Outdoor recreation to see upgrades in Bryan, Effingham counties.

Esidents in Bryan and Effingham County rejoiced after learning they will soon have more options to enjoy outdoor recreation. Each county is addressing recreation needs as residents expressed a desire to have more ways to bike, walk and play. Both counties

Bryan County approves bike pedestrian plan

and

The Bryan County Board of Commissioners approved a bike and pedestrian plan with an emphasis on transportation throughout unincorporated areas. Just 600 residents responded to the survey.

The plan reads that the proposed ideas would support an “interconnected system of trails and greenways that link neighborhoods, parks and public facilities, ensure new development incorporates the identified trails and greenways into their design and provide recreation opportunities and alternative transportation options for moving around the county on foot and by bike.”

Other areas of the county, such as Richmond Hill, are included in the layout.

There are 24 proposed projects, including a 7-mile shared-use path from Highway 280 in Pembroke to Highway 204 in Ellabell and a 6-mile bike path from the Warnell neighborhood to Brewton Acres in north Bryan County. Discussions of these plans are ongoing.

“We would like to have a bike and pedestrian trail throughout Bryan County,” said Bryan County Commissioner Carter Infinger. “Right now, we are trying to get it together and lay it out, talk about it and see how things are going to work.”

No timetable has been set for approval or completion of the projects.

Effingham County looking at future of recreation

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners are giving residents the privilege of determining the landscape of recreational activities for the future.

The committee will rely on input from the public before putting the finishing touches on its parks and recreation master plan, which includes idea layouts for county-owned parks and boat landings.

Dates for hearings have not been scheduled yet, but County Manager Tim Callanan is calling on residents to be on the lookout for the

announcement.

Renovations throughout the county are already underway. Veterans Park will get restrooms, the Clarence Morgan Complex will see improvements and the Sand Hill Complex is being prepped for extensive renovation.

“Every park is getting touched as a result of the SPLOST,” he said. “In 2021, Effingham County voters opted to continue a 1-percent SPLOST. It is expected to generate $80 million over six years and will also be used for other countywide services, including the court system, social services, administration, tax commissioner and others.”

Carnell Mills rides his bicycle along Groover Hill Road in Ellabell. Bicycle and hiking paths, as well as other recreational amenities, are in the works. A shared-use path in Ellabell is one proposal.

PHOTOS BY SAVANNAH MORNING NEWS Game Changers Bike & Multisport and fans of cycling and other outdoor recreation can look forward to more trails, greenways and other opportunities in both Bryan and Effingham counties.