The agency charged with protecting and enhancing Atlanta’s marquee greenspace is asking the general public to take a couple of minutes to contribute 2 cents—before it’s too late.

To celebrate its 35th anniversary, the Piedmont Park Conservancy has been raising funds and developing a Comprehensive Plan this year in an effort to enhance and expand the 120-year-old greenspace as significant changes are being implemented around it.

Now, the conservancy is asking Atlantans and fans of the park to share ideas one of two ways: Through an interactive online platform, or at an in-person, public feedback session scheduled for 9 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 16 at the park’s Green Market (near the 12th Street and Piedmont Avenue gate entrance).

The latter gathering will be the final chance to weigh in in-person before the conservancy unveils Piedmont Park’s Comprehensive Plan in February. That document is described as being “a roadmap for the park’s growth, ensuring it remains a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable space for all.”  

Timeline for finalizing planned changes to Piedmont Park in coming months. Piedmont Park Conservancy

Options for commenting online include a short survey related to the overall park experience and a map feature where suggestions for upgrades to specific places in Piedmont Park can be logged. (The interactive map lets you chime in about additions of new trails, playgrounds, bridges, cafes, drinking fountains, and other facilities and programs, while giving input about current buildings and places that could use some work.)

Earlier this year, the nonprofit launched the Piedmont Park Conservancy 35th Anniversary Appeal, a campaign to raise $3.5 million for a masterplan to add new greenspace and acreage, implement enhancements and needed improvements, and generally help reimagine the park’s more than 200 acres.

A series of celebrations throughout 2024 has been ongoing to boost fundraising efforts.

January volleyball in Atlanta's marquee greenspace. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta

The conservancy's plans call for extending the park’s boundaries to Monroe Drive and Piedmont Avenue in places, coinciding with both the Beltline Northeast Trail’s arrival in the park this year and the planned expansion of Atlanta Botanical Garden.

The conservancy describes public input as being “integral” to the current planning phase for “Atlanta’s gathering place.”

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