Part of the "MILLY RISING" initiative
Connect and market Milledgeville/Baldwin County’s natural assets, including Lake Sinclair, the Oconee River, Oconee River Greenway, Bertram Wildlife Management Area, Berry Farm Conservation Area, and existing biking and hiking trails. The goal is to improve access, connect assets to each other and to the community, create a shared Milledgeville/Baldwin County experience, improve quality of life, increase visitor engagement, and support economic diversification.
Tracks whether connecting natural resources supports economic diversification.
Tracks growth in outdoor recreation, family entertainment, water sports, equipment rentals and repair, restaurants, and boutique waterfront shops.
Tracks definition and identification of outdoor recreation and lifestyle private businesses for growth data tracking.
Tracks collaboration with landowners along the river to promote private development aligned with public vision.
Tracks selling excess water capacity to entrepreneurs.
Tracks budgeted cost for brochure creation.
Measures success through tracking growth in resident usage.
Tracks whether natural assets create shared space, shared resources, and a unique culture for residents and visitors.
Measures success through business diversity studies.
Tracks budgeted cost for trail improvements and connections.
Tracks improved or added biking and hiking trails.
Tracks budgeted cost for scenic lookout improvements.
Tracks expansion and connection of existing trails where small gaps are identified.
Tracks implementation of a Rails-to-Trails program.
Tracks creation of an annual community event for trail cleanup and improvements.
Tracks increased local usage of waterways for recreational and social activities.
Tracks budgeted app development cost.
Tracks bus/transportation route to help citizens access recreational resources or bring recreation activities to people.
Tracks budgeted cost for Lake Sinclair beach and pavilion.
Tracks budgeted advertising cost.
Tracks creation of a social media presence for Baldwin County Recreation Department and free advertising for recreation opportunities.
Tracks creation of a map and brochure of public and private outdoor and recreation opportunities.
Tracks development of an app with map, geo-locating tools, sunset/sunrise times, calendar of events, weather, and emergency contact information.
Tracks whether recreation tours are offered.
Tracks total estimated budget range for the recommendation.
Tracks installation of signage for trailheads and key community entry points.
Tracks advertising on radio and television.
Tracks creation of a walkable/bikeable corridor along Greene Street connecting downtown greenspace to Oconee River Greenway.
Tracks whether connecting natural resources brings the community together and fosters pride of ownership and collective responsibility.
Tracks improvement or creation of public access to Lake Sinclair.
Measures success through tracking tourism growth.
Tracks support for designating the Oconee River as a Water Trail.
Tracks whether all recreation opportunities are listed on the Baldwin County Recreation Department website.
Measures success through tracking increased business and housing development around the lake and river.
Tracks addition of gazebos, pavilions, and benches at scenic points and designation as photo opportunities.
Tracks identification of existing trails, public access points, scenic views, and Baldwin County Recreation programs.
Tracks whether community engagement with natural resources leads to increased private investment and new businesses.
Measures success through tracking an increased number of new outdoor-related businesses.
Budget items shown: brochure $1,500; Lake Sinclair beach and pavilion $300,000; trail improvements/connections at one trail/year at $100,000 each; scenic lookout $15,000–$60,000; advertising $10,000/year; app development $50,000.