Continued from the previous page.

SPILLWAY CONSTRUCTION

Lake Peachtree finally got back to full pond in late October of this year, more than two months after it was predicted. Uncooperative weather and some alleged poor management were cited as reasons for the delays in completing the new spillway -- sub-45 F. winter weather when concrete couldn't be poured, above-average rain during the summer, then more copious rain in October from tropical storms.

But now the extensive project is done, including new landscaping at that end of the lake and attractive cart path bridging over the spillway:

Cart path over the spillway  (10-24-18)

Nice waterfall feature over the lowest section of the weir when the lake is full  (10-24-18)

The bridge is for foot traffic, bikes, and golf carts  (10-24-18)

Compare all this to the picture I showed earlier of the basic-blah spillway we used to have!

It has been interesting for us to watch this whole project for fourteen months from start to finish. We've each walked, ridden our bikes, or driven the golf cart down there at least once a week during the whole construction period. The shortest way on the paths is only 3½ miles each way from our house.

I've taken a boat-load (pardon the pun!) of pictures showing the progress. My brother would have really enjoyed "supervising" this whole project!

This temporary "coffer dam" replaced the old spillway and held back
any remaining water while the new spillway was under construction.  (Dec., 2017)

Drained area between the new spillway (out of view to the left)
and the dam (near the building on the right)  (Dec., 2017)

The rock coffer dam is gone, replaced by dirt and the
new weir spillway that is still under construction.  (7-26-18)

Downstream/Kelly Drive side of the spillway before the lake was
full or the cart bridge was built over it  (7-26-18)

One section of the long bridge waiting to be placed over the spillway  (7-26-18)

Bridging mostly in place (8-15-18) but not open for 2+ more months

Lake almost full now; spillway and bridge in the distance (10-15-18)

I was actually giddy with happiness the sunny day in mid-October that I walked to the near end of the lake and saw that it was almost up to full pond, seemingly overnight, after we got five-plus inches of rain from the remnants of Hurricane Michael. I think I was as happy as the people whose properties have lake views or docks! I continued along the cart path to the other end that day but the spillway bridge and path weren't quite done until a few days later.

We've both been down there several more times to enjoy the completed project. The remaining photos in this section are from October 24.

I love hearing the water falling over the lowest weirs; we had no idea a "waterfall" was part of the project (as long as the lake is full): 

The weir design is called "piano key" because of its shape and varying heights.

The artistic metal pillars at either end of the spillway bridge are another attractive feature, and a large sign spelling out "LAKE PEACHTREE" is lit up at night, reflecting in the water that continues downstream in Flat Creek past the bridge and spillway:

 

The "Lake Peachtree" sign is visible here but I don't have a picture of it lit up at night.

Landscaping includes flowering shrubs and other pretty plants along the bike path on the east side of the spillway, a large grassy area overlooking the lake on other side between the spillway and dam (photos below), and benches to sit on.

It's a pretty park by the spillway and dam now -- kudos to the city for a job well done!

 

 

We've also watched Lake Kedron, equally as large and sitting upstream from Lake Peachtree, as it was lowered and then refilled. Some repairs were done to docks and bridging there while the water was down. Each of those lakes covers about 240 acres. PTC's third large lake, Lake McIntosh, covers 650 acres and was formed when Line Creek was dammed.

There have been a couple other construction projects around Lake Peachtree, too. I'll talk about those next.

SPYGLASS ISLAND

Just south of the Battery Way park and boat ramp on the east side of Lake Peachtree is an island that until recently had the unappealing nickname of "Snake Island."

Now who wants to go over there?

Despite the name, Jim and I did once soon after we moved here, simply out of curiosity. There was only a narrow walking bridge over a channel of water in the lake and the land was overgrown and rough enough that it wasn't easy to walk around the island. We didn't see any snakes, but I'm sure they were there. Heck, even our own suburban yard has snakes!

Jim and Casey walk around the island after the underbrush was removed
but before the dirt path was graded as well as it is now.  (4-2-18)

This area has been transformed this year, along with the other improvements while the water in Lake Peachtree was lowered, to make it much more appealing.

