Heritage Riverways Trails Rebranding is Underway
Rome, GA, July 18, 2022– The City of Rome and Floyd County is excited to announce a new trail rebrand for the existing Heritage Riverways Trails. A steering committee made up of representatives from the Greenways Council, Parks and Recreation, City and County Commissions and TRED (Trails for Recreation and Economic Development of Rome/Floyd County) consulted with The Path Foundation and KAIZEN Collaborative to rebrand the existing Heritage Riverways Trails.
The goals of the steering committee were to establish trail branding and signage standards for the growing system of trails that run through downtown Rome with planned expansion into the county. The recently completed Redmond Trail Connector combined with the upcoming Big Dry Creek bridge installation will soon create a greenbelt that loops around Rome's rivers. Planning is already underway for construction of the Lindale Trail that will connect to the Silver Creek Trail; and the Redmond Trail that will connect the Mt. Berry Trail to Summerville Park and beyond.
The name “ECO” was selected as the trail system name to represent the three rivers that run through Rome, the Etowah River, the Coosa River, and the Oostanaula River. This name also connects to Rome-Floyd’s natural resource education center, the E.C.O. Center located along the Ridge Ferry section of the trail. This location will serve as the main trailhead starting point for mileage markers on trail system signage.
The ECO logo design features elements trail users can experience along the trail:
- The tree and trail images in the E represent the greenspaces and vegetation that trail users will encounter when traveling on the ECO.
- The bike image in the C lets users know that the trail is multi-purpose, used not only for pedestrians, but that cyclists are also welcome to use the trails.
- The wavy lines in the O not only represents the three separate rivers that trail users will see when on the ECO, but also the surrounding hills.
The historical names that currently reference each section of the greenway will be incorporated into the new trail signage.
A trail signage standards plan has been prepared and provides a matrix of informational kiosk signs to be placed at trailheads and major access points for current trails and trails to be developed. These signs will provide maps, trail rules, acknowledgments as well as major destinations and amenities at each location. The plan calls for mile markers placed at one-mile distances along the trail, trail etiquette panels, and trailhead signs to be placed visible from the road so that drivers can easily locate each trailhead.
“Our trails enhance the quality of life in Rome and is an important draw for visitors,” said City Manager, Sammy Rich. “After the bridge across Big Dry Creek is completed, a 13-mile trail loop will essentially offer a new experience to promote, so the timing of the rebrand is perfect,” added Sammy.
“Floyd County supports trail building because the connectivity is important for recreation, wellness, and economic development. With so many trail plans underway, the rebrand is important for communication and consistency across our trail system,” said Floyd County Manager, Jamie McCord.
The PATH Foundation is a non-profit agency that has been building trails since 1991. The foundation utilizes private donations to match public funds allocated for trail development. KAIZEN Collaborative is a leading trail planning and design firm and has master planned multi-use trail systems for over 30 communities.
To learn more about the ECO Trail and view a trail map, visit RomeGeorgia.org/Trails
