Recommendations / Infrastructure / Big Idea #1: Dublin River Walk

Big Idea #1: Dublin River Walk

Part of the "Heart of Dublin" initiative

InfrastructureDublin/LaurensNot specified

Overview

Design and construct a River Walk along the Oconee River. The proposal presents the Oconee River as an untapped downtown resource that could connect nature, recreation, and downtown vitality. The River Walk would connect downtown Dublin to outdoor activities, public parks, vacant industrial areas, green space, streetscape upgrades, and walkable trails while improving connectivity and friendliness.

Action plan

Short-term
Create an action committee to spearhead the projects, including City and County officials, Development Authority representatives, and interested community members; identify key riverfront properties that could be donated or purchased; contact public and private funding sources.
Medium-term
Create a survey or drawing of the entire project to promote interest, receive funding, and steer project direction.
Long-term
Construct and implement the River Walk; improve the amphitheater to help draw people to the river; implement streetscape improvements connecting the river project with existing Dublin assets; connect the River Project with the Golf Course, Retirement Community, and Convention Center through streetscapes and sidewalks.

Expected impact

Projected Implementation CompletionInstitutional

Tracks identification of key riverfront properties that could be donated or purchased.

Projected Public Space ImprovementInfrastructure

Tracks integration of public parks, vacant industrial areas, green space, streetscape upgrades, and walkable trails.

Projected Recurring Revenue StreamsEconomic

Tracks revenue-generation potential from vendor licenses, sports equipment rental, and landscaping sponsorships.

Projected Advisory Committees CreatedInstitutional

Tracks creation of an action committee to spearhead the projects.

Projected: 1 Action committee
Projected Facility UpgradesInfrastructure

Tracks amphitheater improvement after the River Walk is complete.

Projected Partner OrganizationsInstitutional

Tracks partner communities along the Oconee River that could collaborate on funding opportunities.

Projected: 11 Communities · Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Multi Year FundingSustainability

Tracks expected SPLOST generation in Laurens County.

Projected: 50,000,000-60,000,000 Dollars · Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Public Service AccessCommunity

Tracks access to outdoor recreation activities such as water sports, walking, biking, and trails.

Projected Recurring Revenue StreamsEconomic

Tracks stimulation of economic development in Downtown Dublin.

Projected Walkability ImprovementInfrastructure

Tracks implementation of a streetscape plan with a bike path and/or shared pedestrian path.

Projected Implementation CompletionCommunity

Tracks creation of a survey or drawing of the entire project to promote interest and receive funding.

Projected Multi Year FundingSustainability

Tracks Laurens County annual retail sales figure cited in relation to SPLOST funding potential.

Projected: 686,000,000 Dollars in annual retail sales · Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Transport ConnectivityInfrastructure

Tracks connection of the River Project with the Golf Course, Retirement Community, and Convention Center through streetscapes and sidewalks.

Projected: 3 Connected assets
Projected Transport ConnectivityInfrastructure

Tracks connection between the current downtown district and the River Walk area.

Projected: 0.7 Miles
Projected Community Self SufficiencyCommunity

Tracks creation of a more dynamic environment for people to live and work downtown.

Projected Future Funding ProbabilitySustainability

Tracks contact with public and private funding sources.

Projected Multi Year FundingSustainability

Tracks City of Dublin leverage from voter-approved SPLOST projects.

Projected: 2,600,000 Dollars · Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Multi Year FundingSustainability

Tracks Heart of Georgia Region TSPLOST amount referenced in the report.

Projected: 400,000,000 Dollars · Timeframe: Short-term
Projected Construction CompletionInfrastructure

Tracks design and construction of a River Walk along the Oconee River.

Key stakeholders

City of DublinLaurens CountyDevelopment AuthorityInterested community membersDowntown Dublin merchantsDowntown Dublin residentsDowntown visitors and travelersGeorgia Municipal AssociationCarl Vinson InstituteGeorgia Department of Transportation Transportation Enhancement GrantsGeorgia Department of Natural ResourcesWoodford FoundationKnight FoundationLocal City/County fundingPrivate/Business matching fundsSPLOST fundsTSPLOST fundsOconee River Greenway Authority in Baldwin CountyGeorgia River NetworkPartner communities along the Oconee RiverDowntown Dublin Farmers MarketBicentennial ParkPublic and private investorsRiverfront property owners

Estimated budget

No specific total project budget is provided in the visible pages. Visible funding opportunities include GDOT Transportation Enhancement Grants, private foundation funding, GDNR soft-service trail funding, local city/county funding, private/business matching funds, SPLOST, and TSPLOST.