Willy’s Mexicana Grill at Piedmont Park Under Construction for New Concept

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Willy’s Mexicana Grill at Piedmont Park has secured a lease with the Piedmont Park Conservancy for the Community Center vestibule area and will be constructing a new concept in the coming months. Willy’s Mexicana Grill existing restaurant will be operating out of a food truck starting February 23, 2021 and is expected to return to its brick and mortar location sometime in April.

For further questions, please contact Willy’s Mexicana Grill’s Vice President of Marketing Diana Holley at diana@willys.com.

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About Piedmont Park Conservancy
The Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy raises over $3 million each year to enhance and maintain the park. Today, the Conservancy manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park.

Media Contact: Amy Han Risher
Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Piedmont Park Conservancy
E: arisher@piedmontpark.org
P: (404) 480-3758

Shake Shack Coming to Piedmont Park

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Shake Shack has secured a lease with the Piedmont Park Conservancy to open their sixth metro Atlanta location at Piedmont Park. Shake Shack will be located at the Piedmont Park Conservancy Community Center, directly adjacent to Willy’s Mexicana Grill at 1071 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta, GA 30309.

“Shake Shack coming to Piedmont Park is a dream come true,” says Mark Banta, President and CEO of Piedmont Park Conservancy. “We can’t wait to see Park visitors enjoying classic roadside burgers and frozen custard shakes all year round. The Piedmont Park Conservancy’s new relationship with the family friendly establishment will enhance the Piedmont Park experience by adding more food options and a fun, upbeat environment. Landing this fantastic tenant was the direct result of the hard work of past and present Conservancy Board Members.”

The space is anticipated to host seating options as well as a Shack Track exterior walk-up window, giving guests a seamless pickup experience. The Shack Track experience is Shake Shack’s digital pre-ordering and fulfillment experience. Shack Track includes the ability to preorder via app or web and pick up by way of a walk up window, curbside pick-up or in-Shack pick-up shelves.

“We’re incredibly excited to be joining Piedmont Park,” says Andrew McCaughan, Chief Development Officer of Shake Shack. “Shake Shack started as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in New York City and became a beloved community gathering place. Parks are a part of our history and supporting public spaces a core value as a company. We’re looking forward to serving guests of Piedmont Park and working with the Piedmont Park Conservancy to uphold the common ground’s iconic reputation.”

Shake Shack expects to open at Piedmont Park in late 2021 or early 2022.

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About Piedmont Park Conservancy
The Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy raises over $3 million each year to enhance and maintain the park. Today, the Conservancy manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park.

About Shake Shack
Shake Shack is a modern day “roadside” burger stand known for its 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches and flat-top Vienna beef dogs (no hormones or antibiotics – ever), spun-fresh frozen custard, crinkle cut fries, craft beer and wine and more. With its fresh, simple, high-quality food at a great value, Shake Shack is a fun and lively community gathering place with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s mission is to Stand for Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and caring hiring practices to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the company has expanded to more than 280 locations in 27 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, including more than 80 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Istanbul, Dubai, Philippines, Singapore, Mexico, Tokyo, Seoul and more.

Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead! Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.

Learn more: shakeshack.com | IG: @shakeshack | t: @shakeshack | facebook.com/shakeshack

Contacts

Piedmont Park Conservancy Contact: Amy Han Risher
Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Piedmont Park Conservancy
E: arisher@piedmontpark.org
P: (404) 480-3758

Shake Shack Contact:
Katie Scott | Shake Shack | kscott@shakeshack.com

Photographs

Lease Space Photo:

Shake Shack Photos:
https://shakeshack.sharefile.com/share/view/s3ee4608dcf2a4173a3f8772419b7ebe3

Four Adorable Piedmont Park Love Stories

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Piedmont Park is a go-to destination for dates, couples photos, weddings and more. Parks have a special way of kindling relationships and creating lifelong memories. This Valentine’s Day season, the Piedmont Park Conservancy rounded up four absolutely adorable love stories.

