Archway Partnership Brings University of Georgia Students to Dalton-Whitfield for the Summer

Six University of Georgia students have joined the Dalton Whitfield community for the summer to undertake community projects identified by the Archway Partnership Executive Committee.

Barrett Beck, a rising senior majoring in Recreation and Leisure Studies, will spend his summer working with the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department. In this capacity, he will assist the Recreation Department in planning and conducting its summer programming, solving transportation issues, and working on finance issues. In addition, Beck will work with Tom Pinson, Director of the Dalton-Whitfield Community Center, in the formation of a mentorship program for local youth.

“Dalton Parks and Recreation is excited to have our first summer intern provided by the Archway Partnership. Barrett has jumped into the job with both feet and is already making a difference. His experiences this summer will give him a taste of what it takes to run a successful recreation department,” Pinson said.

Five rising seniors in the University of Georgia’s Landscape Architecture program will be assisting the City of Dalton, Whitfield County, Dalton Utilities, and Dalton State College on a number of projects over the summer. These students include Andrew Maxey, Casey Marbutt, Cameron Yates, Kent Mallett, and Ross Tew.

“The interns will aid Dalton State in designing signs and interpretive displays for the recently completed campus hiking trail and in continuing the development of additional hiking trails for our students and the community,” said Dr. John Lugthart, Dalton State College Professor of Biology.

“We are delighted to have the Environment and Design students on campus. This is another opportunity for institutions within the University System of Georgia to work together,” added Dr. John Schwenn, President of Dalton State College and Archway Partnership Executive Committee Co-Chair.

In addition to design work for the trails at Dalton State College, the interns will assist the City of Dalton in designing parks, developing a master plan of the Crown Mill Village, locating the City’s proposed Greenway and trailhead, and locating biking and hiking trails on Mt. Rachel.

“Dalton has traditionally struggled to attract young people and these CED students are going to bring fresh eyes and practical know-how to that problem,” said Ty Ross, City Administrator.

The interns will also be working with Whitfield County to design projects for the Whitfield County Commerce Park, the Whitfield County Westside Park, and the Whitfield County Rocky Face Trail.

 “Whitfield County is looking forward to having the interns focus on top priority projects. The quality of their school portfolios points towards high expectations and the fresh ideas they can bring to project development,” said Bob McLeod, Whitfield County Administrator.

Finally, the interns will be assisting Dalton Utilities on a stream bank restoration project under the supervision of Mark Buckner, Vice President of Water and Wastewater Operations.

"Dalton Utilities is proud to present our Archway Partnership summer intern with a valuable learning experience relating to the design and permitting processes associated with a stream bank restoration project and we look forward to the successful completion of this important project. The project will serve as a lasting memory for the student and our citizens will benefit from the improved water quality derived from this project," Buckner said.

The six interns will be joined later in the summer by University of Georgia photography students who will photograph notable sites and activities in the community. All student projects will be completed by the end of July.

From left to right:  Cameron Yates, Ross Tew, Casey Marbutt, Kent Mallett, Andrew Maxey, and Barrett Beck