Years in the making, a comprehensive facelift for a popular Chattahoochee River greenspace is set to begin construction next week. 

City of Roswell officials have scheduled a March 13 groundbreaking for the $13.8-million Riverside Park Renovation project, a key part of the city’s efforts to create a top-flight, interconnected system of greenspaces along the prized (yet underappreciated) natural resource that snakes through metro Atlanta. 

The “transformational” project at 575 Riverside Road is being funded by a Recreation and Parks Bond approved by voters in 2022. As is, the 21-acre park is described by city officials as one of Roswell’s most cherished outdoor destinations. 

The park opened in 2002 and counts more than 130,000 annual visitors, including crowds for the Riverside Sounds Concert Series (on hiatus during construction). 

Overview of the 21-acre park's revised functionality and amenities. City of Roswell; designs, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects

Proximity of Riverside Park (red) to Roswell's historic downtown (top left). Google Maps

As designed by Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects, renovations at Riverside Park call for broad infrastructure and stormwater/drainage improvements, along with: a new open-air pavilion and upgraded event space; a “nature-inspired” playground; new ADA-accessible restrooms; a free sprayground for warmer months; and improved park connectivity, pedestrian circulation, and parking, per city officials.  

The work will require that 221 trees be removed, but plans call for planting 307 replacement trees, including native and canopy specimens, according to project leaders. 

City of Roswell; designs, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects

Planned revisions and updated parking at the 21-acre Riverside Park. City of Roswell; designs, Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects

Riverside Park is scheduled to fully reopen to the public in summer 2027.  

The overhaul is one component of the Roswell River Parks Master Plan, described by city officials as “a bold vision for six interconnected riverfront parks.” 

Those are: Willeo, Azalea, River Landing, Riverside, Ace Sand, and Don White parks. 

Overview of the Roswell River Parks Master Plan for interconnected greenspaces along the Chattahoochee River. City of Roswell

Roswell's riverside parks in the context of north metro Atlanta. Google Maps

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