Community Development News
County Submits LWCF Grant for Moore’s Bridge Park
June 29, 2010
Update June 29, 2010 - The Georgia Department of Natural Resources has pre-approved Moore’s Bridge Park for funding. Submittal of the final application is forthcoming.
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The Carroll County Department of Community Development staff recently submitted a pre-application for the 2010 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant cycle for the development and rehabilitation of Moore’s Bridge Park. This federal grant program helps state and local governments acquire recreation lands, and develop and rehabilitate outdoor recreation facilities. Carroll County is applying for a grant maximum of $100,000. The source of the Carroll County cash match ($50,000) will be proceeds from the 2003 and 2008 Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). The source of in-kind match will be County labor and equipment. If recommended for funding, the County will proceed with the formal application process.
In 2009, Carroll County purchased approximately 485 acres (Moore’s Bridge Park) from the Trust for Public Land for use as a passive recreation park. This park is located near Whitesburg, Georgia in Southeast Carroll County and buffers 1.4 miles of the Chattahoochee River. The park is layered with history, including Civil War, Native American, African American, and transportation history. This site once served as the gateway to Southern Carroll County. Priority will be placed on conserving and interpreting the property’s rich history and notable features.
A key feature of Moore’s Bridge Park is the Historic James Moore House. James D. Moore was originally the land owner of this property, and his house is the most historically significant feature still standing on the site. The James Moore house is centrally located within the park just above the former Horace King Covered Bridge site, and provides opportunities for many types of functions including educational and historical events.
Another magnificent component of the park is the Horace King Covered Bridge site. The first Moore’s Bridge was built in 1857 by Horace King, who was also a 1/3 owner along with James Moore and Charles Mabry. This 480 foot long wooden covered bridge spanning the Chattahoochee River was burned by Union troops during the Civil War on July 14, 1864. Horace King built a second wooden covered bridge between 1867 and 1868, which he also co-owned with Moore and Mabry. This bridge was washed away in the flood of 1881. During the early 1900’s the Jones family acquired the site and erected a metal bridge across the Chattahoochee in 1917. Remnants of the 1917 metal bridge are still visible at the park site. Carroll County will recognize the historical significance of the site with interpretive signage and various programs.
Community Development staff worked with Daryl Johnson with Carroll County Parks & Recreation, who recommended a variety of features to incorporate into Moore’s Bridge Park.
Initial ideas include:
• A trail system that incorporates restored trails with new trails for humans and horses
alike. The trail system will be the “veins” of the park, as they will traverse the site and tie together the various features.
• Creation of a replica Covered Bridge across a water body within the park,
in honor of the historical Horace King Covered Bridge.
• Construction of two other bridges over key water bodies.
• Equestrian trails that will integrate horses into the park’s beauty.
• Establishment of a canoe/kayak launch area on the Chattahoochee River.
• Adding a parking area at each of the park’s two entries.
• Construction of two comfort centers that will be designed with environmental-friendly principles (such as waterless toilets).
• Signage at both park entrances, as well as interpretative signage within the park.
• Camping areas that will draw visitors to the park’s beauty and activities.
Moore’s Bridge Park is a local jewel that will be enjoyed by County residents and visitors alike for years to come. This grant affords the County the perfect opportunity to both rehabilitate and develop the park. By highlighting the past and pointing towards the future, Moore’s Bridge Park will serve as a local and regional destination.
Additional Sources Used - Moore’s Bridge Park Plan
