The Soque River View Project Team reviews the plans for the viewing platform. Pictured left to right: Jon Schwartz, Bobby Kilgore, Ray Rowell, Terry Gladden, and Mary Beth Horton.
Visitors to Clarkesville’s Sam Pitts Park will see activity along the Soque River in the upcoming weeks as construction on a River View Platform begins. The project, an effort of Clarkesville Main Street, grew out of the downtown master plan process. “Through the public engagement process, members of the community expressed a desire to incorporate the Soque River into our downtown,” states Mary Beth Horton, Clarkesville Main Street Manager. “We are fortunate to have this beautiful waterway that flows along the edge of our City Park. The platform will provide a new way to highlight the river.”
A committee comprised of members of the Soque River Watershed Association, local residents and business owners began meeting in February to discuss the location of the platform as well as research local ordinances and regulations.
“The Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act requires a 25’ undisturbed vegetated buffer on all streams in Georgia, with a 50’ buffer on trout streams,” explains Duncan Hughes of the Soque River Watershed Association. “However, there are exemptions for minor land disturbing activities that meet specific criteria outlined by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GAEPD).”
Committee member and Clarkesville Planning Commissioner, Terry Gladden adds, “Because the platform will sit within a 25′ buffer from river’s edge, the project will be limited to 100 square feet of platform plus an additional ramp area required to meet code for ADA access. The Committee developed a platform design that is 98 Sq. Ft. ( 7′ x 14′ ) plus the required ADA access ramp. It will be a slightly elevated structure that will allow easy visibility to all areas of the adjacent river bank. The platform will be encapsulated by a code approved guard rail system that will ensure the safety of those who will be using the platform. Additionally, no grading, cutting, or filling will be part of the project, the natural tree canopy will remain undisturbed, and permanent protective vegetation will be installed around the viewing platform.”
“Children think water comes from a faucet and most adults don’t think about it at all. Without knowing, how can we care for our water sources, the river and the ecological systems it creates?” ~ Bobby Kilgore
“Vegetated buffers play a critical role in keeping our rivers and streams clean,” says Duncan Hughes of SRWA. “These buffers provide shade to regulate stream temperature, filter out pollution, and help prevent stream bank erosion. This project demonstrates how we may increase our connection to the river while protecting her for ourselves and our neighbors downstream.”
“There is a tremendous educational opportunity within this project,” points out Bobby Kilgore, resident and committee member. “Most of us take our water for granted and know little about the river’s life as it passes through Habersham County. Children think water comes from a faucet and most adults don’t think about it at all. Without knowing, how can we care for our water sources, the river and the ecological systems it creates?” The project includes the placement of interpretive signs that explain the history and significance of the river, as well as illustrate elements of water preservation and conservation.
The River View platform will be located in Sam Pitts Park beyond the horseshoe pit, along a scenic bend in the river. The project is set to be completed by the Mountain Laurel Festival on May 20-21.
