Environmental Adovcates Oppose New Riverside Park

The Watershed Alliance of Sandy Springs has announced its opposition to the proposed Riverside Park.

If most residents approve, the City of Sandy Springs intends to move forward with plans to develop the 23-acre site, formerly a Fulton County pumping station, located on Old Riverside Drive. Plans include a playground, walking and jogging trails, a pavilion, park benches and picnic tables, restrooms and open green space.

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“All 3 plans proposed by the city to date call for use density that is detrimental to the health and the protection of the river, streams, and steep slopes surrounding this site," the WASS statement said. "No alternate proposal has been considered. This is the only plan the city will discuss.”

The statement by Watershed president Patty Berkovitz and vice president Richard Farmer called the space a wildlife corridor. Watershed and many others with reservations about proposed plans say they support a low density park.

Berkovitz and Farmer’s statement suggested a well thought out study by the Parks Department, neighbors, and the Watershed Alliance of Sandy Springs before plans are developed. The full statement is attached to this story.

Fulton County owns the property and according to Sandy Springs officials, the land will not be sold if residents object to the development. The park would cost $1.5 million to develop and about $40,000 per year to maintain.