Ellington

A recent property donation from Vulcan Materials Company and a $1 million kick-start grant by the Lyndhurst Foundation have moving forward an extension of the Chattanooga Riverwalk.

The newly acquired land will allow construction of approximately 1,000 linear feet of Riverwalk on the river side of Riverfront Parkway between Cameron Harbor and Alstom. The finished extension will add approximately eight miles to the existing 13 miles of the Riverwalk, making it continuous from the foot of Lookout Mountain to the Chickamauga Dam.

“In regard to the project we are in the right of way and permitting phrase,” said Hamilton County Communications Manager Mike Dunne. “To be specific, the Vulcan easement is one of a series of easements we are working on. Once we get the permits issued and the easements are acquired, the project will be scheduled for bidding.”

Dunne said partners on the project are hoping to have this phase of the process finished by early fall so construction can begin. According to Chattanooga Parks and Recreation Director of Public Relations Brian Smith, officials hope the extension will be available for public use early in 2014.

“There’s one thing that really sets it apart,” he said of the Riverwalk. “It’s a linear park that’s completely go at your own pace, whether you’re bike riding with friends, walking with friends, fishing, jogging in a group for fitness, having a picnic or just enjoying the historical and artistic stops along the way. Having all of that is priceless”

For more information, visit www.hamiltontn.gov/riverpark.