The ongoing transformation to make Milton City Park and Preserve’s greenspace portion even more natural, beautiful, and accessible has progressed significantly of late – though a few more weeks are needed before the public can safely enjoy it.

Crews have spent months implementing Phase II and Phase III of the community-driven plan for this special 137-acre space in the heart of Milton. They’ve also worked to enhance the Phase I area, which encompasses the previously open nature trail that starts by the Dinsmore Road property’s parking lot, as part of this same project.

These efforts have picked up steam in the last few weeks, with a stepped-up mobilization of equipment and manpower coming in to finish the job.  Numerous trees, shrubs, grasses, perennials, and wildflowers have gone into the ground, many of them along or visible from the soon-to-be extended trail. There have been other late-stage upgrades as well. And all of it has meant a lot more activity, heavy equipment, and reasons to keep the general public away for their own safety. 

This prompted the City to shut down the once-open portion of trail in mid-November. While a lot has happened since, the closure is now expected to extend through the end of January 2026. At that point, the entire, expanded nature trail should open. 

(Why not re-open the “old” component first? Think of it like mopping a floor. You need to finish near the entrance/exit, otherwise you will get boxed in. So crews are doing the further away Phase II and III components first, then working back toward the parking lot/Community Center in the Phase I area.) 

This isn’t just about lengthening the trail and adding vegetation. There will be boardwalks, ponds, even a pier people can fish off – among other new and enhanced features. And that’s not to mention typically less visible, but no less important, stormwater infrastructure elements, habitat restoration efforts, and more. All of this aims to continue Milton City Park and Preserve’s transformation from old golf course to a more natural greenspace. 

This project, including new multi-use path along Dinsmore Road, should be substantially complete by the end of next month. (Note: Weather and other factors could push back this timeline.) At that point, people can enjoy the new and old parts of the trail, even if workers may occasionally be present finish off punch-list tasks. 

Thank you, Milton citizens, for your understanding and patience throughout this entire effort. We cannot wait for people to visit and enjoy this upgraded greenspace in the not-too-distant future.