Graze on the greenway

Oconee Greenway offers aquatic activities  and grassy lawns for the community to enjoy

The Oconee Greenway, just outside of downtown Milledgeville, is a park dedicated to being a family-friendly outdoor environment, an outdoor community and a preserve for historical sites. It has access to most outdoor activities. There are picnic tables, a multi-use loop trail, a boat dock, a large activity field and fishing access.

Sam Ovett, a sophomore biology major, is a frequent kayaker at the Oconee Greenway.

“It draws all sorts of people,” Ovett said. “Students, families, older folks that use it stay healthy, and students at GMC use it for training.” Ovett uses the Oconee Greenway as a place to run and kayak.

“There is a class two rapid there that is pretty fun to paddle,” said Ovett.

There are multiple places where kayaks can be put in, and there is a boat ramp for bigger boats. There is flat-water kayaking and canoeing available, as well as the single rapid, available to all users of the Oconee Greenway. Sophomore French major Kate Lewkowicz appreciates the Oconee Greenway for its proximity.

“It is convenient, you do not have to drive forever to get there,” Lewkowicz said. “I have been kayaking for five years and it is nice to get workouts here that are not five hours away.”

The Oconee Greenway does not only have water attractions but also offers numerous spots where one can sit outside and enjoy the weather. There is a wooden overlook of the river, which has a peaceful view of a large bend of the Oconee River. The main activity field is perfect for studying in the sunlight or for sitting against a tree while reading a novel in the shade.

“It is a great place to go and just relax,” said Andrew Colby Burton, a senior English major. “I didn’t go until my senior year, and I wish I had found out about it a lot sooner than I did.”

The Oconee Greenway has a multi-use trail filled with structures used by Georgia Military College and others for training. Fishing on the Oconee River is also a big use of the Oconee Greenway. There are opportunities for all types of anglers, from skilled fly fisherman to casual bank fishers. Parents are commonly there teaching the younger ones how to fish. According to the Oconee Greenway’s website, it was established July 2002 and is maintained by the Oconee River Greenway Authority. Sites, such as the

bridge Sherman burned on his March to the Sea, Ft. Wilkinson and Post Revolutionary War and Civil War Sites, have been protected by the ORGA.

The Oconee Greenway is a great resource for outdoor enthusiasts and is a convenient way for GCSU students to access the Oconee River, a great place to relax, and the multiple trails that are offered.

Posted by MarkWatkins on Oct 22 2010. Filed under Close Up, Special Sections. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.