Archive for category: Activities & Seasonal Information

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A Look Inside the Colorful World of Piedmont Park’s Spring Blooms

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Spring is in full swing at Piedmont Park. The air is filled with fragrant and bountiful blooms that create a non-stop show. A green sanctuary in the middle of Atlanta, the Park is home to a diversity of trees that provide not only beauty, but habitat for hundreds of pollinators including bees, butterflies, birds and other critters that live in the Park.

From majestic oaks to diminutive dogwoods, these trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals also provide visitors with four seasons of color and a green oasis to enjoy throughout the year.

And if you’re inspired you may want to try growing some of these plants in your own garden.

Below is a list of garden-worthy plants to consider. Both the common and botanical names are listed so that if you are shopping for plants then you will know what to ask for.

Dogwoods, a favorite spring bloomer at Piedmont Park

Autumn Fern- Dryopteris erythrosora: This exotic ornamental makes itself right at home in southern gardens. The new growth emerges with bronzy tinges before it turns green which remind some of autumn.

Carolina Silverbell- Halesia carolina: This native small to medium sized flowering tree displays beautiful white bell shaped flowers. Full sun or part shade.

Carolina Silverbell, a great native plant with striking flowers.

Dogwood- Cornus florida: There are hundreds of native dogwoods growing throughout the park, easily recognizable by their beautiful white bracts in spring. The red fall fruits and red leaf color make it a standout in the fall.

Fringe Tree- Chionanthus virginicus: This native flowering tree produces masses of fleecy white flowers in spring.

Hellebore- Helleborus x hybrida, also known as Lenten roses: This evergreen groundcover blooms in late winter to early spring.

Native azaleas fill the air with their sweet perfume.

Native Azaleas- Rhododendron spp. including R. austrinum, and  R. canescens: bloom over a period of months beginning in early spring and continuing until late summer.

Redbuds- Cercis canadensis: is a small flowering tree with distinct lavender-pink flowers that appear before the heart shaped leaves.

Redbud flowers appear before the leaves emerge in spring.

White Oak- Quercus alba: This majestic native gets better and better with age. Be sure to give this beauty plenty of space as it becomes a large tree growing to heights of 50 to 80 feet tall, or more.  Oakleaf Hydrangeas-Hydrangea quercifolia- The leaves remind some of oak trees and the large white flowers standout in the landscape.

Want to do more for Piedmont Park’s plant life? Visit piedmontpark.org/support-the-park/commemorative-donations/ and learn how to plant your very own tree!

Author: Erica Glasener

Piedmont Park: A Place for Friends

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Are you looking for a place to make new friends or new memories? Come on over to Piedmont Park and experience life in Atlanta’s favorite park! Piedmont Park is a bustling urban green space and full of life every day. Here are just a few ways you can get involved!

1) The Active Oval: The Active Oval is a staple of Piedmont Park and one of the best places to meet new people. Many different intramural sports teams reserve the space for their games, and there’s always room for another player. It also has a full track and fitness equipment, making it a great place to get your workout in!

2) Free Yoga on the Promenade: Every fourth Monday of the month, Piedmont Park offers a free yoga class on the Promenade. Grab your mat and head over because you’re bound to meet a ton of great people and maybe even find that workout buddy you’ve been searching for!

3) Picnics in the Park: Picnics in Piedmont Park are very popular among Atlantans and one of the best ways to spend a Sunday afternoon in the city. Pack your favorite snacks, round up your favorite people, and pick one of the many scenic spots in Piedmont Park to kick back and enjoy each other’s company!

4) Green Market: Every Saturday from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, Piedmont Park hosts the Green Market, a local farmers market dedicated to bringing locally sourced produce to the Atlanta community. Start your Saturday right and come out to enjoy the incredible food trucks, unbeatably fresh produce, and captivating live music at one of Midtown’s favorite farmers markets!