A Park for All Your Special Moments

“My husband and I were dating back in Dec. 2012. We decided to make it “official” while we were on a date at Park Tavern’s skating rink. Since our first “Skate Date,” as we like to call it, the park has held a special place in our hearts. We have returned almost every December for a skate date since. We used to live in Buckhead and would spend weekends picnicking in the park wishing that we lived closer. In 2014, we took our engagement photos at the park and used them for our wedding save the dates. In 2015, we bought a Goldendoodle with our wedding money and started frequenting the dog park and sponsoring a bone each year. In 2016, we decided to move to Midtown and live near the park, which is where we are now, just two blocks away! We recently had our first child and amidst the pandemic world, found sanctuary walking our baby in her stroller around the park almost daily during my maternity leave and now as a family every weekend since I’m back to work. The park is my favorite place!” – Tyler Keenan

World’s Tiniest Ceremony

“I have been with my partner for six years, and while we were in quarantine, he proposed. But we didn’t want to wait until the end of the pandemic to get married. We decided to plan the world’s tiniest wedding ceremony for the month after. Come October 2, 2020, we were standing in Piedmont Park, overlooking the lake with the skyline as the backdrop. Our parents and one best friend were in attendance, and my now-husband’s best friend since childhood married us. It was the best day of my life, and every time we visit the Park, that lovely memory washes over me.” – Grace Dent

From Dreaming to Fruition

“My husband moved close to Piedmont Park right after we first started dating long-distance. We spent every other Saturday morning (then nearly every one after I moved to Atlanta) walking through with coffees, talking, dreaming and planning. Two years later, I took one of the first photos of my engagement ring in the park with the Midtown skyline in the background. After waffling between venue disappointments, we were again walking through when he suggested that we should be married at Piedmont Park. It was our favorite place, after all! We ended up shooting our engagement photos in the park a few months before the wedding, too. I love that we have photographs of just us bundled up in the sleepy, wintry park and of us with our family and friends enjoying a beautiful spring day. We still visit the Green Market and park just about every weekend – and now we bring a stroller, too. Piedmont Park is so integral to our lives here, and we’re excited for our baby to love it as much as we do!” – Anna Kay Cope

A Piedmont Park Game Plan

“When we first fell in love, she was in Houston and I was in Atlanta. I knew the other half of my heart was in Atlanta, so I set out to convince her that Atlanta was a place she’d like to move. We’d go to Piedmont Park every weekend she visited. We would walk down 10th street and enjoying some wine sometimes but it was always Piedmont Park. People watching in the valley, watching doggies at the dog park, and my secret weapon: the Botanical Garden. Once I unleashed it’s full power, she knew it was futile to resist. She moved to Atlanta, and we continued going to the park every week pretty much ever since. We were married in April 2018 at Park Tavern and all of our family from out of state remarked on how beautiful the view of the park was and how festive it was to have dozens of families in the valley enjoying a park as the back drop to our wedding party. I owe it all to Piedmont Park for being the best place I have ever known to go kill time until the end of the world with ones you love.” – William Smartridge

Looking to host your next date at Piedmont Park?

If you are inspired by these love stories and want to make a love story of your own, check out our self-guided tours and plan a picnic at one of our several lawns. The Piedmont Park Conservancy offers three venues perfect for weddings, proposals and anniversaries, and all proceeds benefit our nonprofit mission to preserve and enhance the Park.

Story Behind Sidney Lanier Monument

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In 1866, Sue Harper, a 23-year-old from Brandon, Mississippi with a “shell-like complexion and violet eyes” met Civil War Veteran Livingston Mims from Jackson, Mississippi. They fell in love and were soon married.

The couple moved to Savannah, Georgia in 1876. After visiting Atlanta, Mrs. Mims fell in love with the city and persuaded her husband to move his business, the Southern Department of the New York Life Insurance Company, to Atlanta.  In 1879, the couple moved into their Queen Anne-style house at the corner of Peachtree Street and Ponce DeLeon Avenue.

Guests to their house, named “Heartsease”, included President Grover Cleveland (twice), President William McKinley and Jefferson Davis.

In 1901, Major Livingston Mims became Mayor of the City of Atlanta.

Mrs. Mims’ love of literature guided her to start the first Shakespeare Club in Atlanta, as well as the Browning Society. She also became the first president of the Home for the Friendless which aided deserted children.

Upon her death, Sue Harper Mims bequeathed money obtained from the sale of her jewels be used to erect a monument to Sidney Lanier in Piedmont Park.

Sidney Lanier, a friend of the Mims and frequent visitor to their home, was considered one of America’s greatest poets whose poems expressed the social concerns of that day. His more famous works are “The Song of The Chattahoochee” and “The Marshes of Glynn.”

