Archive for year: 2018

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Exploring Piedmont Park’s Northwoods

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One of Atlanta’s best features is its easy access to incredible outdoor experiences in the Appalachians. For this reason, many of us can’t imagine living in a city without a short drive to abundant natural space. But for those who feel a lot more relaxed outside, midweek in the city can start to feel a little too cramped. Luckily, you don’t have to wait for the weekend!

You are probably familiar with Piedmont Park’s popular destinations like the Meadow, or the Dog Parks, and all 200 plus acres of the Park are great places to spend some time outdoors. Just north of those locations, though, the paths lead you through a tucked away tree lined expansion to the Park. This is over 53 acres added in 2011 that boast nature trails and conservation areas, Legacy Fountain, the Northwoods, and the Piedmont Commons. After a brief foray down these paths you’re sure to find your breathing calmed and eyes open to the chirping birds, rustling chipmunks, and all the colors of life. Here are some amazing views in the Piedmont Park expansion that feel miles away from the city.

Where better in the Park to sit and read or write for an hour, or two, or three or four? You don’t get the distractions of festivals out here, just the ambient sounds of nature and the words on the page!

A short walk past the Conservancy offices is the Promenade Lawn, a beautiful clearing on a plateau in the treetops to the east.

A look at forest serenity, but only a stone’s throw from your door! Find the wooden staircase in the Walker Woods for these unpaved views.

Straight outta Narnia, you find yourself on the other side of the wardrobe in the Northwoods’ forested paths.

Author: William Lange

Over 900 Dogs at Splish Splash Doggie Bash

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On October 6th and 7th, over 900 dogs had the time of their lives – courtesy of Piedmont Park Conservancy and its 10th annual Splish Splash Doggie Bash. This special event allows dogs to have the Piedmont Park Aquatic Center all to themselves and was a hit among the dog owners and lovers of Atlanta, so much so that it sold out! Lines formed early Saturday and Sunday morning full of excited pups of all shapes and sizes ready to get their paws wet and owners ready to make their dogs’ wildest dreams come true.

The Conservancy stocked the pool with tennis balls and Frisbees galore, and opened the gates to doggie heaven for all the anxious pups waiting outside. Whether it was swimming, playing fetch in the grass, or making new friends, the dogs had a blast. Thanks to Victory Brewing Company, the dog owners were able to kick back, grab a beer and watch their pups take it all in. After the first session of the weekend, many people thought just an hour and 15 minutes wasn’t enough for their loyal companions, so they purchased tickets for more sessions. Some even attended all of the sessions!

The dog vendors were also a highlight of this years’ event. Many vendors set up tables by the pool and displayed their products for the owners to choose from. Needless to say, many lucky pups went home with some tasty new treats.

Overall Splish Splash Doggie Bash was a huge success and raised necessary funds for the Conservancy’s three acre off-leash dog park. It’s definitely something you won’t want to miss in the coming years!

Author: Olivia Gage

Love dog events? Check out Doggie Dash which occurs every March!

New Exhibitat Welcomes Home the Chimney Swift

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The Atlanta Audubon Society, in partnership with the Piedmont Park Conservancy, City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation Department, has installed a new home for an exceptional little bird known as the Chimney Swift. You may have already noticed the chimney-like tower in the northern area of Piedmont Park called the Piedmont Commons. It sits amidst a verdant field of flowers and grasses that will attract pollinators and other insects, which fosters a vibrant and exciting natural habitat for the chimney swift to prosper.

This new addition to wildlife preservation in Piedmont Park blends perfectly with the Conservancy’s Field Trip programs, bringing another unique and important education opportunity to the children of Atlanta as they interact with nature. The tower and surrounding area also presents a new beautiful aesthetic for all to enjoy in the North area of the Park!

The unveiling was a lively and creative event which kicked off with local nonprofits and artists participating in a chalk festival. Each chalk display showed a little piece of the organization’s soul and passion for Georgia conservation efforts, and proved that members of these organizations have no shortage of artistic skill!

Thank you, Krystal Collier and Kalia Edmonds, for your amazing chalk contribution!

