Since the 1930s, Chastain Horse Park has operated on a scenic, hilly section of City of Atlanta property bordering a sprawling greenspace of the same name. It’s considered one of the last urban horse parks of its kind left standing in America.

But after nearly a century and many thousands of therapeutic rides, the equine complex has grown a bit long in the tooth.  

That’s set to change, beginning this month.

Located just south of Chastain Park Amphitheater, the horse park is launching construction on an $8.9-million expansion and renovation as part of a capital campaign called Healing through Horses.

The Chastain Horse Park facilities in relation to Atlanta's current largest greenspace, at right, and the amphitheater. Google Maps

The project’s scope includes a new Therapeutic Horsemanship Center with educational and clinical spaces, a new barn for CHP’s stable of 40 horses, a practice arena, staff offices, a kitchenette, outdoor paddocks, and a lounge for volunteers and visitors.

Atlanta-based Macallan Construction has been enlisted as general contractor, with designs by T.S. Adams Studio and program management by Grove Street Partners.

According to Macallan Construction officials, all regularly scheduled CHP programming will continue during the building process, and impacts to horses will be minimized.  

As a 501c3 nonprofit since 1999, the horse park serves people from all socioeconomic backgrounds with a broad range of physical, cognitive, and emotional abilities, including victims of physical abuse and children with autism. 

Plans for the Chastain Horse Park therapy barn. T.S. Adams Studio, via Macallan Construction

Demand described by CHP leadership as “significant” has triggered the need for bigger, better facilities. The horse park conducts more than 5,500 therapeutic sessions per year, filling some 1,250 volunteer slots each month.

As of today, 88 percent of the horse park’s $8.9-million fundraising goal has been reached, according to the facility’s campaign website.

Significant donors to date have included Atlanta philanthropic heavyweights Robert W. Woodruff Foundation and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, among others.  

“Existing structures have neared the end of their life expectancy, and new structures, or major repairs, must take place,” said CHP’s executive director Trisha Gross in a construction announcement. “With these improvements, we’ll fulfill the significant demand for world-class, equine-assisted activities and therapies, changing lives one session at a time.”

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