Breaking New Ground

“The City of Atlanta was built on collaboration and partnership between our political leadership and our corporate and civic community. Piedmont Park Conservancy’s

relationship with the City of Atlanta is one of the best examples of this public-private partnership. By working together, we can act quickly to preserve 53 acres of

additional parkland, something that is essential to our future quality of life.”— Shirley Franklin, Mayor, City of Atlanta

In 1904, the City of Atlanta made a landmark decision to purchase 185 acres from the Driving Club, extending the city limits north to include the park acreage as well as several neighborhoods between West Peachtree Street and North Highland Avenue.

The 1912 Master Plan for Piedmont Park, developed by the Olmsted Brothers’ pre-eminent landscape architecture firm, created a vision for the Park that continues to provide inspiration for ongoing stewardship and planning.

In 1887, the Gentleman’s Driving Club acquired these rolling hills to develop Atlanta’s premier equestrian racing course and fairgrounds.

The 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition was held here – a World’s Fair of epic proportions running 100 days, featuring 6,000 exhibits, attracting 800,000 visitors, and establishing Atlanta as a regional business center for the southeastern United States.

THEHISTORY

PIEDMONTPARK

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History has unfolded on the grounds of Piedmont Park

Lake Clara Meer

In 1989, a group of concerned citizens joined forces to create Piedmont Park Conservancy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to restoring, maintaining, and reinvigorating the Park. The Conservancy then signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Atlanta in 1992, establishing a groundbreaking public-private partnership that has proven to be an excellent model both regionally and nationally.

In less than two decades, the Conservancy has generated significant private support for capital improvements to Piedmont Park, including the restoration of the Tenth Street Meadow, Oak Hill, and Lake Clara Meer.

Throughout the twentieth century,Piedmont Park grew in popularity with outdoor enthusiasts of all types – runners, walkers, bicyclists, golfers, picnickers, swimmers, tennis players, rollerbladers, skateboarders, and childrenof all ages. In the 1970s and 1980s, large-scale festivals brought increased foot traffic to Piedmont Park, and thousands flocked to see musical performances ranging from the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra to the Allman Brothers Band. While park usage continued to increase, the city’s budget did not keep pace. Piedmont Park was much loved, but a lack of grounds maintenance and mounting security concerns meant the Park was in peril.

THEPARTNERSHIP

PIEDMONTPARKCONSERVANCY

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THEEXPANSION

53 ACRES

The organization has also succeeded in setting new standards in park care, developing well- respected best practices and creating innovative community programs. For example, fresh produce abounds at the weekly Green Market; bird watchers spy dozens of species on walks guided by Atlanta Audubon Society members; children discover nature through Saturday Safari adventures, summer camp, and other environmental education opportunities, and dog owners enjoy seeing their pets run freely in the city’s first off-leash Dog Park.

Piedmont Park now has an unprecedented opportunity to expand by 53 acres, an increase of nearly 40%. For an urban park in the heart of a booming residential and commercial district, growth of this magnitude would be remarkable under any

circumstances – but at this moment, it is possible without spending a single dollar on land acquisition. The City of Atlanta already owns the adjacent parcels of land that will be incorporated into the Park, and the next steps involve extensive remediation work and infrastructure development. Piedmont Park Conservancy is leading this exciting effort to create our Piedmont Park of tomorrow – larger, greener, and more accessible for all.

Recognizing that the expansion will occur in multiple phases, Piedmont Park Conservancy has set priorities for the key projects that represent Phase One of the overall endeavor. In order to accomplish Phase One goals and to prepare the new parkland for future generations, the Conservancy has launched a major capital campaign – Breaking New Ground.

Breaking New Ground

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The dock, today.Before renovations, lower left.

Thanks to the dedication of the Piedmont Park Conservancy, visitors can now enjoy lush green lawns where trampled bare patches and mud puddles once stood. Throughout the Park, people feel safe and comfortable, and those who remember the formerly deteriorated grounds can truly appreciate the renaissance that has occurred over the past ten years. As wonderful as Piedmont Park is today, it has the potential to be much more. In fact, it must be more – it must play a key role in strengthening the quality of life in our city.

