Site visit spurred selection of “The Forge” on the Riverwalk

A year ago, City of Augusta leaders wanted to see what the Riverwalk’s future would look like. It was decided a small investment of time and money was good business when taxpayer funds were on the line. So, they traveled to the Midwest and eyeballed an Outdoor Adventure Center. It’s one managed by the same group that is contracted to design, build, and operate Augusta’s version at the Freedom Center Bridge.

Based on recommendations after the site visit, City of Augusta commissioners voted on July 22, 2025, to greenlight an agreement with The Forge LLC to build a nearly $3 million facility to enhance the quality of life on Augusta’s Riverwalk.

The goal is for the center to be open in the Spring of 2026, pending approval by the Army Corps of Engineers. Most of the money will come from funds raised through SPLOST 8 (Special Purpose Local Sales Tax).

A five-person delegation of downtown Augusta business leaders visited The Forge, an existing Outdoor Urban Adventure Center in Lemont, Illinois, in July 2024. It is the prototype for what CSRA families would enjoy.

“They exceeded our expectations,” said Derek May, a member of the executive committee of Destination Augusta, formerly the Augusta Convention and Visitors Bureau. He was joined in Illinois (photo above from left to right) by Bennish Brown and Jennifer Bowen from Destination Augusta, along with Ron Lampkin from the City of Augusta, and Margaret Woodard of the Downtown Development Authority (not pictured).

“We were blown away by the professionalism of the venue; everything was absolutely first class. Seeing all the kids and adults having such a great time had us imagining the same on our Riverwalk,” added May.

Photo of “The Forge” zipline in Lemont, Illinois. Provided by Destination Augusta

Some of the highlights of the construction of the park at the site of the former 5th Street Bridge include an illuminated, eight-story climbing and zipline tower, a two-story climbing challenge course, and an observation deck accommodating up to 100 people. There will also be a geodome, which can be rented for private events.

At the ground level, there will be a location offering food and beverages and public restrooms. It also incorporates direct access to the river with some boat rentals.

Please click HERE to see renderings of what Augusta’s Adventure will look like, as well as Dana Lynn’s comprehensive story after July 8th’s Destination Augusta presentation to City of Augusta commissioners.

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