Spring 2023: the park welcomes over 250 daily visitors, many drawn specifically to the captivating waterfall. This natural wonder isn’t confined to local admiration; it draws regional and even international travelers. Its popularity has taken a toll on the surrounding habitat. Erosion from foot traffic has exposed tree roots, creating hazardous conditions.
The Cascade Springs Nature Preserve, established in 1979 through community-driven environmental efforts, stands as one of Atlanta’s oldest nature preserves, second only to the Outdoors Activity Center. It holds an iconic waterfall, which has profoundly influenced the community’s culture, with streets, businesses, schools, and more bearing its name. ‘Cascade’ embodies the community’s heritage and identity. This project aims to improve the conditions around the waterfall to reflect the important symbolic nature of the waterfall and also protect the riparian and aquatic habitats by providing durable and safe dedicated pedestrian areas. Introducing hardscape along the riparian habitat, will establish a safe, durable pathway to the waterfall area, complemented by seating arrangements (three metal benches mirroring the existing style at the trailhead plaza), crushed granite trails, an observation area overlooking the waterfall, strategically placed trash receptacles, and signage.
The Cascade Falls Access Improvement project addresses critical conservation needs while paying homage to the profound cultural significance that the falls hold in the community. This project serves as a pivotal endeavor in preserving and enhancing the ecological integrity of the iconic Cascade Falls area. The project’s value lies in its commitment to safeguarding the riparian and aquatic habitats that define the Cascade Falls area. By introducing a carefully planned hardscape along the riparian habitat, we establish a durable, secure pathway to the waterfall. This critical enhancement ensures safe access, protecting the sensitive habitats from erosion and disturbance caused by foot traffic.
Additionally, the project introduces essential amenities that further enhance the visitor experience. Three metal benches, designed to mirror the existing style at the trailhead plaza, offer resting spots for visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area. Crushed granite trails provide stable footing, ensuring safe exploration of the surroundings. An observation area strategically positioned to overlook the waterfall offers a vantage point for visitors to marvel at the breathtaking cascade. Thoughtfully placed trash receptacles and informative signage contribute to the functionality and educational value of the area. This comprehensive approach not only enriches the visitor experience but also promotes responsible enjoyment of this natural gem. The Cascade Falls Access Improvement Project is not just a physical transformation; it is a reaffirmation of our community’s dedication to preserving its natural legacy. It bridges the gap between heritage and conservation, ensuring that future generations can share in the wonder of Cascade Falls while safeguarding the habitats that sustain it.
This project is an investment in the enduring legacy of Cascade Springs Nature Preserve and a testament to our shared commitment to environmental stewardship. It reaffirms that through collective efforts, we can protect and celebrate the natural wonders that define our community.
LOCATION: CASCADE FALLS AREA
SITE PREPARATION $9,350.00 CONSTRUCTION COSTS $82,517.50 GENERAL CONDITIONS $26,673.50 OVERALL PROJECT COSTS: $118,541.00 Construction Detail:
40 TONS OF BOULDERS TO STABILIZE SOUTHERN EMBANKMENT FOR GATHERING AREAS ;
4′ WIDE SLATE TRAIL MIX PATH CONNECTING MAIN WATERFALL ENTRANCE AREA TO GATHERING AREAS AND OVERLOOK;
STONE BANDING AT LOOKOUT AREA;
42″ HT. FIELDSTONE RETAINING WALL AT OVERLOOK;
HANDRAIL AT OVERLOOK 35 LF;
MASONRY SLAB STONE STEPS INSTALLED TO CONNECT THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF WATER FALL AREA TO
3 BENCH INSTALLED
6 TRASH RECEPTACLE INSTALLED
3 EDUCATIONAL SIGNS INSTALL
Month 1 (Preconstruction / Site Prep) DUR START DATE COMPLETION DATE Project Commencement 0d 25-Mar-24 10-Jun-24
Permit Issuance 12w 22-Jan-24 18-Mar-24
Order Material / Schedule labor 3d 19-Mar-24 22-Mar-24
Install Erosion Control/Tree Protection 2d 25-Mar-24 26-Mar-24
Clear & Grub 2d 26-Mar-24 28-Mar-24
Survey/Onsite Staking Layout: Overlook, Gathering Area, Sculpture House Area 1d 29-Mar-24 29-
Mar-24
Site Preperation Completion *first milestone* 3/29/2024
Rough Grading Walkways, Overlook 5d 1-Apr-24 5-Apr-24
Boulder Retaining Wall Installation at Overlook Areas 5d 8-Apr-24 12-Apr-24 Backfill & Grading at overlook Area 1d 12-Apr-24 12-Apr-24
Stone Step Instatllation at Pathways 10d 15-Apr-24 29-Apr-24
Footing Installation at Retaining Wall (Overlook) 2d 24-Apr-24 26-Apr-24 Retaining Wall Installation at Overlook 4d 30-Apr-24 3-May-24
Stone Banding Installation 4d 7-May-24 10-May-24
Slate Trail MixPathway Installation 5d 13-May-24 17-May-24
Client Walkthrough 1d 17-May-24 17-May-24
Hardscape Completion *second milestone* 5/17/2024
Concrete Pad / Trash Receptacle Installation 2d 20-May-24 22-May-24 Handrail Installation 3d 21-May-24 23-May-24
Bench Installation 2d 23-May-24 24-May-24
Fine Grade Lawn Area throughout / Seed & Straw 2d 22-May-24 24-May-24 Client Walkthrough 1d 24-May-24 24-May-24
Contingency / Weather Delays / Inspections 10d 27-May-24 10-Jun-24
Park Pride has funded $120k. Atlanta City Councilmember Marci Collier Overstreet has committed $20k to cover contingencies.