Each year an estimated 3 million people visit Piedmont Park, making it one of the most frequented attractions in Atlanta. But unlike the Georgia Aquarium, Turner Field, Phillips Arena, and other top spots, Piedmont Park is free and open to everyone who strolls through its gates. Piedmont Park is our city’s common ground, a central gathering place where we can all come together and get a little closer to nature. According to a recent survey, approximately 60% of Atlanta residents have visited the Park within the last six months and 80% of regular Park users visit at least once a month.

PIEDMONT PARK

OUR CITY’S COMMONGROUND

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Expanding Piedmont Parkfor an expanding Atlanta

“ Compared with other cities, Atlanta lags behind in public greenspace, but we’re seeing an increased knowledge of the value of parks in our city. People are choosing urban lifestyles, and park usage is on the rise. To meet the need, we must expand and upgrade Piedmont Park. The time is right, the enthusiasm is here, and the additional land is available. I don’t know of any other major city with such a unique opportunity.”

— Ralph Edwards, Chairman, The Trust for Public Land’s Georgia Advisory Council Principal, EBS Property Investments, LLC

Look 25 years into the future of Atlanta…In the next two and a half decades, our metropolitan area is projected to add approximately 2.3 million people and 1.7 million jobs. One of the prime growth areas will be Midtown, where 4,000 new residential units are planned for construction annually for the next ten years. Our civic and business leaders are acutely aware of the need to preserve precious greenspace throughout the city, and they are hard at work on creative solutions to keep Atlanta green and healthy. The City of Atlanta’s signature greenspace initiative, the BeltLine, will protect a 22-mile loop of parkland circling Atlanta’s urban core, and as the BeltLine passes through Midtown, it will connect Piedmont Park to everything else the city has to offer.

Now imagine the future of Piedmont Park... As the showpiece of the BeltLine’s northeast quadrant, a vastly expanded Piedmont Park will become easier to reach and more vibrant than ever. A total of 211 acres will include new open greenspace, woodland trails, community gardens, athletic fields, Boundless™ playgrounds, bicycle paths, and an impressive interactive fountain. In addition to offering unique amenities, Piedmont Park will be maintained with a new emphasis on sustainability — to preserve the Park’s natural ecosystems, to promote environmental best practices, and to continue to lead the way as a model urban park of the twenty-first century.

LOOKINGFORWARD

GROWTH

— Ralph Edwards, Chairman, The Trust for Public Land’s Georgia Advisory Council Principal, EBS Property Investments, LLC

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The bridge and gazebo, today.Before renovations, lower left.

Building on a proven track record of raising private sector funds to support capital needs, the Conservancy is now ready to break new ground at Piedmont Park. In 2003, the Conservancy began to focus on the opportunity to reclaim overgrown, unused tracts of adjacent land to enlarge the Park significantly. The Conservancy initiated a community planning process to determine how the 53 acres of potential usable parkland could be developed in the years to come. The planning group determined that, by integrating three adjacent parcels of land – which will become known as North Piedmont Park, Piedmont Commons, and Piedmont Gardens — into a unified, multi- functioning greenspace, Piedmont Park Conservancy’s visionary 1995 Master Plan for the entire Park will finally be realized.

Since 1995, Piedmont Park Conservancy has successfully completed many projects throughout the Park’s historic grounds. In addition to the stunning restorations of Lake Clara Meer and the Tenth Street Meadow, the Conservancy has:

— Renovated the old Comfort Station, built in 1910 at the 12th Street Entrance, to create the new Piedmont Park Visitor Center.

— Revitalized Oak Hill with the installation of an irrigation system, an ADA-compliant pedestrian path system, water fountains, park benches, new turf, and nearly 200 trees.