Chalk Festival Winner: Sierra Club

After the festival, guests mingled and viewed the tower while enjoying cheese, fruit, and an Orpheus beer brewed specially for the occasion, aptly named “Little Birds Have Fast Hearts.” Since the Chimney Swift tower was the result of great partnerships between multiple nonprofits to bring a dream to life, there were many speakers contributing words of support and gratitude.

“If we are able to expose our kids to nature, I believe that we can solve a lot of the world’s problems,” says Piedmont Park Conservancy President & CEO Mark Banta, as he explains how this tower is a great addition to our camp and field trip program.

Finally, to celebrate the official grand opening of the tower, the event concluded with a ribbon cutting.

You may still be asking yourself, who is this bird, and what does the tower do for it?

The Chimney Swift loves living in tight spaces with a large group of other Chimney Swifts, and due to their very short legs, they can only perch on vertical surfaces. Over the years, this has led these birds to most commonly find a home in the chimneys of human houses. Chimneys, however, are on the decline, leaving many Chimney Swifts hard-pressed to find a suitable living situation. Piedmont Park’s new Chimney Swift tower will be the perfect new home for many as they begin to gather after their mating season. Don’t forget to watch for the little aerobatic birds coming and going from Piedmont Park’s new chimney!

Author: William Lange

Check Out Piedmont Park Conservancy Field Trips!

All the Reasons You Can’t Miss Splish Splash Doggie Bash

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Mark your calendars because on October 6 and 7, the Piedmont Park Conservancy is letting the dogs out, literally! Come celebrate the annual Splish Splash Doggie Bash with your pup and get your fill of selfies, fun, and puppy love. Hundreds of dogs leave this event every year with a smile on their face and a wagging tail, don’t let your dog miss out!

  1. Think about the photo ops! Your Instagram followers will be eating up that slow-mo video of your pup jumping in the pool, or the adorable moment when they make a friend, definitely not an opportunity you want to miss.
  2. The bar. Have a cold drink and mingle with fellow dog lovers while your dog explores and takes in all the excitement.
  3. THE GIVEAWAYS!! The Piedmont Park Conservancy has lots of friends in the dog community, and many of them will be giving away free swag.
  4. The proceeds help fund Piedmont Park Dog Parks. Want your dog to have a blast at the dog pool party of the year, and help maintain their favorite park? Bring them to Splish Splash!
  5. Last but definitely not least, the joy you’ll bring your pups by bringing them to Splish Splash. The Piedmont Park Conservancy pulls out all the stops for this event, and help bring your dog’s dream day to life!

Tickets are on sale now at piedmontpark.org/splishsplash. Get your tickets for the session that works best for you, but get them quick before they sell out!

Author: Olivia Gage

Party for Piedmont Park was a Benefit Bash

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A silent auction that was far from quiet.

At the end of the night, it’s safe to assume guests had fun when you can still hear them singing “Purple Rain” as they make their way home. While Party for Piedmont Park is one of the most important events benefitting the Piedmont Park Conservancy, it is also a joyful celebration of the life of Piedmont Park. Great food, drinks, music, and auction items all contributed to a wonderful evening of support.

On Thursday, September 6, over 400 guests arrived at Greystone, a gorgeous venue hall with original granite walls overlooking the pool and Lake Clara Meer. A look into the crowd showed the beautiful diversity of Piedmont Park’s community. The Park exists for all Atlantans to enjoy, so it was no surprise to see people from many ages and walks of life showing up to support their favorite park.

The auction items were as diverse as the crowd. With artwork, furniture, sports paraphernalia, experience packages and more, there was something for everyone to get excited about bidding on. There aren’t many silent auctions where you can leave with a signed Matt Ryan jersey in one hand and gardening supplies in the other! Winning guests had a lot to boast over as they collected their items at the end of the night.

On top of the auction, guests enjoyed a plethora of lavish small bites from local establishments, including beverages and sushi by Park Tavern. The food stations lined the outside of the wing with the auction displays, so guests could pop over and try a new food before viewing the next bidding option.

Thank you to all who made the night so memorable, whether you were chilling by the pool, checking out the electric vehicle demonstration, getting silly at the photobooth, or dancing the night away!

