Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, formerly known as Westside Park, is fast becoming a vibrant hub for residents in Atlanta’s Westside, offering a lush escape reminiscent of popular beach destinations such as Venice Beach or Miami.
Located in an area known for its engaging family activities, the park spans nearly 300 acres and has been celebrated as the largest greenspace in Atlanta since the completion of its first phase in 2021.
The park’s development was a much-anticipated milestone for the local community, transforming a long-neglected area into a flourishing public space.
Emerging from its conceptualization nearly twenty years ago, the park raises questions about whether it has successfully fulfilled its potential in serving the community.
A brief look at the origins of this greenspace reveals its historical significance, particularly with the acquisition of Bellwood Quarry during former Mayor Shirley Clarke Franklin’s tenure in 2006.
This quarry is now a vital reservoir, providing over 2 billion gallons of emergency drinking water and significantly improving Atlanta’s water supply security.
Lynette Reid, vice president of planning, engagement, and arts and culture for the Atlanta Beltline, emphasizes the sustainability goals behind the park’s creation.
As a public greenspace in Northwest Atlanta, Westside Park was envisioned to bridge the gap in recreational offerings compared to other parts of the city, particularly during the peaks of the Beltline’s ongoing evolution.
The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, which played a crucial role in financing the park’s development with a generous $17.5 million grant, was instrumental in bringing this vision to life.
With construction efforts led by a powerful drilling machine named “Driller Mike,” the park was created by filling the quarry with water diverted from the Chattahoochee River.
Completing this ambitious project in 2020 left local residents feeling optimistic, especially residents of nearby neighborhoods like Carver Hills, Grove Park, and Rockdale.
Neighborhood leaders, like Torrey Sumlin from NPU-G, reflected positively on the need for a park where community members could walk, play, and gather.
With the park’s establishment and the concurrent development of the Westside Trail and the Westside Beltline Connector, recreational access and community engagement in the area have flourished.
According to a 2024 Trust for Public Land report, proximity to greenspace positively correlates with better mental health and lower rates of physical inactivity.
Amidst recognized inequities in park access, Shirley Clarke Franklin Park aims to address these disparities in traditionally underserved neighborhoods, encouraging community activities like monthly neighbor walks organized by local associations.
Justin Cutler, commissioner of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation, attributes the park’s success to a collaborative approach involving various city departments and community organizations.
As more events have taken place at the park—38 permits approved in 2024 alone—residents have expressed mixed feelings about the frequency of gatherings, with some indicating concerns over park usage saturation.
The popularity of the space has ignited conversations about the impact on local housing affordability, a common issue in neighborhoods that experience revitalization.
City officials, alongside Beltline representatives, are actively ensuring affordable housing measures introduced during the park’s planning continue to be honored.
Among these initiatives, the Westside Affordable Housing Overlay District mandates that developers include a portion of affordable housing in new projects, with specific percentages tied to local income levels.
Additionally, the Atlanta Beltline Legacy Retention Program offers tax subsidies to homeowners who faced escalating property taxes due to rising property values associated with the park.
As the Beltline strives to address the potential displacement of long-term residents, they are working to ensure the park’s benefits extend to all corners of the community.
Looking towards the future, plans for enhancing the park’s amenities are on the horizon, with officials announcing an upcoming bike park set to be developed with the help of an $8-million donation.
The proposed bike park will feature various trails catering to all skill levels, a bike playground for children and beginners, and a gathering area serving as a scenic overlook.
This new project aims to attract biking enthusiasts while enhancing connectivity for neighbors and linking multiple neighborhoods through trails.
Residents like Sumlin have voiced excitement about these developments, highlighting the importance of overall connectivity for improving the local lived experience.
In assessing Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, it is clear that the area continues to evolve as a much-needed resource for the Westside community.
The park stands as a testament both to honoring Atlanta’s history and to adapting to modern needs, with efforts underway to ensure it remains accessible and beneficial for future generations.
As Cutler noted, the park represents a harmonious blend of historical appreciation, contemporary needs, and future aspirations, ensuring it fulfills both community development and sustainability goals.
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