Rome’s River District: A new creative district breathes new life into Rome’s blossoming downtown economy
The River District is a downtown adjacent area of opportunity that is carved both by the confluence of two rivers in the heart of Rome, and a 15-mile waterfront greenway system. Through a public/private partnership model, Rome is transforming the existing right-of-ways to create a hub for pedestrian oriented development that acts as a catalyst for private development.
Rome Transit System Study: New study revives Rome’s historic commitment to its transportation system.
The City of Rome started its transit system in 1961 making it the first non-urban system to operate in the State of Georgia, and with this update, the city proves public transportation is not only a part of its past, but also vital to its future. The purpose of this study is to address system wide delays, and outdated transit operations. The study looked specifically at the main line services, analyzing ridership, reliability, and system wide stop safety analysis for each stop.
Rome Returns to its origins: With the rediscovery of its Rivers, through a blueway trail system, and a new blueway park.
With a rebranding of its rivers, Rome is reestablishing itself as a river city hub of commerce and recreation. The blueway park will be home to a state of the art community boathouse, and to primitive blueway campgrounds. The park’s site plan also includes low impact trails, and an ecological stewardship program to return 18 acres of fields to its natural ridge and valley meadow environment.
Rome partners with local arts organization: to promote performing arts and to enhance its
greenways
The Rome Area Council for the Arts has received a one hundred thousand dollar grant to help with construction of an amphitheater. The organization reached out to the City of Rome for assistance with placement, design, and planning of the new amphitheater. The site chosen is where the trail system bends between the Oostanala River and the Sara Hightower Public Library. The site's topography is ideal for an amphitheater and the site is downtown adjacent.
Rome takes a pet friendly approach to livability
Dog parks are a great way to build a sense of community while providing support to existing quality of life infrastructure. Three site plans have been developed for various locations in the city. Each site provides its own intrinsic opportunities and challenges, but all three sites are supported by the same trail system.
Public art highlights the success of Rome's urban core
As Rome's tourist economy continues to grow, and downtown's occupancy rates hits an all time high, there is a true sense of place in Rome's Urban Core. Public art is increasingly complementing that sense of place through several different programs. Rome has brought together local artists, volunteers, and city leaders to collaborate on public art in the community.
Montgomery Partners with Trails group: to turn underutilized land into one of the city's most popular public parks
The 165 acres of land adjacent to Lagoon Park is now the park's newest draw. The park now features more than 15 miles of trails providing adventure and access to meadows, old growth pines, wetlands, and streams.
