Plan Overview

Families enjoying a greenway Photo Courtesy PATH

The City of Atlanta has a new initiative, Project Greenspace, a long-term plan for growing and managing Atlanta's greenspace system. Working together we can create a vision and framework for a world-class system that connects people with great public spaces, nature preserves, parks, plazas, and streetscapes.

Today Atlanta has an opportunity like no other to create a legacy of great public spaces connected to communities through a robust greenspace system. Like the symbol of our great city, the phoenix, Atlanta is experiencing a rebirth. The City’s 2000 population is projected to double by 2030. Where once there were undeveloped lots and large yards, we now have residential towers with rooftop gardens. If we are to maintain a healthy lifestyle, we must plan for places to walk and play. We must leverage the City’s phenomenal economic growth to create a connected system of nature preserves, parks, plazas, and streetscapes. We must create regulatory incentives that preserve the urban tree canopy. We must act now to harness this energy to create a city of thriving and connected greenspaces that serve all our citizens.

Freedom Park Photo Courtesy Dee Merriam, City of Atlanta

Exciting projects like the trails and greenspace along Freedom Parkway, Centennial Park, and the Atlanta BeltLine will redefine Atlanta’s heart and soul. Additional parks will improve the quality of life for every resident. Atlanta can become a city of vibrant greenspaces. We can protect and celebrate our sensitive lands and waterways. We can make parks more accessible to everyone. We have an opportunity to further raise the standard of excellence and improve the quality of life for everyone. To continue this rebirth, Atlanta needs a vision and framework on which to build.

To accomplish "Project Greenspace," we need the help of communities, civic organizations, and the private sector. In 2007, the City of Atlanta will establish the framework of a world-class greenspace system; one that connects people with great public spaces. There will be opportunities for public involvement. Public forums will be held in January 2007. Additional forums will be held in the summer.

You may also visit our interactive website at www.atlantagreenspace.com . On which you will find a project overview, meeting calendar, draft reports, and a comment section. Also, add your contact information to our email listserve to stay informed.

Final recommendations will be presented to City Council in the fall of 2007.

We invite you to share your passion for parks and greenspace. We want to hear from you. We will listen and be responsive. We are ready to find the financial resources and establish the regulatory incentives needed to make Atlanta's parks and greenspace the best they can be. This is your vision. It is Atlanta’s vision. Your support is an essential part of this effort. Join us. Our future health and prosperity depend on it.

Greenspace Plan Schedule

• Phase 1 Project Initiation and Community Outreach Plan (September 2006)
• Phase 2 Data Collection / Inventory and Analysis (October 2006)
• Phase 3 Greenspace Plan Development (March 2007)
• Phase 4 Strategic Implementation Program (May 2007)
• Phase 5 Draft and Final Plan Preparation (August 2007)