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COMMUNITY CONNECTING A THE BRASELTON LIFEPATH

from Gwinnett Chamber's Cities Guide • 2023 Edition

from Gwinnett Chamber's Cities Guide • 2023 Edition, page 81

PERMANENT COLLECTION A Glimpse...

Fifty-six Braselton property owners have committed themselves to being firestarters of business and community improvement. By opting to invest a little extra money back into the community, businesses can become a part of a unique public-private partnership within the Braselton Community Improvement District (CID).

Pristine highways, abundant sidewalks and trails and an overarching sense of community are some indicators that a CID may have played a hand in a region’s development efforts. CIDs across the state work to provide additional amenities and facilities to area residents and business owners while generating economic development within the district. Braselton’s CID, however, is uniquely positioned as one of the smallest in Gwinnett and the only in the State of Georgia to serve three different counties: Gwinnett, Barrow and Hall.

Amidst a series of efforts to improve transportation and increase walkability in the region emerged the Braselton LifePath, brainchild of Scott Snedecor, Chair and Founder of the Braselton CID.

Rising Walkability and Cart-ability

Scott had a vision for a community connected by foot, wheelchair, golf cart or other. Instead of a traditional sidewalk, the Braselton LifePath is a nine-mile, 10-foot-wide concrete walkway designed to accommodate a variety of transportation including golf carts, wheelchairs and non-motorized vehicles – all of which are far better suited for convenience and sustainability than cars.

The LifePath spans over half of Braselton, connecting all CID businesses and the surrounding residents. The path meanders through six centers of commerce including Liberty Village, Mulberry Walk, Plaza 211, Mulberry Place, Mulberry Centre and Stone Crossing. By capitalizing on myriad golf cart communities in and around Braselton, the LifePath works to decrease traffic and the region’s carbon footprint while bringing residents from across town to the doorsteps of over 100 local businesses.

A Path for the People

While the LifePath is predominantly a place for locals to exercise and socialize, the Town of Braselton has found an unprecedented use for the trail: PathFest. What was once the Paddy’s Day PathFest, PathFest now happens twice a year thanks to its popularity among residents. During the weekends of St. Patrick’s Day and Halloween, every member of the Braselton community, golf cart or not, is invited to take part in a town-wide parade. Those with golf carts turn them into parade floats and join the brigade down the LifePath, while those without join the fun by catching goodies on the sidelines. After the parade, families can embark on the PathQuest, a scavenger hunt in participating businesses.

The Town and other area organizations also promote health, wellness and community relations through other events hosted along the LifePath like walks, 5Ks and outdoor fitness classes. With infinite uses, the CID’s investment in the path pays for itself tenfold. Its presence serves as a constant reminder of healthy living and social connectivity, making it indispensable.

Miles to Go

The creation of the LifePath eventually sparked a greater, deeper movement toward a blaring future of connectivity in Braselton. With the addition of the trail came endless opportunities for expansion, sparking discussion of a trail network that could extend to every corner of the Town.

Last year, the Town worked to create a comprehensive connection plan, making long-term use of the LifePath and enhancing transportation throughout Braselton with the Gainesville-Hall Metropolitan Planning Organization (GHMPO). The plan is already making progress, starting with the highly anticipated Highway 211 widening and Braselton Parkway Extension.

At this rate, Braselton residents will soon be spending more and more time on golf carts, bikes and feet and far less time idling in rush hour traffic.