Chamblee plows forward to build downtown park with pond centerpiece

Burgeoning downtown Chamblee is gearing up to become a bit greener soon.

Fish Bolt Park, a greenspace and stormwater initiative in the works for nearly a decade, has recently begun the bidding process for contractors in hopes of breaking ground in coming months. City officials held a pre-bid conference today.

Tucked between Peachtree Boulevard and the city’s MARTA station, the 1900 Chamblee Tucker Road property in question is a former MARTA stormwater detention pond acquired by the City of Chamblee as part of its 2016 trails and parks expansion program.

The site is surrounded by infill development including hundreds of new multifamily units in nearby blocks downtown, with more in the pipeline. The two-mile Chamblee Rail Trail, a multi-use pathway, abuts the southern border of the future park.

Location of Fish Bolt Park along the Chamblee Rail Trail, in relation to the city's MARTA hub (bottom) and downtown restaurants. Google Maps

Overview of plans for the constructed wetlands, seating areas, and multi-use pathways at Fish Bolt Park. Kimley-Horn, via City of Chamblee

According to project engineers Kimley-Horn, Fish Bolt Park will be considered a “constructed wetland,” or a shallow marsh system that controls runoff and treats urban stormwater, removing pollutants by way of marsh vegetation.

Fish Bolt Park’s scope will also include an elevated observation deck, ADA-accessible pathways, a mural wall, additional decks with seating, lighting, landscaping, and other features meant to control erosion.

Kimley-Horn, via City of Chamblee