Nearly four decades after initial discussions began, the Bob Callan Trail in Cumberland has reached completion. On Thursday, county officials, project partners, and community members attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Windy Hill Trailhead to mark the opening of the trail’s final segment.
The last section, a $7.4 million extension connecting Windy Hill Road and Rottenwood Creek, was funded by $1.7 million from the Cumberland Community Improvement District (CID) and $5.7 million in federal funds. Cobb County contributed through project management, oversight support, and utility relocation funding.
Kim Menefee, executive director of the Cumberland CID, said the completed trail “creates a seamless four-mile trail stretching from Terrell Mill Road all the way to the Chattahoochee River.” She added that it is “a crucial link in the region, connecting to the Silver Comet and the Mountain to River Trails.”
Planning for what would become the Bob Callan Trail began almost 40 years ago as a partnership between Cobb County and CID. By the 1990s, it became part of plans for what is now Cumberland Boulevard. Commissioner JoAnn Birrell recalled that discussion about developing this trail dates back to her early days on the board in 2011 and referenced its ties to previous local sales tax initiatives.
The first two miles of what was then called Rottenwood Creek Trail opened in 2007 with significant funding from the Federal Highway Administration. A second phase followed in 2019, extending north along Rottenwood Creek past I-285. The final phase unveiled Thursday adds another 0.3 miles and connects previous segments with Bentley Road Trail, bringing total costs over all phases to $20.1 million.
Speakers acknowledged contributions from various agencies including CID, Cobb County government, National Park Service, Department of Transportation, Atlanta Regional Commission and Federal Highway Administration.
Lisa Cupid, chair of Cobb’s Board of Commissioners, highlighted features at Windy Hill Trailhead such as accessible parking, shaded seating areas, fitness amenities and bike repair stations. She noted ADA-compliant pathways and stormwater infrastructure aimed at protecting local waterways are also part of this extension.
Cobb DOT Director Drew Raessler stated that nearly half a mile of greenways were added with this latest segment out of twelve miles constructed by Cobb County over four years. The expanded trail system brings total trails within CID boundaries above 38 miles and links directly into central Cumberland where more than 84,000 jobs and 30,000 residents are located.
Birrell described it as “a legacy public space for generations to come.”
Bob Callan—the retired Georgia division administrator for Federal Highway Administration—was recognized during remarks though he could not attend; both Menefee and CID board Chair Bob Voyles praised his advocacy for regional transportation projects: “He tirelessly advanced transportation and trail initiatives across the whole state,” Voyles said.
Voyles also paid tribute to former CID board chair John Shern who died in July.
Cupid said this addition aligns with county goals for connectivity through recreation spaces: “Because we are all in, we are creating lasting opportunities that enrich every corner of our county and our community, for generations to come.”
Commissioner Erick Allen called it a “key piece” of future plans like the Cumberland Sweep—a three-mile loop intended to add pedestrian paths, bike lanes and an autonomous shuttle system—and emphasized its role supporting mobility options beyond driving: “This trail reflects our dedication to mobility, recreation and equity,” he said.
Cupid concluded by emphasizing shared effort behind such long-term projects: “Some of us…get to sow a seed. Others…get to water that seed…if we’re so blessed we’ll be honored to reap that seed.”