— Reestablished the Active Oval as the athletic focal point of the Park, with new softball fields, soccer fields, regulation-size sand volley-ball courts, a running track, benches, and a shade pergola.

SUCCESS

RENOVATEREVITALIZEREESTABLISH

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Breaking newground at Piedmont Park

“Piedmont Park’s expansion will offer a whole new experience, very differentfrom what you see in the historic part of the Park. When you walk among the towering poplar and oak trees, you would never guess that you are in the middle of the city.”

— John Izard, Campaign Vice Chair, Executive Director, Cushman & Wakefield of Georgia

Phase One of the expansion efforts will focus on preparing the land and creating the infrastructure necessary to add future amenities. Two of the three parcels are ready for immediate remediation work – North Piedmont Park and Piedmont Commons. The Piedmont Gardens parcel, however, is currently under construction with a major City of Atlanta public works project to create a new Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) tunnel. This property will eventually be transformed into Piedmont Park’s environmental education hub, but it cannot be developed until a later phase of Park expansion after the tunnel construction is complete.

The Phase One fundraising goal reflects the fact that the new acreage is overgrown, littered with debris, and contaminated in some areas. In each of the three parcels, significant site work – including eliminating invasive non-native plants, re-grading steep terrain, and returning a culverted creek to a free-flowing stream – will be necessary before full development can occur.

Phase One will provide for extensive re-engineering of the areas listed on the following pages, as well as new landscaping, pathways, benches, and picnic areas throughout the newly created parkland.

Highlights of Phase One are outlined on the following pages.

LOOKING FORWARD

PHASE ONE

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This key design element will be the crowning achievement of Phase One, activating and anchoring the northern end of the expanded Piedmont Park.

Clear Creek Corridor This parcel will require a complete redesign of the existing CSO infrastructure. The main challenge with this site involves removing a 60-foot wide concrete culvert and completely restoring Clear Creek as a free-flowing stream. A standout feature here will be a pedestrian bridge over the BeltLine and a grand staircase ultimately connecting Clear Creek,the BeltLine trails, and the Piedmont Gardens parcel of land to the historic part of the Park.

In exchange for the land for the parking facility, the Atlanta Botanical Garden has transferred 3.3 acres of Storza Woods toPiedmont Park, bringing a mature hardwood forest component back to the Park, which will be known as the North Woods.

North Piedmont Park Restoration North Piedmont Park comprises approximately 25 acres of undeveloped land in the historic park consisting of the following areas: the Clear Creek Meadows and Wetlands, the Upper Meadow, the Clear Creek Corridor, and the North Woods. The Clear Creek Meadows and Wetlands area reclaims approximately 14 acres of steeply graded land that parallels the BeltLine along Clear Creek. Wetlands and pond features will add to the aesthetics of this area and support the overflow capacity for the Clear Creek reservoir.

The Upper Meadow consists of three acres next to a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)- standard parking facility that Piedmont Park will share with the Atlanta Botanical Garden. After this facility is constructed, the Upper Meadow will become a primary entrance into Piedmont Park.

Enlivening the Upper Meadow area will be an interactive fountain similar in concept to the fountain installed in Centennial Olympic Park.

PHASE ONE

HIGHLIGHTS

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“Piedmont Park Conservancy’s work makes a difference for those of us who live and work here - the Park’s expansion will help to enhance the quality of life that has made Atlanta famous. It’s very good

for any corporation to be in a region of growth, and Piedmont Park offers something unique to attract new businesses and people. I believe what we’re doing here is important for the entire region.”

Restoring Clear Creek

— Mickey A. Brown, Executive Vice President, Georgia Power, Campaign Vice Chair

Historic Bathhouse and PoolIn addition to developing North Piedmont Park and Piedmont Commons into scenic parkland, Piedmont Park Conservancy plans to break new ground with LEED renovation of the Park’s Historic Bathhouse. Constructed in 1926 by Edwards and Sayward, this historic facility will be renovated to create a multi-use space, including new lockers and shower facilities. The Historic Bathhouse renovation project also involves updating approximately 30,000 square feet of outdoor plazas, patios, and swimming pool areas as well as restoring the Park’s century-old picnic pavilions.

