City of Watkinsville Announces Grand Opening of Thomas Farm Preserve
The City of Watkinsville is thrilled to announce the grand opening of Thomas Farm Preserve on Saturday, December 14, 2024, a transformative addition to the city’s green spaces and a landmark moment in the preservation of Oconee County landscapes. The preserve secures the largest undeveloped parcel within the city—the historic 100-acre Thomas family farm—and ensures it remains a sanctuary for nature and community enjoyment for generations to come.
Opening Day Details:
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Location: Thomas Farm Preserve, 73 Simonton Bridge Road, Watkinsville, GA Schedule of Events:
• 7:30 a.m. – Park Opens
• 9:00 a.m. – Inaugural Group Run Led by UGA Track Alumni Wesley John
• 9:00 a.m. – Java Joy On Site with Coffee and Hugs
• 10:30 a.m. – “Leash Cutting” Ceremony at Dog Park
• 11:30 a.m. – Park Dedication, Ribbon Cutting, and Recognitions
• 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Chick-Fil-A On Site
• 2:00 p.m. – Organized Mountain Bike Ride led by Local Rider Rob Simpson
• 4:00 p.m. – Trail Hike with Naturalist Gary Crider
Located at 73 Simonton Bridge Road, the Thomas property includes over 60 acres of open pasture, 33 acres of pristine woodlands, two picturesque ponds totaling five acres, and more than one-third of a mile of frontage along Calls Creek. The city has installed one mile of paved wheelchair accessible 10’ wide paths around the two ponds, more than two miles of crushed gravel paths through pastures and woods, and 2.3 miles of backcountry biking and hiking trails that run along the property boundary lines. Two gravel parking lots have also been added as well as a public bathroom. A 30-foot by 30-foot pavilion will be constructed in the first quarter of 2025.
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