Current Activities: 

(July 2025) The project is substantially complete.  

(June 2025) The last 40 feet of boardwalk will be completed in June at which time the project will be substantially complete. 

(May 2025) Restoration of the mainstream channel has been completed. The last tributary channel will be restored when the boardwalk construction is nearing completion.  Approximately half of the boardwalk has been completed. 

(March 2025) Fifty-six piles have been installed for the boardwalk and deck construction has begun. 

(February 2025) Starting later this week, construction at the Dunwoody Nature Center will enter an important new phase! Using a pile-boring machine, contractors will begin driving timber piles (vertical columns) to support the new boardwalk. This work will generate intermittent noise and vibrations during daytime hours, and it’s expected to take up to six weeks. We appreciate your patience as we make progress on this vital wetland and boardwalk improvement project.

City of Dunwoody Stormwater Capital Projects Manager Javier Sayago gives a tour of the project's progress.

Click here to watch

The project involves many stream, wetland, and boardwalk improvements along Wildcat Creek within the Dunwoody Nature Center property. Environmental benefits of the project include increased habitat for wildlife and improved water quality by stabilizing streambanks and by restoring the natural functions of wetland areas adjacent to the stream. 

Visitors will also benefit from the redesign and extension of the existing boardwalk. The new and improved boardwalk will provide the ideal platform for students and visitors to observe Dunwoody’s aquatic resources.

Construction began in late 2024 and last for approximately six months.

Stream Restoration and Bank Stabilization

Stabilization will require installation of a rock toe, reconfiguration of existing in-stream structures, installation of a log vane to redirect flow, and bank grading. The project also includes the removal of invasive plant species from existing wetlands, installation of bat boxes, and planting native vegetation to support the restoration of the native forested wetland habitat.

The project is being funded through the City's Stormwater Reserve and an EPD 319(h) Grant of $600,000. Total construction is expected to cost $1.72 million. The project will improve 274 feet of stream, restore wetland function, and involve the installation of an 800-foot boardwalk with outdoor classrooms.

Click here or on the image provided to see the boardwalk concept.

Boardwalk Redesign

• ADA Access
• Connection to Playgrounds
• 8-feet wide
• Seating
• Stream Access
• Outdoor Classroom
• Observation Decks
• Increased height to avoid flooding

Click here or on the image below to see the boardwalk layout plan.