segment of the 48-mile Camp and Paddle Trail, which already includes sites like Buzzard Roost and Standing Peachtree Greenspace. While some of those locations are only reachable by kayak, the new Chattahoochee Hills spaces accommodate drivers as well. The hope is that both casual day visitors and enthusiastic multi-day paddlers will benefit from the upgrades, whether they just want a picnic spot or want to spend days on the water.
The parks are considered part of a broader movement to better connect Georgians with local waterways. City officials stress that these public access sites help protect the river corridor, promote outdoor education and address equity gaps in recreational opportunities. “Cherished,” as Lisa Cupid described her personal experience, now becomes a term planners prefer to hear from new visitors discovering river activities once out of reach.
These updates at RiverLands Park and Campbellton Park signal significant progress in expanding public amenities for a wide range of users. Similar projects could replicate the improved ramps, campgrounds, guided expeditions and ecological awareness programs taking shape in South Metro Atlanta. With multiple stakeholders involved and new land on the horizon, these park enhancements illustrate how a long-planned vision can finally open the river’s possibilities to communities across the region.