2026 2 2 Work Session Packet website

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PUBLIC WORKS 
 
TO:  Randall Dowling, City Manager 
FROM:  Kevin L. Helms, Project Manager 
Cc:  Matt Siniard, Parks and Recreation Director 
DATE:  February 2, 2026 
SUBJECT: LPRF Grant Application 
 
Background 
Multiple City of Athens planning documents have identified the need to extend the Eureka Trail to the 
Downtown Central Business District, creating connections to Market Park and Veterans Park. Most 
recently, this project was included in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan (updated August 2021) and 
the Bike and Pedestrian Master Plan (adopted May 2023). While several trail extension options have been 
evaluated, the downtown extension consistently ranks among the top three pedestrian and bicycle 
projects based on public input.  
 
Due to the cost and complexity of extending the trail to downtown, the project will be implemented in 
phases. The first phase will extend the trail from the existing trailhead to Prof Powers Park. This segment 
will primarily follow an abandoned railbed to a location near the intersection of Short Street and East 
Madison Avenue, where the trail will cross East Madison Avenue and enter Prof Powers Park. Within the 
park, the trail will continue to a terminus near the intersection of Slack Road and East Madison  Avenue, 
including a loop at the end of the trail. 
 
In addition to the trail extension, the grant application seeks funding for improvements within Prof Powers 
Park that are consistent with the Parks and Recreation Master Plan. Improvements will focus on the areas 
identified as the Main Entrance and the Lake Area. These enhancements will function as a mini trailhead 
with additional parking for the Eureka Trail while also providing amenities to be shared by park users and 
improving aesthetics along the park frontage, entrance, and lake area. 
 
The following components are proposed for inclusion in the grant application: 
• Eureka Trail extension from the existing trailhead to Prof Powers Park 
• Pedestrian crossing on E Madison Avenue with rapid flashing beacons for safety 
• Clearing and grubbing vegetation along portions of the north, west, and/or south sides of the lake 
• Removal of chain-link fencing in cleared areas and replacement with decorative fencing 
• Construction of parking, lighting, and sidewalks from the main entrance to the new parking area 
and fishing pier 
• Milling and paving of the access road from the main entrance to new parking area