Aug. 21, 2024) – The creation of the Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area, located off Highway 372 in Ball Ground, is under way following a ceremony held Aug. 20. The passive recreation park is part of the Northeast Cherokee Parks Master Plan and is situated where Long Swamp Creek meets the Etowah River.

“The family of Mr. Wilson, the previous landowner, approached the county and we purchased the 24 acres to preserve it and keep it from being developed,” said District 1 Commissioner Steve West, who represents the area. “I’m proud that we’re able to preserve this area while also providing lesser intense recreational opportunities for our residents.”

Cherokee County purchased the property in September 2019 for about $600,000 using the voter-approved SPLOST funding. The land was included in the Northeast Cherokee Parks Master Plan developed in 2022 by TSW. Through the planning process, Cherokee County and TSW held several public input meetings, consulted with historians, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and historical documents, including the Wauchope 1966 and Edwards-Pittman 2012 archeology studies. Using documents developed through the planning, the county applied for a grant through the Department of Natural Resources and secured $600,000 for the project.

In July, the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners awarded the $2.1 million construction contract for phase one to Magnum Contracting, LLC.

When completed, the project, which has a focus of preservation of both land and history, will feature the county’s first archery range, a kayak launch at the confluence of the Etowah River and Long Swamp Creek, primitive camp sites and an educational center featuring information and activities about the site and the Native American history of the area. It will feature opportunities for residents to fish, view wildlife and trail walk.

Phase one encompasses the archery range, kayak launch, infrastructure and restrooms. It is expected to be completed in about a year.

Phase two will focus more on the primitive campsites, a complete renovation of the existing home, additional restrooms, Native American Interpretive and Educational Signage, open lawns and picnic tables. Phase two is expected to start in 2027.  

“We have worked diligently to bring a passive park opportunity to the Ball Ground area while also preserving Native American history and greenspace,” said Community Services Agency Director Bryan Reynolds. “The archeology studies indicated most of the artifacts were located in an area of the land that the county will not be moving dirt at, which was an intentional effort on the part of TSW and the Recreation and Parks staff.”

Learn more and see the site plan for Long Swamp Recreation Area by clicking here.

(UPDATED: This news release has been updated to reflect that the land for Long Swamp Creek Recreation Area was purchased with SPLOST funding. The initial release incorrectly said Parks Bond funding.)