Duck River Gets Easier Access with New Family-Friendly Float Route

Issue #574

October 04, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly sunny w/ High of 83, low of 58

🛶 Duck River Gets Easier Access with New Family-Friendly Float Route

📰 CPWS Extends Mount Pleasant Water Agreement to 2027

🗓 List of Upcoming Events
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Duck River Gets Easier Access with New Family-Friendly Float Route

The City of Columbia officially celebrated the opening of two new paddle craft access points along the Duck River with a ribbon cutting ceremony at Riverwalk Park on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.

The project, funded through a $200,000 State Tourism Enhancement Grant with matching contributions from the State of Tennessee and the City of Columbia, was designed to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and create easier access to one of the community’s most treasured natural assets.

“Outdoor recreation is essential to building a healthy, connected community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Mack Reagan. “These new access points give our residents and visitors more opportunities to enjoy the Duck River, stay active, and experience the natural beauty that makes Columbia special.”

The new facilities include two designated paddle craft launches, one located near the Columbia Dam and another under the 5th Street Bridge inside Riverwalk Park. Together, the access points form a convenient thirty-minute float route, offering a family-friendly way to experience the Duck River without committing to a full-day trip.

Mayor Chaz Molder highlighted the importance of the river to Columbia’s identity. “The Duck River is one of the most biodiverse rivers in North America, and it’s right here in Columbia’s backyard,” said Molder. “These access points give us a new way to connect with the river and showcase the importance of preserving and celebrating this incredible re-source. I am proud of the vision that brought this project to life, the latest example in our efforts to make Columbia the best place in America to live, work and raise a family.”

Columbia City Manager Tony Massey emphasized the importance of long-term planning. “The Duck River has always been one of our greatest natural treasures,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “This paddle craft launch is a great way for our citizens to enjoy that treasure.”

The ribbon cutting ceremony drew community members, local officials, and representatives from the State of Tennessee to Riverwalk Park, where brief remarks were followed by the ceremonial ribbon cutting and a demonstration of the new launches.

The City of Columbia continues to prioritize investments in parks, recreation, and natural resources as part of its broader vision to make Columbia one of the most livable and family-friendly communities in the state.

CPWS Extends Mount Pleasant Water Agreement to 2027

Columbia Power & Water Systems has voted unanimously to extend its partnership with Mount Pleasant Water for another 24 months. The agreement, first signed in 2023, secures the daily delivery of 100,000 gallons of water, with the option to provide more as needed. It now runs through October 1, 2027, ensuring uninterrupted service for Mount Pleasant residents.

Both utilities have worked together to improve efficiency, reducing water loss in Mount Pleasant by as much as 10% in recent months. CPWS leaders emphasized that the renewed agreement demonstrates their commitment to being a strong regional partner and supporting neighboring communities when needed.

The board also approved demolition of the American Legion Post 19 building on Nashville Highway, located next to the current Water Treatment Facility. Clearing the property is necessary to prepare for a planned 12-million-gallon-per-day treatment facility, part of CPWS’s long-term water supply project connected to the downstream intake in Williamsport.

CPWS officials noted that while the American Legion building once played an important role for the community, its upkeep had become too costly. Repurposing the site will allow it to continue serving the public by supporting future water needs in Columbia and Maury County. Demolition and site abatement are expected to begin within the next few weeks under project contractor Brasfield and Gorrie.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, October 4th

Sunday, October 5th

Monday, October 6th

Tuesday, October 7th

Wednesday, October 8th

  • Vet2Vet Meet Up at McCreary’s - 5:30 - 7:00 PM

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Oct 11: Columbia Fall Fest
Oct 11: Whole Hog Festival

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, October 4th

Crossbridges, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
Andy Ross Band, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4:00 PM
Bethany Trainer, Buck & Board, 5:00 – 8:00 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Rett Stocstill & The Ministry of Fun, Twisted Copper Brewing Company, 7:00 – 10:00 PM
The Heels, Puckett’s, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Fall Series, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM

Sunday, October 5th

Braise Killen, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1:00 – 5:00 PM

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