The City of Rockmart has officially designated where the trailhead for the Silver Comet will be located.

At a recent meeting of the Rockmart Mayor and Council, the group determined that the trailhead will be located at the Nathan Dean Sports Complex.

And, the group voted to provide up to $33,000 in a partnership project with PATH (People of Atlanta for Trails Here) for the development of a Rockmart Riverwalk.

The new Riverwalk will connect to the Silver Comet Trail near Water Street. It will continue along the banks of Euharlee Creek opposite Wayside Park. Improvements will include additional parking near Rockmart First United Methodist Church, a retaining wall, lamps, seating and landscaping, pedestrian bridge and development of a fish habitat in the creek.

Although the Riverwalk is a new project, selecting the site for the trailhead as well as the direction of the Silver Comet Trail through downtown Rockmart has been discussed for the past several months.

The subject became active after the group agreed to proceed on a $450,000 agreement with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Funds were targeted for development of the Trail and to commence construction of the spur from South Marble Street to South Water Street. The agreement also provided for related improvements on city owned or leased land.

Councilman Steve Holder, during the group’s August meeting, brought the item to the table when he asked Mayor Curtis Lewis to share information from Ed McBrayer, PATH.

In a letter to Lewis, McBrayer pointed out the opportunity of establishing a “model trailhead” for the Silver Comet Trail in Rockmart.

He referred to getting the project identified and moving forward with a plan of action, including acquiring a building. He said PATH would coordinate and oversee design, construction of the trailhead at no cost, and would act as a free consultant to the City to seek a suitable concessionaire and organize the opening of the facility.

Everyone agreed to get the Trail to a point near the old bridge at Beauregard Street. However, different opinions were voiced as to which direction it would take once beyond this site and location of the trailhead.

During November, the group heard comments from Councilman Steve Holder the Rockmart Senior Center could be a possible site for the trailhead.

The panel discussed pros and cons of the idea with concerns about parking noted. Sites for additional parking were suggested but no vote was taken.