Author: Patrick Teague, Piedmont Park Conservancy Docent

Sources:

Cover Photo Credit: Marcia Brandes

Three Ways to Turn Piedmont Park Into Your Gym

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Piedmont Park is known for outdoor fun and recreation, but have you considered using the Park as a core part of your fitness routine? Fitness partner Saidah Jones of Love You Healthy Fitness shares her top recommendations for infusing Piedmont Park into your health goals.

1) Plan Regular Walks around Piedmont Park

Walking is one of the most important things that one can do for their bone density, heart health and sanity. Walking is a full-body exercise as it requires every body part to be able to step and pull your body forward, which is why walking outdoors is better than walking on treadmills. Incorporating daily and/or weekend walks is the number one way to prioritize your health. Not to mention, walking outdoors is one of the safest forms of exercise during the pandemic.

2) Take Advantage of the Piedmont Park Active Oval

The Active Oval is perfect for walkers and runners of all fitness levels. Tracking time and steps is easy because the track measures slightly over a half mile and it level. In addition there are two sets of stairs that offer an additional fitness boost for those of high fitness levels who want to increase their caloric output. Here is the Piedmont Park Conservancy Active Oval Workout Plan that I often complete with family, and friends of ALL fitness levels.

  1. Walk one lap around the track
  2. Complete 10 pushups on the elevated stone wall by the stairs
  3. Walk five flights of stairs
  4. Complete ten push-ups on the elevated stone wall
  5. Walk one lap around the track to complete the workout

3) Participate in a Group Fitness Class

In addition to using the Park’s pathways and Active Oval for daily movement, try a group fitness class to work on your strength and toning! Piedmont Park Conservancy partners with Love You Healthy Fitness to offer group experiences at Piedmont Park (temporarily offered via Zoom during the pandemic). Adding classes will ensure you are getting a well-rounded fitness routine.

If 2020 has taught us anything, it should be that health matters. Being healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Know that you are capable, understand that you are equipped and realize that your body is ready to be the vision of health that it is meant to be. Take care and love yourself to health in 2021. Oh and don’t forget, hydrate and veg up!

Author: Saidah Jones

Please consult your physician before starting a new fitness regimen or workout plan. 

Learn More about Fitness in Piedmont Park

Piedmont Park Conservancy Welcomes 2021 New Board Members

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The Piedmont Park Conservancy welcomes five new members to their board of directors: Bill Bolen, CFP®, CFA of Homrich Berg; Mona Harty of Delta Air Lines; Chandra Stephens-Albright of Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company; Reverend Dr. Tony Sundermeier of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta; and local community leader, Lisa Cannon Taylor.

The Conservancy looks forward to working with these new board members to sustain and advance the Piedmont Park Conservancy mission’s to enhance and preserve Piedmont Park for all Atlantans.

Biographies:

Bill Bolen, CFP®, CFA
Bill is an experienced wealth advisor and executive leader who works with ultra-high net worth families to help them navigate the markets and manage their financial lives.  He also leads corporate Marketing and Strategy initiatives for Homrich Berg and serves as a leader in the HB Family Office practice.

Prior to joining Homrich Berg in 2009, Bill served most recently as leader of the Terwilliger Family Office and as the first President of the Atlanta Dream WNBA sports franchise. He started his professional services career as a manager at McKinsey & Company’s Atlanta office before co-founding The DaVinci Group, a strategy and marketing consulting firm based in Atlanta that eventually became TopRight.  During his consulting career, Bill was also responsible for leading the consulting effort for a number of metro Atlanta initiatives to improve the quality of life and economic growth including the creation of the Atlanta BeltLine, the Metro Atlanta Transportation Initiative, and the Mayor’s Affordable Workforce Housing Task Force.

Bill received his M.B.A. with distinction from the Harvard Business School and graduated summa cum laude from the University of Alabama with a B.S. in marketing where he received the Outstanding Senior Award for the University.  He was chosen as one of the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2008.

An active member of the community, Bill has served on the Board of Directors for the Piedmont Park Conservancy, Board of Directors for the Ansley Park Civic Association, and the Board of Advisors for the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce.  Bill has previously served on the Board of Directors for the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia, Board of Trustees for Mount Paran Christian School, Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership Board of Directors, and the Community Advisory Board for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.  He is an active supporter of the Atlanta Botanical Garden and High Museum of Art. Bill is a member of the CFA Institute and Atlanta Society of Finance and Investment Professionals.

