I live in Atlanta, GA along with 4+ million others. Atlanta has all the hustle and bustle of a Chicago, the culture of a San Francisco, and the fierce independence of a Denver. Atlanta is also fortunate enough to have Piedmont Park

This beautiful "common ground" green-space was purchased by the City of Atlanta in 1904 and converted from a fairgrounds to a city park in 1909. This conversion expanded the city limits thus creating a larger city with an enormous public green-space. The popularity of the park began the clamour for modern amenities. The first permanent building was called a 'Rest Building' and was converted in 1996 to the Visitor's Center which hosts a wide range of public and private events. Soon after followed the tennis courts and the bath house (which evolved into the modern swimming pool) In 1979, the park leased what is referred to as the high grounds to the Atlanta Botanical Gardens This structure and its gardens help to round out the park by highlighting the beauty of nature that may be overlooked by a simple walk through the park. It seems to me to connect the modern concrete, steel, and glass of the city architecture with the agricultural past of the area. In 1979 the golf course was closed which freed up 70+ acres for park goers to use called the meadow.

While there is rigorous development on every inch of space that can be purchased around the park, Piedmont Park remains a true Urban green-space for all to enjoy. The modern park today hosts numerous festivals including The Dogwood Festival in April, the Atlanta Jazz Festival at the end of May, Gay Pride in June, the Montreux Jazz Festival over Labor Day Weekend, the Atlanta Arts Festival in September. In addition to all of these events there are softball fields, soccer fields, and a dog park (for all of our four legged companions; "look no leash") Please note however, that these events are all looking for temporary new home as extensive restoration work is being done and during that time, all of 2008, no large festivals will be permitted but the park will remain open. There is one Saturday morning tradition that will continue this year from May through October and that is the Green Market which features locally grown produce and flowers as well as local arts and crafts. Even with the unfortunate cancellation of all major festivals in Piedmont Park this year, this emerald jewel is a wonderful getaway in the middle of an urban jungle.

Here are two links to two different organizations who promote, in their own way, the preservation and use of this wonderful urban park:

Piedmont Park Conservancy

Friends of Piedmont Park

About the Author

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