River Walk construction continues
Anna Mitchell Sentinel Writer

Photo by Phil Mattox CONSTRUCTION: When all 7 phases of construction are complete, the approximate 3-mile trail will provide many benefits to the community.

Summer is an ideal time to enjoy all that the town of Murphy has to offer. One main attraction that is both inviting and good for your health is the Murphy River Walk. Opened in 2003, the River Walk winds through Konehete Park behind the Hiawassee Pool and Wellness Center all the way up to the Health Department. The trail is far from being completed, and with the continued support of volunteer help and donations, the Murphy River Walk will show more of Murphy's scenic beauty.

The master plan for the River Walk envisions a three-mile heritage trail that follows the Hiawassee and Valley River. The trail will meet and surround the historic town center of Murphy, the Cherokee County seat. The trail was initiated as a multi-phase project. It has completed its third phase, and the fourth phase is well on its way.

In July of 2002, the Mayor and

Town Council of Murphy formally

endorsed the River Walk project. On January 6, 2003 the Cherokee County Board of Commissioners also endorsed the trail. Phase one opened in the fall of 2003, and a master plan for its future phases was completed by the fall of 2004. Phase two was constructed and opened for use in January 2005.

When all 7 phases of construction are complete, the approximate 3-mile trail will provide many benefits to the community. The River Walk will promote health and provide recreational enhancements to Konehete Park and the new pool and wellness center. The River Walk also has the potential for economic renewal stimulus. It will undoubtedly help in the attraction of new business and industry to the community. The trail will endorse environmental conservation and cultural and historic preservation. The River Walk will also enhance native plant and wildlife education. "We hope to have the River Walk go through Konehete Park all the way to the old train depot. It should provide attraction for exercise and seeing different plants, trees, and wildlife," said project manager Edwin Manchester.

The River Walk is now beginning construction below the Health Department at a location known as the "leech place." In a Cherokee legend, the leech place was a part of the Hiawassee River where a monster would rise from the water to pinch the noses of naughty boys and girls. The leech place is a particularly beautiful part of the river area and rarely seen because of plant overgrowth. The River Walk will open up this section and allow the public to enjoy a part of the river that was impossible to enjoy before.

Another exciting aspect of the "leech place" are the improvements being made by a Boy Scout. Seventeen-year-old Adam Manchester, grandson of the River Walk project manager Edwin Manchester, is making two benches and a swing for the River Walk as part of his requirements for the Eagle Scout award. The swing and benches will be placed near the "leech place" and will add to the attraction of the River Walk. For this prestigious Eagle Scout honor, Adam must clean up around the area and is also required to find volunteers to help with the placement of the benches and swings. He needs donated money for materials and is in the process of recruiting these funds.

The River Walk makes the most of the beautiful area we know as Murphy. Already a success, the River Walk will undoubtedly be a wonderful way to view our town upon completion. The Heritage Partners monthly meetings are the 3rd Thursdays of each month and are from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Murphy Power Board Conference Room at City Hall on Peachtree Street. You can call Barbara Hughes for more information at 837-6821.