For all you dog lovers out there, check out Splish Splash Doggie Bash on October 6 and 7! Piedmont Park’s pool will open up for your pup to swim and play. Register online before it fills up!

Author: William Lange


The Red Leash

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Liz was smitten with Cooper the second she saw him. A friend told her that the local animal shelter was in the midst of an overcrowding problem and needed more than a few dogs to be adopted, so they were offering half off adoptions that weekend. Eager for a fur friend to keep her company, Liz pounced on the opportunity.

Cooper was seated towards the back of a small cage. The pup, a yellow lab with floppy ears that nearly covered his eyes, perked up when he spotted Liz. It was as if Cooper knew she was there to get him.

The cage opened, Liz picked him up and fastened a red leash to his new collar.

Liz lived in a sleek, high-rise apartment in Midtown. Their daily excursions consisted of a morning and nightly walk around the concrete jungle. Whenever Liz so much as looked in the direction of the red leash, Cooper would jump with excitement. He was so excited on these walks that he’d pull and pull away from the leash, eager for a chance to discover the world around him.

As time went on, however, the pulling began to lessen.  The red leash was no longer consistently taut.

Liz noticed this change of demeanor in Cooper, from the lively ball of energy that happily accompanied her on morning strolls, to something more somber…sadder. Liz asked friends in the area what she should do. They suggested things like changing his diet, buying him new toys, and giving him treats more often. She tried them all, but nothing seemed to work.

Her parents called to let her know about a dog park they’d heard about at Piedmont Park. Fortunately, the Park was only a few short blocks away!

She hurried home and got Cooper’s red leash from its hook.

When they took a turn they didn’t usually take on their walks, Cooper peered back at Liz to make sure they weren’t lost. He’d been his usual self—calm, slightly subdued.

Finally, they caught sight of the dog park, a huge expanse of mulched land, shaded by surrounding trees. Liz opened the gates to the park one by one. When they were inside, she reached down to unclip Cooper’s red leash. Cooper stood there.

Having become so used to keeping his red leash on while outside, Cooper didn’t realize it was off!

Liz encouraged him to go play with a little nudge. When he realized that his collar wasn’t connected to his leash, he barked happily and made a mad dash for a group of other fur friends huddled around the agility course. This was the most spirited Liz had seen him in weeks! He was running around, sticking his nose in new places and wagging his tail so hard, Liz thought it might fly off. She placed the red leash in her purse and watched Cooper explore.

Nowadays, Liz and Cooper visit the dog park on a weekly basis. Cooper couldn’t be happier with their new routine. He finally feels free to explore and is always ready to discover something new in nature. His red leash is no longer holding him back.

Greenspace is imperative in any large city. Benefits like improved air quality, resource conservation, urban beautification and space for anyone to roam around freely surrounded by nature are what make having it so important. The Piedmont Park Conservancy is proud to be a part of the effort to keep greenspaces like Piedmont Park safe, well-maintained and open for all to enjoy—including pups like Cooper!

Support the Piedmont Park Dog Parks

Ryan and Sammi: A Dockside Proposal

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Ryan and Sammi met as law students at the University of Florida. Friends at first, they grew closer when they both ended up moving to Orlando to begin their careers. Soon after, Ryan realized Sammi was the “one!”

With an engagement now on the horizon, Ryan set out to look for the perfect place to ask Sammi to marry him. He decided Atlanta would be an excellent option, a unique choice considering neither of them live in the city.

He scoured the net for the perfect place to propose, eventually deciding on Piedmont Park. Nestled in the heart of Midtown Atlanta, the Park offered a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Ryan wanted someplace that offered an air of seclusion, but wasn’t too much of a departure from typical outings in Atlanta’s midtown area.

Where in Piedmont Park did the proposal take place?

Ryan decided to propose to Sammi at Dockside, a lakeside location surrounded by a gorgeous array of trees.

“Aside from its undeniable beauty, the Dockside gave us an opportunity to have a fairly private moment in an outdoor setting,” he said.

The area was closed off and decorated with romantic standing flower bouquets and lit candles.