Attractive landscaping at the entrance now invites people to detour a short distance off the cart path and explore the island:

New entrance to the island; note the low lake level in the background.  (8-23-18)

While the lake was lowered in early spring, a new stone bridge wide enough to accommodate golf carts was built over the narrow channel separating it from the land:

Under construction while no water was in the channel  (3-20-18)

I couldn't resist taking the next picture as I was walking to the finish of the July 4th parade and saw these colorful chairs at the end of the new bridge to Spyglass Island.

Nearby residents put them out to hold their spot for that evening's fireworks display across the lake:

They weren't about to miss that spectacle even if the water in the lake was low!

Here's a picture after the bridge was finished and the lake was full again:

Practical and attractive end result  (10-24-18)

On the island itself a small cart parking area was built at the end of the bridge, lots of underbrush was cleared beneath the tall trees, a loop trail was graded around the perimeter, and picnic tables and trash cans were added.

The trail is still a little rough but it's more defined and I'm able to ride my cyclocross bike around the island now, as well as add some distance there when walking.

DRAKE FIELD

One quarter of the land in Peachtree City has been set aside for green and blue spaces (grass, trees, water). In addition to several large natural areas, numerous ponds and city parks dot the landscape.

The most centrally located park is Drake Field, a flat grassy peninsula that juts out into the northern end of Lake Peachtree below city hall and the library. It has always been a scenic gathering place for residents and a good site for various events, but now it's even better after the completion of a lighted, paved walkway, the addition of more wooden benches and swings near the water, and a handsome new wooden pavilion that was dedicated at the Night Market in October:

Night Market 10-13-18 before it got dark; about 75 vendors
and food trucks participated, as well as several bands.

This wide-angle view doesn't show the whole park.  (10-15-18)

Like the spillway project, I followed the progress on the pavilion and pathway as they were being constructed while I was out on walks or riding my bike:

Above (7-15-18) and below (7-26-18): pavilion going up but concrete path not built yet;
the poles and lights were there to illuminate vendors' booths at the July Night Market.

More mulch and sod was added right before the October 13 Night Market, the event that drew such a large crowd to hear the live musicians, purchase arts and crafts and food for sale, and just hang out with friends.

Even though the lake wasn't quite at full pond yet that evening, there was enough water in it to justify a big celebration. Everyone who lives here really missed that lake!

The next five photos show the park in November after the lake was completely full:

 

 

 

CONTINUAL CITY IMPROVEMENTS

There have been other major projects in Peachtree City this year, too, including repaving the main east-west route through town (GA 54), which snarled traffic for several months -- another good reason to travel via golf cart when feasible.

Fortunately, that project is done except for timing the lights more efficiently again. The cart paths are also being continually repaved as sections deteriorate, but that affects only one segment at a time. The only times and places there are traffic jams on the cart paths are near schools at the beginning and end of the day and before/after large events like parades and the Night Market.

The city's most upscale shopping center, The Avenue, has also had a bit of a facelift and at least one business location has changed hands.

The downside for us is that our favorite local Thai restaurant was replaced recently by the Highland Bakery & Kitchen, a popular franchise in metro Atlanta. We don't eat out very frequently but will check it out one of these days.

We did find another Thai restaurant (Charm Thai) that is even closer to our house and it has excellent food at reasonable prices; we have lunch there about once a month and can enthusiastically recommend it. 

There is also a big proposed city center redevelopment project for Aberdeen Village Center, the city's original shopping center. Since it's about 60 years old, various mixed-use proposals are now being considered by the mayor and city council to significantly update this area and others in Peachtree City.

It will be interesting to watch how PTC is gradually made even more unique than it already is.

Next entry:  we've been busy at our place, too -- landscape additions and updates (lots of flower pictures!!)

Happy trails,

Sue
"Runtrails & Company" - Sue Norwood, Jim O'Neil, Cody, Casey, and Holly-pup

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© 2018 Sue Norwood and Jim O'Neil