City of Stonecrest breaks ground on $3M Panola Shoals restoration project

STONECREST, GA– The City of Stonecrest broke ground Jan. 3 on the Panola Shoals Restoration Project, marking a monumental investment in preserving natural resources, enhancing outdoor recreation and promoting community health.

The $3 million project at 4460 Panola Rd. will stabilize and restore the South River streambank at Panola Shoals. Plans include building a more than 750-foot gravity block retaining wall, a two-tiered boulder retaining wall and a concrete access drive. Improvements will also include upgraded pedestrian pathways, native plantings to stabilize the soil and an irrigation system to support landscaping along the restored area.

“This project is a testament to our commitment to enhancing Stonecrest’s natural beauty and creating spaces where residents and tourists can thrive,” said Mayor Jazzmin Cobble. “By addressing erosion and improving access, we’re preserving our environment and fostering outdoor activities that support good health and wellness while also creating an economic boom for the city.”

The restoration project will also create a safer, more accessible entry point for recreational activities, making the area a regional, national, and international hub for outdoor adventure, officials say. Once completed, the project will allow water enthusiasts to enjoy float trips — kayaking, tubing, and canoeing — from Panola Shoals to Everett Park. More advanced paddlers could take the 40-mile float trip to Lake Jackson where the river terminates.

“This initiative benefits not only Stonecrest but the entire region,” said City Manager Gia Scruggs. “Panola Shoals will become a destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts, while also supporting healthier lifestyles through recreational opportunities.”

Director of Parks and Recreation Kelly Ledbetter highlighted the broader impact of the project as well.

“A goal of the Department Parks and Recreation is to diversify our offerings to create more opportunities for residents to keep moving and stay active,” said Ledbetter. “The Panola Shoals Restoration Project will transform the South River area and create unique opportunities for residents to pick up a new hobby or sport to maintain good health, socialize, and have fun.”

The Panola Shoals Restoration Project is expected to be completed in 2026.