Atlanta has achieved its best-ever ranking in the Trust for Public Land’s (TPL) annual ParkScore index, coming in at 21st place this year, a notable improvement from last year’s 25th ranking.
This annual index examines park systems across the 100 most populous cities in the United States, providing a valuable resource for local governments and park advocates focused on enhancing urban recreational spaces.
Jay Wozniak, TPL Georgia Urban Parks Program Director, highlights Atlanta as a prime example of how parks unite communities, emphasizing the importance of cultivating relationships to create and sustain these public spaces.
The ParkScore ranking evaluates cities based on five key criteria: access, equity, acreage, investment, and amenities.
A significant driver of Atlanta’s improved ranking is its enhanced access to parks, with 82 percent of residents living within a 10-minute walk from a park, up from 79 percent last year.
Atlanta’s future looks promising regarding park development. The Beltline has commenced work on turning a long-standing 0.3-acre play lot into an 8-acre recreational hub named Enota Park, a project rooted in the Trust for Public Land’s 2004 Beltline Emerald Necklace Study.
After years of planning, Enota Park is expected to be completed by Spring 2026, directly linking the historic Westview neighborhood to the Beltline and improving park accessibility for more residents.
Wozniak noted that Atlanta excels in providing parks in underserved communities, expressing hopes that the city will continue to approach future park developments through an equity lens.
Atlanta’s rise in the ParkScore index is remarkable when viewed historically. Just nine years ago, in 2016, the city stood at 51st place, but it is now poised to break into the top 20.
“This upward trend is a reflection of the City of Atlanta’s commitment to investing in parks,” Wozniak asserted.
According to TPL, Atlanta allocates $272 per person for park funding, significantly exceeding the national average of $133. This funding comes from both public and private sources, notably including an $8 million contribution from the Chestnut Family Foundation in September 2024 to develop a prominent bike park on the Westside of Atlanta.
Major nonprofit organizations like Park Pride have also seen unprecedented investments, recently announcing $3.9 million in park enhancements financed from various sources aimed at improving 37 parks across Atlanta and DeKalb County.
Wozniak emphasizes that Atlanta is a leader in parks access, suggesting greater heights in the rankings could be achieved if the city continues to enhance its park system.
Two primary areas identified for growth are the expansion of amenities and the increase of park acreage. According to TPL’s criteria, amenities include essential recreational features such as basketball courts, dog parks, playgrounds, senior centers, permanent restrooms, and splash pads.
“Continuous investment in these amenities will enable us to provide valuable features for people of all ages,” Wozniak noted, highlighting the potential for continued improvement.
Some upcoming park initiatives align with Wozniak’s vision. In April, Piedmont Park announced its first master plan in 25 years, focusing on adding new courts, fields, walking pathways, canopy trails, and small-scale enhancements aimed at elevating the park’s stature as the city’s “crown jewel.”
The plan for Piedmont Park also addresses a major expansion on its Northeast side, which Wozniak believes will contribute to Atlanta’s climb in future rankings through increased acreage and enhanced facilities.
Additionally, Wozniak encourages the city to pursue innovative projects that may address environmental challenges, such as flooding, citing Old Fourth Ward Park as an example.
“I believe the city of Atlanta is looking at utilizing underused public spaces innovatively, not only to mitigate flooding and stormwater but also to create attractive spaces for all residents,” Wozniak explained.
The Trust for Public Land regards parks as crucial community assets. Alongside their annual rankings, TPL released findings revealing that 89 percent of residents visited a public park at least once in the previous year, regardless of political affiliations.
Atlanta, along with Fort Worth, Colorado Springs, and Chicago, exemplifies cities that have effectively invested in parks to foster community cohesion. Dr. Carrie Besnette Hauser, TPL’s CEO, emphasizes that parks serve as some of the last neutral spaces in the country.
“Parks bring people together and provide significant benefits for physical and mental health,” Hauser stated. “In a time of intense division, parks represent some of the last ideology-free zones where individuals can create meaningful connections and enjoy serenity.”
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