5) Dog Parks: The Piedmont Park Dog Parks are one of the most utilized spaces at the Park. Grab your four-legged friends and check out our off-leash parks. Locals frequent the dog parks, making it one of the best places to meet new people. Not only will you meet dozens of your neighbors but even your pup will find a furry friend!

Whether you’re looking to get active, or looking for a spot to relax, Piedmont Park has a place for you! Piedmont Park welcomes everybody and is the perfect place to engage with your new community or to make memories with your friends!

Follow Piedmont Park on Instagram @piedmontpark to see more of what life is like inside the Park!

Author: Olivia Gage

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

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/

Green Market is So Close We Can Taste It!

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The Piedmont Park Conservancy is making the final arrangements for 2018’s Green Market. March 24th is quickly approaching, and the Conservancy is excited to get this year started right! With over 40 vendors, Green Market will be the place to be on Saturday mornings.

You can look forward to walking into Piedmont Park on a beautiful spring morning and experiencing live music, occasional chef demonstrations and all the best local products to choose from! We can look forward to seeing all the smiles and conversation that will happen at Green Market!

The hand-picked vendors provide Atlantans with the highest quality products in the heart of the city including: fruits, vegetables, meat, cheeses, pastas and more. Food won’t be the only product available. There will also be pet supplies, bath and body products, handmade goods, and candles. For those who come hungry, there are prepared food and beverage options including baked goods, popsicles, food trucks, and other tasty eats.

For families, there is a child friendly activity area and the nearby Noguchi Playscapes for little ones to play and engage with other children. For dog owners or fans, Green Market is a well-known activity for on-leash dog visitors. Stop by the dog vendors, grab a coffee and some food, and then head over to our off-leash Dog Parks.

Find the list of our vendors, musicians and other information at our website: piedmontpark.org/green-market

Guest Post by Alexandra Anton

Strength is Sexy…Time to Flex

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In the past women had been taught to think that lifting weights will make you bulky or masculine.  It wasn’t until recently that we began to dabble in light toning and strength training.  The beauty of strength training is that you are always in control of how and what you want to look like.  It is important to have a systematic way of strength training that is both sustainable and safe.  Systematic, safe weight training means lifting an appropriate amount of weight while applying the proper repetitions through the full range of motion.  This is how my clients and class will move into weight lifting in the coming month.  I encourage everyone to take a reputable fitness class or work with a certified fitness trainer to ensure a proper training protocol when doing strength training.  In the meantime, here are some tips for the proper way to begin a strength training program with weights:

  1. Begin with light weights, high repetitions and full range of motion. Moving through the exercise with weights in the full range of motion is how to prep the ligaments, joints and tendons.
  2. All workouts should be full-body.  Encompassing low-body, upper-body and abdominal work.
  3. Back and Biceps, Chest and Triceps. Don’t forget legs and core. Although I advocate full-body workouts be specific as to how you group your exercises.
  4. The heart is a muscle too. Begin or end your workout with some form of exercise that is solely to increase your heart-rate, i.e a pre-workout run, 20 minutes on the bike after etc.
  5. Slightly increase either in volume of intensity every 3 to 4 weeks.  This is sure you are accomplishing steady gains.

Begin your strength journey with the Piedmont Park Conservancy and Love You Healthy’s LIFT classes! Learn More

Guest Post by Saidah Jones, Love You Healthy

Snow Tips from the Piedmont Park Conservancy

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Atlanta now has a snow day!

It is a wonderful time to come to Piedmont Park and capture that perfect photograph! From white landscapes to sledding, we want you to take advantage of this rare opportunity. We hope you have a safe and fun time in the park this weekend.

Please read the following important reminders to ensure that YOU and your friends/loved ones leave the park have the best memories with minimal park impact.

-Be mindful of park treasures: Please do not sled on or conduct any activities on sensitive areas. This includes areas but is not limited to flower beds, growing trees, wildlife habitats, and historical monuments. Do not climb poles or trees.

-BYOS: Bring your OWN sled. Please bring a safe material to slide on. Leave park materials (banners, trash lids) to avoid unintentional damage & costs to the Conservancy.

