Piedmont Park: The Green Heart is Still Beating

By Mark Banta, President and CEO, Piedmont Park Conservancy

Walk through Piedmont Park on any given day and it seems to paint an almost perfect picture of the Atlantan spirit. Beautiful but unyielding it stood and served through the years and some of the toughest of times, fostering a spirit of community, culture and passion for those who visit.

The Piedmont Park Conservancy is humbled and grateful to see the Park thrive as the hub for this spirit. We’ve seen an unprecedented number of visitors over the past four months as people seek respite to rest and recharge in a healthy, safe space that promotes mental and physical health especially while other resources are shut down. The Park has also continued to play its role as a critical place for free speech and peaceful gatherings as our community speaks up about racial injustice and other important cultural issues. These past four months have truly reinforced that our beloved greenspace is not just an amenity but an essential resource.

This summer will look different and brings challenges we must overcome. However, we’re committed to bringing resources to the community when they need them most.

The Green Market is operating in a new temporary location behind Park Tavern with social distancing guidelines to keep customers safe. Our summer camp and field trip programs have been put on hold for health and safety, but our Programs team has pivoted creating quality online content to help keep children engaged and learning throughout the summer. Our Facility Rentals department is offering elopement packages in the Park so celebrations of love don’t have to wait. And as always, our Operations team is on the ground keeping the Park green, beautiful and safe.

This different, but incredibly busy season, makes us even more thankful for all our Park users. Piedmont Park is the green heart of Atlanta, and we could not be what we are today without our strong community of volunteers and supporters. We thank each and every one of you for your commitment and investment in Piedmont Park’s wellbeing.

We hope to see you enjoying life with us one day soon.