City officials in Atlanta have announced a revitalization of the Memorial Drive Greenway initiative, a project that has remained dormant for years. This effort aims to enhance the underutilized area between Oakland Cemetery and downtown Atlanta into a lush, linear park.
The roots of the Memorial Drive Greenway date back to 2001, beginning with initial studies and land acquisitions. After a lengthy pause in progress, the 2016 Memorial Drive Vision Plan redefined the project, envisaging a beautified greenspace that would complement private investment in the area. Despite the promising plans, progress stalled, leaving the project mostly inactive until now.
Today, the Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation is kickstarting a new design phase for the Greenway in collaboration with Pond & Company, a planning and landscape design firm based in Peachtree Corners. This firm has been involved in various significant projects, including the Beltline’s Enota Park development and pedestrian upgrades in Buckhead.
The revival comes at a crucial time as the downtown Stitch project, aimed at putting a cap over a highway, has seen a substantial loss in its funding. This project was stripped of over $150 million allocated by the Biden administration for its first phase. However, leadership from the Stitch project maintain hopes of finding alternative funding to sustain their vision.
The Greenway project seeks to transform a half-mile stretch of land encompassing 8.5 acres into a vibrant linear park that is both accessible and inviting. This area is bordered to the south by Memorial Drive and to the north by Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, and aims to link residents with nature in an increasingly urban environment.
The first phase of this initiative will be concentrated on gathering public feedback and developing schematic designs that will guide the park’s full length. Following public engagement, the city plans to finalize designs, secure necessary permits, and initiate construction on one of the seven city-owned blocks identified for the Greenway.
Interestingly, the initial plans for a “cap park” to create a greenspace over the downtown Connector will not be part of this first phase. City officials noted that the focus will be on manageable steps to bring the project to fruition.
City officials have heralded the start of this collaborative process as a significant milestone for the community. The 2016 vision plan will act as a foundational guide in amending the designs, ensuring that the project retains its original intent while adapting to modern needs.
Sustainable practices will be integrated into the park’s design, incorporating strategies aimed at enhancing biodiversity and promoting public health through native plantings and effective stormwater management. This commitment to sustainability reflects a broader trend in urban planning that prioritizes eco-friendly solutions.
Looking ahead, the design phase will launch a public engagement process in August, allowing community members and stakeholders to contribute feedback and ideas. Updates regarding the entire process will be shared on the city’s Parks and Recreation website as the initiative unfolds.
Funding for this design phase comprises $560,037 from discretionary funds allocated by City Council District 5 through the Moving Atlanta Forward bond, alongside $500,000 from the Parks and Recreation department’s fiscal-year Park Improvement Fund.
In support of this collaborative effort, partners involved in the project include Mailchimp cofounder Dan Kurzius, The Integral Group, The Conservation Fund, Park Pride, and the Friends of Memorial Drive Greenway.
Mayor Andre Dickens expressed his enthusiasm for the Greenway by stating, “Every neighborhood deserves access to quality parks and greenspace, and I am eager to see this project through.” Similarly, Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari emphasized the transformative potential of the infrastructure, describing it as inclusive and innovative, designed to serve the community for years to come.
For those interested in a detailed look at the finalized plans from 2016, visual resources are available for closer examination.
image source from：atlanta
