As election season approaches in Atlanta, key city leaders are stepping down, leaving behind a legacy intertwined with the city’s greenspaces.
This November, Atlanta will witness a reshuffling in its political landscape, with elections for the City Council President and all City Council seats, along with other significant positions such as Mayor, School Board members, Municipal Court Judges, and the Public Service Commission.
Three prominent city figures have chosen not to seek re-election: City Council President Doug Shipman, District 2 Councilmember Amir Farokhi, and District 7 Councilmember Howard Shook.
In a series of reflective conversations held in preferred parks, these leaders shared insights into their time in office and their commitment to enhancing Atlanta’s parks and public spaces.
Doug Shipman, the current City Council President who served one term, holds a deep personal connection to parks, especially Freedom Park, which he frequented for physical activities and family outings.
His daily interactions with this greenspace have shaped his understanding of the vital role parks serve in the fabric of urban life.
“Different parks serve different specific roles based on the neighborhood character, and that’s really special,” Shipman explained.
He emphasized the importance of park design and programming tailored to community needs, while also stressing the often-overlooked aspect of park maintenance.
Shipman expressed pride in recent advancements in park upkeep, made possible through advocacy efforts that secured a budget increase for park maintenance in 2023.
“When people see parks maintained more, they’re less likely to litter, and they’re more likely to pick up trash,” he noted, highlighting a positive cycle of care that fosters community ownership of public spaces.
One of Shipman’s proudest accomplishments is the city’s acquisition of the Lucinda Bunnen property in Buckhead, which is set to be transformed into a park.
Working alongside Parks Commissioner Justin Cutler and various partners, Shipman is eager to implement features like playgrounds and waste management systems to enhance community access to greenspace.
Shipman also recognizes the urgency of addressing climate challenges facing Atlanta.
“Parks and greenspaces mitigate both [heat and water] threats, and the more greenspace we have, the more heat island effects will be reduced,” he asserted.
Amir Farokhi, the outgoing District 2 Councilmember, has been a strong advocate for greenspaces in the city’s densest areas.
He articulated the essential human need for outdoor experiences amidst the urban environment.
“Parks are the moment where you can take a deep breath and remember you’re human amongst the concrete jungle,” Farokhi remarked.
Amidst his favorite parks, Farokhi highlighted the Historic Fourth Ward Park, which he believes exemplifies what a successful community park can be—featuring various facilities that cater to diverse outdoor interests.
The development and enhancement of parks, according to Farokhi, are community endeavors requiring collaboration among numerous stakeholders.
“Successful parks are a community exercise between conservancies, groups like Park Pride, the City, and individual neighborhood groups,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging that some parks struggle without such backing, he praised the positive impact organizations like Park Pride have had on nurturing vibrant park spaces.
“If we look back at all the things Park Pride has helped make happen in the city, it would be gargantuan,” Farokhi noted, reinforcing his belief that collaboration is at the heart of urban park development.
District 7 Councilmember Howard Shook, the longest-serving member of the City Council since 2001, has also played a pivotal role in advocating for greenspaces in his district.
Recognizing that his area had been under-resourced in terms of parks, Shook took action early in his term to address the imbalance in greenspace availability.
“I said, ‘This is a huge hole in our otherwise glittering portfolio. Are we okay with that, or do we want to do something about it?’ The resounding answer was, ‘Let’s go,'” he recalled.
Shook is particularly proud of his role in the establishment of Little Nancy Creek Park, a five-acre property featuring amenities such as playgrounds, community gardens, and walking trails.
He credited advocacy efforts and community engagement as crucial to the park’s realization, overcoming challenges posed by developers seeking to transform the land.
“I had to fight really hard to talk the City into buying the land. I said, ‘Deal,'” Shook recalled, displaying his dedication to preserving greenspace for future generations.
As Shook prepares to leave his council seat, he took a moment to appreciate the natural beauty of Little Nancy Creek Park, remarking on the sight of a great blue heron near the creek.
The reflections of these city leaders underscore the significance of parks in Atlanta’s urban environment and the personal connections that inspire their commitment to enhancing these communal spaces.
For deeper insights into their experiences and perspectives on greenspace development in Atlanta, full-length interviews are available on Park Pride’s website.
As the city enters this critical election season, the work of these leaders serves as a reminder of the ongoing importance of parks and green infrastructure in fostering a healthy, vibrant community.
image source from：saportareport