Mona Harty
Mona Harty is currently the Director, East Coast Field Operations, and Leader, Diversity Equity & Inclusion for the Reservations Sales and Customer Care division at Delta Air Lines.  In this newly created role, Mona is responsible for the support and leadership of the 2000+ divisional front-line team members across the East Coast, operational performance, excellence in customer interaction experience, as well the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategy for the division globally. Prior to this role, Mona joined Delta Air Lines in June of 2016 as the Managing Director for Program / Project Delivery and Quality Assurance for the airline.

Before joining Delta, Mona launched Mona Harty, LLC, a venture that provided management consulting, corporate innovation, mentorship, and public outreach to companies and individuals seeking to drive profit and innovation. Prior to creating her own business, Mona served as President and Chief Executive Officer for PSR Associates, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta Georgia.

Mona also held positions as the World-wide Production Manager, for iXL’s iXstream Division where she was charged with client managing and producing all of the Live and On-Demand streaming events. Prior to iXL, Mona spent five years as the founder, General Manager, and Director for the Cable Television & Multimedia facility at the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta

Mona is also highly engaged with the Atlanta community.  She is an alumna of the Leadership Atlanta, Class of 2013, a member of the Board of Directors for Junior Achievement of Atlanta and Central Outreach and Advocacy Center.

In 2013, Mona was named Women in Technology’s “Woman of the Year” for Small & Emerging Businesses for the state of Georgia. She also been a profiled member of the National Association of Professional Women.

Mona holds a B.A. in Communications from Pepperdine University, and a M.S. in Information, Design & Technology from Georgia Tech. In 2015, she earned a Mini MBA for Tech Executives Certificate from Boston University’s Questrom School of Business.

Chandra Stephens-Albright
Chandra Stephens-Albright has been the Managing Director at Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company since July 2017. She joined the nonprofit sector following a successful 22-year career at The Coca-Cola Company, where she led consumer-facing elements of the development and launch of Coca-Cola Freestyle®, the game-changing fountain dispenser named a “World-Changing Brand” by Interbrand in 2011.

Chandra is on the boards of True Colors Theatre Company, The Alliance Theatre, and the Atlanta Beltline Partnership (Nominating & Governance Committee Chair). She is a past member of the Emory Alumni Board (Development Committee Chair), the Emory College Alumni Board, the Emory Annual Giving Board (National Chair) and Girls Inc of Greater Atlanta (Board Chair). She is a member of the 2019-20 cohort of National Arts Strategies’ Chief Executive Officers Program, a 2018 alumna of Arts Leaders of Metro Atlanta, and a member of the Leadership Atlanta Class of 2005. She holds a BA in Chemistry from Emory University, and an MBA from the Olin School of Business from Washington University in St. Louis. She is married to Warren Albright.

Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier
Tony Sundermeier has been the Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, a thriving 2,000-member Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation located in Midtown, since 2014.  He is married to Rev. Katie Sundermeier and together they have two sons, Jonny and Luke.  Tony earned his B.A. in Theology and Philosophy from Eastern University; his M.Div. from Princeton Theological Seminary; and his doctorate in Missional Leadership from Missio Seminary in Philadelphia.

Prior to his call to Atlanta in 2014, he served as the Lead Pastor for the First Presbyterian Church of Allentown, PA and before that as an Associate Pastor for Preaching and Teaching at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester, PA. Tony currently serves as the chair of the board of trustees for the Presbyterian Homes of Georgia, a Christian ministry providing exceptional services to enhance the quality of life for over 1,000 senior adults in the state.  He is a trustee for Columbia Theological Seminary and the chair of their Advancement Committee.  Tony is also on the board of Midtown Alliance, Board of Visitors of Agnes Scott College, and on the advisory board for Day1.  He enjoys coaching basketball, cooking, playing golf, and rooting for the four professional sports teams from Philadelphia.

Lisa Cannon Taylor
Lisa Cannon Taylor is a community leader in Atlanta who is renowned for her commitment, innovation, and wry wit. Today, she continues to work tirelessly, ensuring that more female arts are included and supported, building on her time as chair of the Georgia Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA). In addition, Lisa serves on the National Advisory Board of NMWA. Recognizing her contributions in arts advocacy, Lisa was tapped to join the High Museum of Art’s board of Trustees in August 2017 and she serves on the High’s Communication committee as well as the Collections committee. Immediately after joining the board, Lisa co-chaired the biennial Collector’s Evening which focused on raising record funds for curator driven acquisitions for the High Museum of Art.