Sammi couldn’t believe how well Ryan had done at choosing a place that allowed them to feel like they were in their own little world.

“I’m still a little in shock at what a great job Ryan did at planning the proposal and what a gorgeous location he picked.  It was fairly private in that when we walked down the steps and onto the dock, the trees surrounding the water hid all the other people in the park.  It really felt like our own private moment.  And then when I said yes and Ryan stood back up, everyone who could see us through the trees clapped and yelled congratulations.  It was adorable!”

How did the Piedmont Park Conservancy help?

Jane Rollo, Director of Facility Rentals at the Piedmont Park Conservancy, was instrumental in helping to realize Ryan’s dream proposal. She directed him to Courtney Surber Paz, an Atlanta-area event planner, who assisted in coordinating the details.

“She helped me visualize the proposal setting, select and utilize the right florist to create a romantic proposal setting (and have the flowers moved back to our hotel room after the proposal itself), procure a driver, a violinist, and, of course, a photographer,” Ryan said.

Sammi was positively thrilled with the way the day turned out.

“Honestly, everything about it was amazing.  I was so surprised and overwhelmed in the best way possible, and the beauty of the park definitely contributed to that. It was the perfect proposal location.”

Final Verdict?

“We’re going to make a point of coming back to Atlanta, probably annually at least, to celebrate our special moment there. I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with the Park. From start to finish, the Conservancy staff helped Sammi and I have a wonderful experience in a wonderful setting. I trusted them with one of the most important moments of my life, and I was right to do so.”

If you are interested in renting out Dockside or another venue for your special day, or if you would like to tour wedding venues please visit: piedmontpark.org/weddings

 

Guest Post by Aliya Seymour

First Day of Summer: Are you in the know?

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Although the heat has been blazing in Atlanta for the past couple of months, June 21st marked the first official day of summer. Now that the season is finally here, the question is how to spend it? To make this summer one to remember, head to Piedmont Park and involve the family in some outdoor fun! Whether it’s swimming the afternoon away or going to one of the Park’s many events, Piedmont Park has plenty of options for how you can make the most of the warm weather and clear skies–all in Atlanta’s backyard.

Events, Events and More Events

For an exciting weekend activity, rally up your crew and add a Park event to your summer schedule. For starters, the Horizon Theatre will be performing their hit musical, “Freaky Friday” on the Promenade through June 23. Attendees can bring blankets, low-back chairs and a picnic packed with dinner for a night of song, dance and boisterous laughter! With July arrives our Runaway Bride 5K, an event dedicated to the brides, grooms, bridesmaids, groomsmen, and “always-a-guests” out there looking for an excuse to flex their running/walking chops (and get a free t-shirt while they’re at it.) Dog lovers should check out a pup-friendly dog contest happening in early August at which one lucky dog will be named Piedmont Park’s Dog of the Year.

Don’t Forget the Sunscreen!

Grab your towels and pool supplies for a cool down at Piedmont Park’s popular Aquatic Center, which features a pool with four lap lanes and plenty of shaded tables. There’s also the Legacy Fountain Splash Pad, a popular spot for kids who enjoy zig-zagging through its 70 jets. When you get hungry, check out our concessions: King of Pops, offering ice-cold popsicles or The Market where you can indulge in a savory lunch with options like the “Slow Pork & Mango Cuban” sandwich and the “Heart of the Park” hot dog.

Bikes R Us

Imagine this: You’re on a bike, cool air graces your face with each tire rotation and you’re surrounded by lush greenery. This could be you at Piedmont Park, where visitors can pedal on paved paths that lead to every corner of the Park for ample exploration. No bike? No problem. Atlanta’s low-cost Relay Bike Share bicycles are available to rent, allowing anyone to hop off their ride at seemingly every turn to take in the beautiful scenery.

Learn Something New!

Take a leisurely stroll through the Park and learn some interesting tidbits about the Park’s storied past by going on one of our free docent-led history tours. Lead yourself on a self-guided tour to explore the most photographed locations in the Park or make a game of spotting the some of the oldest trees in Atlanta. Bird walks are offered in collaboration with the Atlanta Audubon Society; hone your observation skills and impress your friends with your newfound knowledge of unique bird calls.

