Augusta, GA
A sneak peek at zipline, climbing adventure coming to Augusta
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Augusta Commission members on Tuesday got an update on the Outdoor Urban Adventure Center that’s coming to the city.
In 2023, commissioners approved a zipline course as part of the center to be added to the Freedom Bridge at Fifth Street.
Destination Augusta is handling the adventure center, which is being made possible with SPLOST 8 funds.
Destination Augusta said the project will “transform the riverfront with a dramatic eight-story illuminated climbing tower and zipline platform, allowing visitors to soar above the Savannah River.”
Destination Augusta hopes to make it a signature outdoor experience in the region.
Under the proposed agreement, a company known as The Forge would manage operations and programming.
PHOTO GALLERY: OUTDOOR URBAN ADVENTURE CENTER
It would include:
- An eight-story climbing and zipline tower visible in the city skyline.
- A two-story climbing challenge course built above the Freedom Bridge’s existing structure.
- A scenic observation deck accommodating up to 100 people, free to the public during park hours.
- A geodome for orientation, training and private event rentals.
- Food and beverage offerings onsite.
- A fleet of rentable donut boats launching from the Riverwalk Marina.
- A calendar of special events, races and regularly programmed outdoor activities

Looking ahead, the Army Corps of Engineers and city departments will review the plans. Then construction is estimated to take six months.
Jennifer Bowen with Destination Augusta says officials are having conversations about what parking would look like, including about 25 spots in the marina area as well as public parking on Broad Street and in the depot area.
The application and permit process has started, and Bowen asked commissioners to waive any building and permit fees.

She expects the center to be open in spring 2026.
Since commissioners were meeting at the committee level only, they forwarded the matter to next week’s full commission meeting for a vote.
Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
Coroner investigating inmate death from Charles B. Webster Detention Center
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An inmate from the Charles B. Webster Detention Center died Sunday afternoon after being transported to Piedmont Hospital by EMS, officials told us.
On Sunday, July 5, 2026, at approximately 1:52 p.m., deputy jailers at the Charles B. Webster Detention Center responded to an inmate who was found unresponsive inside a cell.
The Coroner’s Office said it responded to Piedmont hospital, and the inmate was pronounced dead at 2:36 p.m.
An autopsy has been scheduled.
The Coroner’s Office said the inmate’s identity will be released after the family is notified.
We also don’t know the cause of death yet. It’s unknown what medical issue led to the transport.
Members of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division responded to the detention center. In accordance with protocol, the scene was secured, and the Georgia Bureau of Investigation was requested to conduct an independent investigation.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
86-year-old Augusta woman dies in Walton Way crash
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – An 86-year-old Augusta woman died after a two-vehicle crash Saturday night at the intersection of Walton Way and 7th Street.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the crash around 9:50 p.m.
A preliminary investigation found a vehicle traveling west on Walton Way attempted to turn left onto 7th Street and entered the path of an eastbound vehicle traveling through the intersection. The two vehicles collided.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Carolyn Fletcher, 86, of Augusta. Fletcher was a passenger in the eastbound vehicle and was taken by EMS to Wellstar MCG Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 10:41 p.m.
An autopsy has been scheduled.
The Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Division is continuing to investigate the crash.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.
Augusta, GA
BREAKING: Parents of missing 4-year-old arrested, child believed to be deceased
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