What does a skate park, tennis courts and trains have in common? They’re all in one spot in downtown Rockmart, and the addition of a new project announced by the city during their latest council session on May 11.
The city is planning to build a train platform along the tracks crossing Piedmont Avenue, just next to the tennis courts already in place around the Hogue Avenue gym in Rockmart. The project concept is one that has been in review over the past months and is finally coming to a point where the city is ready to move ahead from drawings to real life.
City Clerk Stacey Smith talked about the upcoming project during the management’s update of administration from the month of April. She said the plans are to start fundraising in order to build the structure next to the tracks in between the tennis courts already in place and the line operated by Norfolk Southern.
“We’re waiting to finalize the plans with the hopes that we’ll get started soon,” she said. “I want to add that this project is completely funded by donations from the community. We’ve very excited to partner with our citizens to make this happen.”
The overall idea for the train platform is to provide a space for enthusiasts of train watching or just a quiet place to enjoy the scenic views along the railway in the downtown area.
Rockmart’s train platform is one project idea that has been on the mind in the past months of Council Member Marty Robinson.
He said trips to other platforms in the area – like the one in Rockmart – gave him a great concept to bring to the city as a potential project to undertake. It helps the project has a personal aspect for him as well, since his son Holden is a fan of train watching and the history behind the nation’s more rail-focused past as a main means of transportation across the country.
“It’s also a recognition of the historical significance of how rail impacted the formation and development of the City of Rockmart,” he said. “Our city wouldn’t be what it is today without the railroad having been a big part of our history in decades past.”
He pointed out as well that rail continues to play a major role in the community via regular trains moving through several crossings on tracks operated by Norfolk Southern and CSX, along with the former rail line that now makes up a good portion of the Silver Comet Trail.
Robinson and the city hope the train platform can add another attraction to bring in outside visitors as well, ultimately leading to increased spending in locally-owned restaurants, stores, small business and filling up at the pump before they go home.
More specific drawings and plans will be forthcoming for the project, Smith said.
Those who want to contribute to the train viewing platform can contact the city for more information by calling 770-684-5454.