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Guest Post by Aliya Seymour

Pitch in for Piedmont Park by Volunteering

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From events to park beautification to history tours, volunteers were there for it all. Without them, Piedmont Park could look quite different! For instance, a year ago the perimeter of Lake Clara Meer was shrouded in bushes that obscured views of the Atlanta skyline. Volunteers were essential in helping to clear the shrubbery to reveal the picturesque cityscape thousands flock to see annually.

“Volunteers are critical to the enhancement and preservation of the Park. I think the great thing about volunteering is the tremendous impact you’re making on the community.”

Kalia Edmonds, Community Involvement and Events Manager, Piedmont Park Conservancy

This past year, the Piedmont Park Conservancy welcomed over 3,487 volunteers who logged in over 9,649 hours towards the care and upkeep of Atlanta’s favorite park.

With 200 plus acres in the Park, there is no shortage of opportunities for those looking to get involved.

  • Volunteers at the Green Market might find themselves helping vendors set-up their booths or assisting in the education garden.
  • For those who are well-versed in history, try your hand at leading walking tours as a Tour docent! Docents teach visitors unique facts as they explore the Park.
  • Many volunteers assist with the Park’s frequent events, which often bring in thousands of visitors each year. Some of those include the Landmark Luncheon, Splish Splash Doggie Bash and Party for Piedmont Park.
  • For one of the most visible ways to pitch in, come aboard our Park beautification team to work on projects like laying down mulch (95% was done by volunteers last year!), pruning, or removing invasive plant species.
  • Sometimes the Piedmont Park Conservancy has a special projects for which they need a few extra hands. For those who still want to help but would rather do so indoors, check out becoming an administrative volunteer.

How you can you get involved?

The Conservancy is always looking for motivated individuals or groups who are eager to help make the Park even better. Volunteers simply choose the area where they’d like to contribute or where they feel their skills would be most beneficial. All skill levels are welcome and all are appreciated! Those who’d like to volunteer on a more consistent basis should consider attending Pull for Piedmont, a monthly park beautification effort where attendees enjoy refreshments and meet others in the community.

Volunteer Information

Guest Post by Aliya Seymour

Piedmont Park Pool Celebrates 10 Year Restoration Anniversary

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Northside Hospital Sponsorship Enhances Pool Experience

The Piedmont Park Conservancy is celebrating the Aquatic Center and Pool’s 10 year anniversary of its restoration in 2008! The past decade has been filled with fun and excitement at the pool, serving over 50,000 visitors each year.

The pool restoration added features: a children’s splash area, accessible beach entry, a current channel, water jets, four lap lanes, large pool deck, shade arbor, grassy area, and new showers and changing rooms. The pool also offers a concession stand for drinks and snacks in the hot summer sun. The massive restoration allowed the pool to flourish into the perfect summer getaway for local Atlantans.

In celebration of its 10 year restoration anniversary, Northside Hospital has committed to a yearlong sponsorship to further enhance Piedmont Park’s Aquatic Center.

“Piedmont Park is one of the Atlanta Region’s greatest assets, and one of the reasons Northside Hospital sought out this partnership. We believe that urban greenspace is a key part of healthy lifestyles. So for our employees, our patients, and their families, connecting Northside to Piedmont Park makes sense.

Our support of the Aquatic Center is especially important to us, as it provides awareness of both swimming and skin safety during the warm months. Northside is excited to expand our outreach in Midtown Atlanta, where many of our patients live and work. Piedmont Park, with its proximity to the Beltline and other city parks, is experiencing a surge in popularity – Northside is proud to join with them.”

– Lee Echols, VP of Marketing and Communications, Northside Hospital

With the new sponsorship, Northside Hospital will be collaborating with the Piedmont Park Conservancy to use their mascot – Sammy the Stork – to interact and engage with children and families about health, fitness and other wellness facts and fun.

Learn more about the pool and how you can join us this summer! – https://piedmontpark.org/things-to-do/pool-and-splash-pad/