Piedmont Commons The original site of the West Lumber Company, this 12.5-acre property will become the new northern shoulder of Piedmont Park, extending pedestrian access to Morningside and the Ansley Mall area with new points of entry on Monroe Drive, Piedmont Avenue, and Westminster Drive.

PHASE ONE

HIGHLIGHTS

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Greenspace Reclamation Piedmont Park Conservancy currently shares its maintenance buildings and storage yards with the City of Atlanta in the area behind Magnolia Hall in the historic Park, and these facilities must move to reclaim usable parkland. The City of Atlanta has agreed to supply an alternate site for its maintenance facility on city-owned land out- side the boundaries of Piedmont Park. A smaller, less intrusive maintenance facility specifically for Piedmont Park Conservancy will be constructed inside the Park on the Piedmont Commons parcel. By removing the existing maintenance facility, new green-space will be created in the heart of Piedmont Park.

Phase One of the Breaking New Ground campaign will support the removal of the current maintenance facility as well as the construction of two new facilities for the city andthe Conservancy.

Additional greenspace will be created when the asphalt parking lot on Park Drive is no longer needed and can be transformed into two acres of parkland. This work will include repairs to the Lake Clara Meer dam and seawall, which will take place when the Historic Bathhouse and Pool renovation work is underway. Demolition of the asphalt parking lot, site preparation, and dam repairs are included in Phase One.

PRESERVATION

RECLAMATION

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Planning and Design Although the Breaking New Ground campaign only provides for the capital improvements designated as Phase One priorities, Piedmont Park Conservancy is committed to developing the schematic designs for all future phases of Piedmont Park expansion at this time.

BE READY

EXPEDITE

By having “shelf-ready” plans, the Conservancy can move quickly should additional funds become available sooner than projected. This approach will expedite the phases to come, and it will allow the Conservancy to minimize exposure due to price escalations.

— Larry Gellerstedt III, President, Office/Multi-Family Division, Cousins Properties Inc., Campaign Chair

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“I’m a third-generation Atlanta native, and I have come to Piedmont Park my whole life. I went fishing here with my granddad, and I look forward to seeing my grandkids enjoy the

Park in the years to come. Piedmont Park Conservancy is working now to prepare for tomorrow, to address the demographic changes that are taking place in our city, and I am honored to lead

the charge to protect and enhance this incredible community asset for future generations.” — Larry Gellerstedt III, President, Office/Multi-Family Division, Cousins Properties Inc., Campaign Chair

The Community Center, today.Before renovations, lower left.

Piedmont Park is preparing to increase its boundaries and grow by almost 40% – something that would be virtually impossible for any other sizeable urban park to do. The 53 acres of land that the City of Atlanta has made available for Piedmont Park’s expansion are conservatively valued at more than $80 million.

CREATIVITY& PLANNING

EMBRACE THE VISION

While much of this land is overgrown, and the terrain is often steep and difficult, it holds great promise for the future. With creativity and planning, these parcels of land can become stunning centerpieces of a newly expanded Piedmont Park. Now it is time to embrace the vision of the Conservancy and its community stakeholders – to break new ground at Piedmont Park.

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Laying the foundation for the future

“Piedmont Park is a place of genuine diversity, where everyone in Atlanta has fun and feels comfortable. It is one of our city’s greatest public resources, and by expanding it, we are strengthening the fabric of our community.”

— Ceasar Mitchell, Atlanta City Council Post 1 At-large

This campaign focuses on Phase One development of the Park expansion, establishing the essential infrastructure upon which subsequent phases will be built. It will also provide for the first of many new Park amenities. Much of the groundwork has already been done to map out upcoming phases, and the following exciting additions await future park goers:

— In North Piedmont Park, a new trail-and-boardwalk system will serve pedestrians and cyclists, connecting to scenic overlooks adjacent to the BeltLine greenway. New picnic areas will be set into the wooded landscape, and the very popular Dog Park will be enlarged. North Piedmont Park will also offer new bocce courts, an outdoor fireplace, and a children’s playscape.

