With construction going on seemingly around every corner in Auburn and Opelika lately, plans are also in place to make a section of the area accessible by water. Via the Saugahatchee Creek Blueway Project, the city of Auburn is working to prepare 4.5 miles of navigable water on the creek for kayaking and canoeing. There will also be another 4.5 miles of accompanying trail on land alongside the creek.
For the past few years, the city has been working to acquire the necessary land and easements to begin the first phase of the project. In January 2018, the Auburn City Council accepted the donation of the final piece of land needed from Sue Anne Burt and named it James M. Burt III Greenspace, in memory of the donor’s late husband.
The first phase of the Saugahatchee Creek Blueway Project will involve the development of a 0.9-mile blueway along Saugahatchee Creek and the creation of two trailheads marking the beginning and end of the stretch—on off North Donahue Drive and one off Richland Road. At each trailhead, there will be kayak and canoe drops, parking, trail access, restrooms, benches and more. This will be Auburn’s first city-owned public creek access for kayakers and canoers.
The idea to develop blueways and more greenways in the city is not a new one. In the early 2000s, the city created a Greenspace task Force and then a Greenspace Advisory Committee, which devised a Greenspace Master Plan. Greenways developed since that time include ones parallel to Shell Toomer Parkway and through Town Creek Park from East University Drive to Wrights Mill Road.
Phase one of the Saugahatchee Creek Blueway Project is currently in a design stage, according to The Auburn Villager, but it has been included in the city budget for this fiscal year.
Are you excited about being able to kayak and canoe without leaving Auburn? This project is just one among many reasons why the Auburn and Opelika area is such a great place to live, work and play!
For your real estate needs in Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin, contact Realtor Ryan Roberts today at 334-750-9872, or email [email protected]!
