What started as the brainchild of a few Newnan Coweta community leaders in 2016 quickly advanced into an action plan that would ultimately improve quality of life throughout our entire community.
The LINC is a 12-foot-wide paved path system, a linear park that facilitates recreation, connectivity, and economic development.
Phase I, the first 1.4 miles of path, opened in January of 2019.
Phase 2 section D starts at the terminus of Phase I and adds one mile, circumnavigating Promenade Apartments at Newnan Crossing, crossing Interstate 85, running along McIntosh Parkway and ending at Ashley Park Drive. And yes, the exciting LINC bridge over the Interstate is open for business! Section D opened in January of 2021.
Phase 2 construction will continue until the LINC reaches downtown Newnan. A path connection is already in place between Greison Trail and Farmer Street; the LINC crosses Farmer Street and bisects the newly renovated C.J. Smith Park, which offers much-needed parking and restrooms.
Our eagerly-anticipated completion date for Phase 2 is early 2022. From Mile Marker 0.0 in Summergrove to downtown Newnan, LINC path distance will total 4.8 miles.
Friends of LINC, Inc., the non-profit that supports the path, now hosts two LINC events per year, Ready, Set, LINC! in the spring and Howloween for Pets and their People in the fall. These family-oriented gatherings celebrate the LINC with music, food, fun, family time, and free admission.
The LINC Master Plan indicates a total of 26 miles of path. Future spurs from the LINC path ‘trunkline’ will depend on our ability to identify funding sources.
The LINC emulates the Silver Comet Trail, the Atlanta Beltline, the Carrollton Greenbelt, and many more linear parks in the Southeast. Linear parks are now one of the most sought-after amenities for home buyers. They increase property values, improve underutilized greenspace, usher in new business, and encourage tourism and special events.
Perhaps best of all, the LINC provides a venue for neighbors of all ages, from all walks of life, to connect in the name of fun and fitness. I can’t wait to bring my grandchildren for their next hike on the LINC! And I hope to see you there.
Happy trails,
Director Friends of LINC, Inc.
Director@friendsoflinc.org