After serving on the Piedmont Park Conservancy’s Landmark Luncheon committee as a Co-Patron chair in 2018, Lisa was asked to co-chair the 30th Anniversary luncheon in 2019 with Heather Hallett. Lisa and Heather oversaw a historic success, breaking both attendance and fund-raising records. Lisa helped create a video celebrating the Conservancy’s 30 year history, and instituted new techniques such as in-room text-to-give.

A strong supporter of her neighborhood, Ansley Park, Lisa was the Ansley Park community liaison for the Piedmont Park Advisory Committee, where she focused on gathering critical community feedback for the Piedmont Park Conservancy expansion. Lisa co-chaired Ansley’s Art in the Park numerous times, raising needed funds for greenspace and playground improvements. Lisa also served on the Ansley Park Civic Association Board as well as president of the Ansley Park Garden Club.

Lisa holds a BFA in visual communication from Auburn University, has served as Creative Director for Atlanta advertising firm Camp Communications and has taught at the Art Institute of Atlanta. She currently lives in Ansley Park with her husband, Chuck Taylor. The Taylors have two adult children, Alix and Miles, and two welcoming dogs, Hero and Jack.

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About Piedmont Park Conservancy
The Piedmont Park Conservancy is a member and donor funded nonprofit organization working in partnership with the City of Atlanta to maintain and enhance historic Piedmont Park. Founded in 1989, the Conservancy raises over $3 million each year to enhance and maintain the park. Today, the Conservancy manages over 90% of the overall maintenance and security of Piedmont Park.

Media Contact: Amy Han Risher
Director of Marketing, Communications and Public Relations
Piedmont Park Conservancy
E: arisher@piedmontpark.org
P: (404) 480-3758

blog-image-seven-ways-to-use-piedmont-park-in-the-cold-winter

Seven Ways to Use Piedmont Park in the Cold Winter

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As winter rolls around, Piedmont Park transitions from vibrant fall colors to a deep blue and green palette that creates stunning and crisp backdrops for all visitors to enjoy. While most people think of parks with warm weather, Piedmont Park has a lot to offer in the colder months. Check out our recommended list of the top seven things to do in Piedmont Park this winter.

1) Take a Long Walk with a Warm Beverage from Sean’s Heart of the Park

Bundle up and stop by Sean’s Heart of the Park for a coffee, tea or hot chocolate! Then, take some time to explore Piedmont Park’s vast landscapes at your own pace, a perfect way to get your steps in. Explore areas of the Park that you may not have visited before:

You can also try our self guided walking tour! 

2) Look Both Up and Down for Wildlife

During winter, you can spot migratory birds both on the ground and up in the air. Walk around Lake Clara Meer and find the flocks of Waterfowls or bring out the binoculars and find birds perched up in the leafless trees. Make this a family affair with the kids and have a contest on who can count the most birds. If you snap a picture of a cool bird, post it and tag us @piedmontpark.

Photo Credit: Kevin Gaston

3) Jog Around the Active Oval and Surrounding Paths

New year, new you! Whether you are practicing sprints, running for distance or a first time runner, Piedmont Park is a perfect destination for all types of runners. The Active Oval offers a 0.52 mile running track and there are miles of pathways throughout the rest of the Park. Make your run more enjoyable with beautiful views of Midtown Atlanta in the Park’s skyline.

4) Grab a Smile by Visiting the Off-Leash Dog Parks

Set your furry friend free at our off-leash dog parks and watch all their zoomies go away. With over three acres, there is plenty of space to run around! There is a small dog enclosure (<30 lbs) and a large dog enclosure (30 pounds +).  The dog parks also have features such as natural rock seating, trees for shade, agility equipment and water spickets.

5) Practice Photography with Winter Backdrops and Exposed Branches

The cool tones of winter brings unique opportunities for trying new photography. Winter is a great season for abundant lighting and stark tree backgrounds making every photo Insta-worthy. Check out our Photo Guide to Piedmont Park.

6) Meditate or Practice Mindfulness on Quiet Lawns  

Winters tend to be less busy. You can hear more of nature’s sounds. Outdoor meditation enhances your senses, presence and connection to the world. Find your inner yogi, find a spot in the Park and take in the peaceful vibes. Meditate in motion with Tai chi with a series of gentle exercises and stretches. Connect your mind and body by holding a pose with a low-impact yoga sequence. 