— Future phases of Piedmont Commons development will include a skatepark, athletic fields, basketball courts, and Boundless™ play areas that

provide accessibility to children of all capabilities. In addition to extensive greenspace, there will be new concessions along Piedmont Avenue including food service, bike and skate rentals, and other park amenities.

— Piedmont Gardens will provide unique recreational and learning experiences, including additional Boundless™ play areas and an outdoor environmental classroom. Piedmont Park’s community gardens will be expanded on this site, and a Welcome Center and concession stand will be placed at the entrance to the community gardens.

Every new stretch of parkland will be well-equipped with picnic areas, security lighting, restrooms, trash cans, and water fountains. Every new acre will be carefully maintained by Piedmont Park Conservancy, preserving the unique character and integrity of our beloved Park.

FUTUREPHASES

PRESERVINGCHARACTER &

INTEGRITY

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“More than 50 public meetings and guided tours were conducted involving stakeholders to gather input and educate the community about Piedmont Park’s expansion plans. The result

of this collaborative process is a good combination of vision and usage for the Park.” — Anne Fauver, Atlanta City Council District 6

This is the place where many of Atlanta’s memories are made…

— A young boy catching his first fish in Lake Clara Meer.

— Sisters whispering secrets under 100-year-old oak trees.

— Coworkers and friends picnicking under the stars at Screen on the Green.

— Two elderly gentlemen playing chess on a bench in the golden sunshine.

— A newly married couple dancing in each other’s arms at Magnolia Hall.

— Children sledding down Oak Hill during a rare Georgia snowfall.

LOOKINGBACK

CLOSE TO THE HEART

32 For more than a century, groundbreaking events have taken place at Piedmont Park. A quiet nineteenth century town grew up to be a bustling twenty-first century metropolis along the edges of the Park’s sweeping lawns. Life in Atlanta has swirled around and through this beloved greenspace. Through the years, Piedmont Park has been at the center of it all.

Great things have certainly happened here, but the little everyday moments are what keep Piedmont Park close to our hearts.

Making new memories at Piedmont Park

“Every great city must have great parks, and Piedmont Park is Atlanta’s crown jewel. Theexpansion of the Park is wonderful by itself, but in a broader context, as a vital connectingpoint for the BeltLine parks system, a larger Piedmont Park will benefit all of Atlanta.”

— Arthur and Stephanie Blank, Honorary Campaign Co-Chairs, Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation

Piedmont Park is one of Atlanta’s greatest public resources. It is here for all of us – for realizing our dreams and for making new memories. Countless lives have been touched by Piedmont Park, from the locals who bring their dogs here daily to the out-of-town guests who come once to experience the glory of an Atlanta afternoon. Now we must consider how we can make a difference for future generations.

As Atlanta’s population grows and our international profile increases, it becomes more and more imperative that we preserve our precious greenspace, that we practice environmental sustainability, and that we continue to strengthen our quality of life. Together with Piedmont Park Conservancy, we can address these very issues.

By supporting this groundbreaking campaign, we have an incredible opportunity to make 53 acres of parkland come to life, to expand Piedmont Park for the enjoyment of all. Please join us in Breaking New Ground.

FOR FUTUREGENERATIONS

BREAKINGNEW

GROUND

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Piedmont Park ConservancyP.O. Box 7795Atlanta, Georgia 30357-0795(404) 875-7275 www.piedmontpark.org

Stephanie and Arthur BlankHonorary Campaign Co-Chairs

Lawrence L. Gellerstedt IIICampaign Chair

Mickey A. BrownCampaign Vice Chair

John Izard, Jr.Campaign Vice Chair

PIEDMONT PARK CONSERVANCY

CAMPAIGN LEADERSHIP

Development Office

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