Plans for an outdoor amenity like metro Atlanta has never seen are coming into clearer focus—and they look pretty bodacious. 

Atlanta Beltline Inc. officials have shared with Urbanize Atlanta the most detailed visuals to date for what’s been described as an inclusive, world-class “game-changer” of a bike park for the city’s Westside. 

The skills course, jump lines, asphalt pump track, and bicycle playground illustrated in new renderings would be just one section of broader biking facilities at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park (formerly Westside Park). But they show promise of being a key attraction for Atlanta’s largest greenspace. 

The official name of the project is now Bike Park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park.

Beltline officials hope to break ground on the bike park section by the end of 2025, but that’s contingent on a fundraising campaign that’s now collected well over half of its $15-million goal.  

Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Inc.

Challenging course features and an architectural section that echoes the park's existing "ribcage" gateway. Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Inc.

The bulk of that came in September from the Chestnut Family Foundation, a charitable organization led by billionaire Mailchimp cofounder and former CEO Ben Chestnut and his wife Teresa. (Chestnut, a noted mountain biking enthusiast, stepped down as CEO of Intuit Mailchimp for a business advisory position in 2022, following Intuit’s acquisition of the Atlanta-based e-marketing giant.)

Beltline designers have said the bike park will be installed across roughly 45 wooded acres at the northeast corner of the park. The 280-acre greenspace—considered the largest in Atlanta—opened its first phase in 2021. 

The bulk of the project will see 2.25 miles of mountain biking trails that designers say will be catered to all skill levels—all minutes from the urban settings of Midtown and downtown.

Those will include beginner and intermediate routes with bridges, boardwalks, natural obstacles, rollers, berms, and switchback trails.

Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Inc.

For more experienced (and daring) riders, a steeper gravity trail will be designed to challenge, with large rocks, tight switchbacks, technical rock gardens, steep drops, and other natural and built obstacles, according to Atlanta Beltline Partnership.

That section will also see more serene hiking trails weaving through the forest at various levels of difficulty. 

Other planned features of the park have been described in greater detail as follows:

  • Start area and overlook: The park will feature a dual-purpose start area integrated with an overlook, providing a stunning view of the bike park and surrounding landscape. This area will serve as a starting point for adventures and a spot for relaxation and social interaction.
  • Bicycle playground: Tailored for beginners, particularly children, this area will feature low-risk elements such as balance beams, small rollers, and gentle turns to help new riders build confidence and basic bike handling skills.
  • Jump lines: A range of jump lines will be available, from beginner-friendly to advanced, featuring clear signage for difficulty levels and safe landing zones to encourage progression and skill development.
  • Skills course: This area will present technical challenges such as narrow bridges, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks, designed to simulate real trail conditions and help riders of all levels improve their technical skills.
  • Pump track: Available for a variety of wheeled sports, this state-of-the-art asphalt pump track is designed for riders of all skill levels to practice momentum, balance, and agility. The track includes berms and rollers, allowing riders to refine their technique and bike control without pedaling.

The Atlanta Beltline Partnership has taken on the role of raising money for the bike park, while Atlanta Beltline Inc. will build it.

Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Inc.

Designs call for protecting the area’s mature tree canopy, minimizing environmental impact, and keeping bikers and hikers separate for safety, Beltline officials have said.

Pedal up to the gallery for more context and a closer look. 

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