Piedmont Park Moves Forward on Master Plan & Capital Campaign

Piedmont Park Conservancy has much to celebrate this spring season. A little over a year after its $43 million "Breaking New Ground" capital campaign was announced, the Conservancy has succeeded in raising nearly 88 percent of its goal! The success of the campaign has allowed the Conservancy to begin implementation of an expansion which will add 53 acres to the park—a 40 percent increase in new space.

The plan includes the restoration of 25 acres north of Park Drive—a component of the original 1912 plan for the park, which will finally be realized. Two additional parcels of land, Piedmont Gardens and Piedmont Commons, along with 3 acres of Storza woods, will add 28 more acres to the park. As part of the expansion, environmental contamination will be removed and infrastructure will be provided for the new park space. Beyond the expansion, there are many upgrades and additions set for the park's future. Phase I includes the revitalization of the park's Historic Bathhouse and aquatic center. Additional plans for the future include: a new welcome center, a community garden and outdoor environmental classroom, bocce courts, a children's carousel, a terrace that can also function as an amphitheater, several boundless playgrounds for children of all abilities, an interactive water feature, as well as walkways through the hardwood forest and the restoration of Clear Creek acquired through the expansion, re-lighted pathways, a multipurpose ball field, a public skate park and a new grand staircase.

At the most recent Let's Talk Midtown, Midtown Alliance welcomed new President and CEO, Yvette Bowden, and bid fond farewell to former President and CEO Debbie McCown, who announced her retirement from the post in February after 10 years of service.

Atlanta Botanical Garden Focuses On Conservation & Habitat Rehabilitation

The Atlanta Botanical Garden, named one of the top 10 botanical gardens and conservatories in the U.S. by USA Today, is a treasured gem for Midtown. As the audience at the May 20th greenspace-focused Let's Talk Midtown learned, the Atlanta Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to view one of the world's largest permanent orchid displays and meander through spectacular woodlands and flower-lined paths. The Garden also is a leader in conservation and habitat restoration research and efforts.

The Garden is moving forward with new expansion plans which include a new LEED certified visitors center and a green parking facility. A new, suspended tree canopy walkway—the longest of its kind in the U.S. —is being designed to have minimal impact on tree roots below. A Southern Seasons Garden will bloom beneath the walkway year around with Magnolias, Hydrangeas, Maples and Witch Hazel. Expansion plans also include a 100,000-gallon underground water cistern to help conserve water and protect the Garden against future droughts. A new 12-foot wide Multi-Path for pedestrians and bikers will allow Garden visitors to easily access Piedmont Avenue and Piedmont Park while an Edible Garden will replace the Garden's current surface parking lot.

In addition to its plans for the future, the Garden is a leader in conservation efforts. The Garden is currently involved in both research and breeding efforts to help preserve a number of rare frog and amphibian species from Latin America. Many of these species are integral in sustaining entire ecosystems—the Garden serves as a safe haven for these creatures while the environmental issues that threaten them in their natural habitats are addressed. Furthermore, the Garden's staff works off-site throughout Georgia to address environmental issues which have begun to hamper indigenous plant life.