-Leave no trace: After sledding or making snowballs, bring your materials back home with you or dispose of them in the proper disposal bins. Staff is limited in the park this weekend, therefore trash cans may get full quickly. If we all pull together and bring our trash home, that would help immensely.

-Bundle your pup: Paws get cold too! We encourage you to dress your four-legged friends in warm attire so that they can enjoy the snow too!

We hope that you have an amazing time in the park! Thank you for reading these tips and keeping Atlanta’s favorite park safe and beautiful. Again, please share this with anyone you know that may come to the park to enjoy the snow.

4 Reasons to Take the Piedmont Park History Tour

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There is nothing like the experience of immersing yourself in history, especially if the history is about your city’s backyard. Here are four reasons to take the Piedmont Park History Tour.

1. Discover Something New

Purchased by the City of Atlanta in 1904, Piedmont Park is rooted in Atlanta’s history. While many Atlantans have visited and treasure beautiful Piedmont Park, they may not know what was happening on the same ground under their feet dozens of years before. On the tour, you will discover its vivid history, stunning resilience and growth, and abundant beauty. From the accounts of Booker T. Washington’s mark on the Atlanta Exposition to the cluster of trees dedicated to well-renowned literary authors, the fascinating facts about Piedmont Park are timeless. Whether you are on your first or fifteenth visit, the tour awards you with the pleasure of establishing a new understanding of the Park and its influence on Atlanta’s history.

“The tour is such a great reminder of how Piedmont Park is woven into the fabric that is Atlanta.” – Kathy Ashe, Olmsted Society Member of the Piedmont Park Conservancy

2. Meet Like-Minded People

The Piedmont Park History Tour is a great way to meet new people or spend time with those who share a passion for Atlanta history or green space. The tour attracts neighbors, frequent visitors of the park and first-time visitors. Perhaps you’ll befriend another park lover on the tour, and then exchange contact information or enjoy a post-tour cup of coffee at the Green Market.

3. Instill Passion for Parks

With its unique and earthy history, the tour also encourages weekend family outings. If your family members love to engulf themselves in lush greenery and distinctive wildlife, or if historical landmarks and old truths thrill them, the park tour is perfect. The experience cultivates enthusiasm, dedication and love for all of what has Piedmont Park to offer. When you discover that Piedmont Park has been the backdrop of Gay Pride since 1972, for instance, or the home to the highly anticipated Atlanta Dogwood Festival, you will leave with a better understanding of why it is so important to preserve this gorgeous green space as a resource to Atlanta’s cultural and recreational events.

The tour is family and dog friendly. Grab your stroller and spend a day in the Park! Maybe the tour will persuade you or your guests to get involved with the Piedmont Park Conservancy such as helping to maintain the park’s beauty and cleanliness, all the while ensuring a safe space for the local community.

4. Make a Day at Piedmont Park

If you are new to Atlanta or only visiting with family and friends, the Piedmont Park Tour is a great resource for experiencing most of Piedmont Park in a short amount of time. First, arrive early to check out Green Market, where local farmers display tables of colorful veggies, fruits, and other merchandise. Then, take the docent-led guided tour to relive the park’s history. The docent will show you monuments, gorgeous trees, great Atlanta skylines (photo op!), and more – all within 60 to 90 minutes. Plus, both the Green Market and the tour are free to attend!

From learning about the contemporary design of the 1976 Noguchi Playscape to the Active Oval which was formerly a horse race track, the Piedmont Park History Tour is a noteworthy event to attend. It is hosted during Green Market which is on Saturdays from March to December (exclusion dates apply – check calendar for confirmation). The market is open from 9am-1pm, and the tour starts promptly at 11am. The market is at the 12th Street and Piedmont Avenue gate. Meet at the Piedmont Park Conservancy and Green Market information table. *$5 donation encouraged.

Guest Post by Annierra Matthews

Fields are Closed from wet conditions. Learn More