Dunwoody breaks ground on Ashford Dunwoody Path

Phase 1 of the Ashford Dunwoody Path will run in front of Perimeter Mall, improving connectivity and walkability in Dunwoody’s Perimeter Center.

Dunwoody, GA – March 8, 2023– The City of Dunwoody and Perimeter Community Improvement Districts (PCIDs) will break ground on Phase 1 of the Ashford Dunwoody Path in front of Perimeter Mall at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, March 14. Dunwoody City Council Members and City staff will join PCIDs Board Members, plus representatives of Discover Dunwoody and Perimeter Mall, to kick off the project along the stretch of the path near Hammond Drive.

“We’ve spent several years gathering public input and planning for this project, so we’re excited to get started,” said Dunwoody City Manager Eric Linton. “This path supports the City Council’s goal of promoting connectivity and walkability, especially in Dunwoody’s Perimeter Center.”

Phase 1 will include a two-way, raised bicycle path (also known as a cycle track), a wider sidewalk, new pedestrian streetlights, and landscaping along Ashford Dunwoody Road in front of Perimeter Mall from Hammond Drive north to Perimeter Center West, where it will connect with a section that has already been built in front of the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar. The developer built this part of the path last year as part of its rezoning agreement.

The cycle track will be separated from the roadway by a wide landscape buffer. Most of the existing trees will be retained, and new oak trees will be planted to replace the oak trees that require removal for the project. 

“The PCIDs is thrilled to partner with the City of Dunwoody to construct this key section of the trail fronting Perimeter Mall,” said Ann Hanlon, PCIDs Executive Director. “We are thankful to Brookfield Properties, which owns the mall, for management’s commitment to working with our team over the past five years to finally get this project underway. This will provide greater pedestrian safety and walkability options along this busy corridor.”

This project is included in the City’s transportation plan and aligns with the current draft of the Dunwoody Trail Master Plan, which is being developed in partnership with the PATH Foundation. Most of the $1.5 million construction cost will be split 50/50 between the City and PCIDs. Decorative pavers, posts, benches, and trash cans will be fully funded by PCIDs. The City’s share of the cost will be funded through hotel/motel taxes.

The Ashford Dunwoody Path has been split into phases for funding purposes. Future phases of the project will connect north to Mt. Vernon Road. This stretch of the path includes another recently-completed section in front of Perimeter Marketplace between Meadow Lane Road and Ashwood Parkway. This section was also built by the developer.