UGA Environment and Design Students Present Research on Prater’s Mill

On Monday, July 9^th, University of Georgia Environment and Design students Nick Patrick, David Lucey, Drew Cutright, and Rachel Johnson presented their research on Prater’s Mill to the Whitfield County Commissioners, the Prater’s Mill Foundation, and other interested residents. The students' goal was to encourage the recreational use of Prater’s Mill while still maintaining the site's historical integrity. Nick Patrick began the presentation by explaining the history and background of Prater’s Mill.  He then described some maintenance issues and concerns, which are extensively addressed in the historic structures report he has prepared over the past several months.


UGA students from left to right: Drew Cutright, David Lucey, Nick Patrick and Rachel Johnson

David Lucey and Drew Cutright proceeded to share potential recreational uses of Prater’s Mill and how to attract members of the public to the site. The team had several great ideas on how to expand the site's activities and still keep its historical essence. One of the ideas included a do it yourself interpretive trail. This allows people to hike/bike the trails at Prater’s Mill while also learning about the site's historical background. Some profit-making ideas included repurposing the country store into a café with a playground attached, providing put-ins and rentals so that people can kayak or tube down the portion of the Conasauga River that runs through the property, and planting fruit plants and producing and selling jellies and jams.              
The Whitfield County Commissioners and the Prater's Mill Foundation will consider the students' work over the next several months and will work with the University of Georgia to determine next steps.  


Representatives from Prater's Mill and students pose for a photo.

For more information view the Dalton Daily Citizen’s article at: http://daltondailycitizen.com/local/x694485578/Student-researchers-suggest-renovations-country-store-for-Prater-s-Mill
You can also check out the following editorial:

http://daltondailycitizen.com/opinion/x333934442/Prater-s-Mill-plan-deserves-attention