7) Learn to Roller Skate or Ride a Bike

Dust off your rollerblades or bike, and brush up on your skills on our spacious pathways. With the Park being much quieter in the winter, it is the perfect place to learn how to ride a bike or skate. Don’t forget to wear a helmet and maybe some knee pads.

It’s too easy to let “dreary” weather keep us from spending time outside. Beat the winter blues by making the most of this season. What other ideas do you have to enjoy Piedmont Park during the winter season?

Looking Back at 2020: A Breath for Piedmont Park

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In most ways, 2020 was a bleak year for Atlanta, our country and our world.  COVID-19 jumbled our daily routines and daily pleasures.

While 2020 will be forever known for its challenges and disruptions, one of the bright discoveries last year was the deep recognition of the value of our public parks. For Atlanta, Piedmont Park remained open throughout the entire year for anyone to come and escape their homes, exercise and connect with nature and other people, all at a safe distance.

Piedmont Park remained a top destination in 2020, but in many ways the Park looked different. Instead of visitors flocking from all over to attend one of the many festivals, our neighbors, residents and local explorers re-discovered this beautiful, passive greenspace. We saw more roller skates, picnic blankets and kites, the classic items that pull our heartstrings and inspire us to play. Visitors did not necessarily congregate in any one area, and the impact on the grounds were minimal.

The Park is known for the plethora of activities and events it provides to our city. Some festivals attract upwards to 100,000 people while many others are much smaller. However, cumulative wear and tear occurs when events are set up in the same areas week after week.

The Piedmont Park Conservancy and the City took advantage of the break in events to deep clean and rehabilitate some of the worn areas to both improve the visual appeal and resiliency of the grounds, particularly for the more trafficked areas in the Meadow and Oak Hill. The timing and execution of aeration, fertilization, mowing and other maintenance tasks were based on ideal horticulture and agronomy schedules instead of avoiding events. Many of the areas that had been worn down to dirt are once again covered with beautiful Hybrid Bermuda grass.

The weather also made a big impact. In contrast to the distress of so many other parts of 2020, the weather was near perfect for improving the grounds. Rainfall came in intervals that was frequent enough, but not too much at one time. Thunderstorms helped with nitrogen fixation which is nature’s way of helping to fertilize the Park.

This past year, I have been struck by the physical beauty of Piedmont Park.  The beautiful condition of Piedmont Park is stunning, maybe the most beautiful I have ever seen.

The Conservancy has been able to cultivate Piedmont Park’s landscape in a way we never have before. We hope 2020 will serve as a case study of how beautiful and valuable Piedmont Park’s greenspace can be when provided proper recovery, great weather and a lot of love. Even in festival use areas, proper land rest and turf recovery periods can help the Park stay vibrant and green all year.

Parks are not passive investments, they’re active investments. The festivals and events will eventually come back. We will see a day, maybe not so far away, where Piedmont Park once again attracts festivals, concerts and other large events. We will use what we learned this past year to work with our friends at the City on caring for Piedmont Park for both events and our local citizens. We are proud to be a city partner and know that when conservancies and government work together, public spaces will thrive.

Until then, we are thankful to see Piedmont Park experience a much needed rest, while also serving such a critical role in our daily lives.

Author: Mark Banta, President/CEO, Piedmont Park Conservancy

Learn more about the Piedmont Park Conservancy.

Affordable Outdoor Wedding Venues in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park

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Piedmont Park, in the heart of Atlanta can transform into the special wedding location of every couple’s dreams. The Park’s three historic venues can accommodate a variety of budgets with a range of wedding packages. In addition to providing an amazing backdrop for your wedding, Piedmont Park Conservancy has affordable and flexible beverage packages along with a wide range of catering partners to fit any budget.

Dockside

Dockside is perfect for an outdoor ceremony, intimate reception or micro-wedding. Lake Clara Meer provides the perfect natural setting as your ceremony backdrop. You can bring in additional decorations, or rely on the natural beauty. The Dock and Lawn are secluded behind the Visitor Center building making the area your own private wedding oasis.

Magnolia Hall & Lawn

Magnolia Hall and Lawn has the perfect balance of indoor and outdoor space, comprised of the original blacksmiths forge, a beautifully landscaped lawn and a large private courtyard. Magnolia Hall offers basic audio/visual, making this wedding venue even more affordable. The mission style lanterns and functional historic fireplace enhance any decor and bring charm to any event.

Greystone

Greystone is perfectly perched between the breathtaking views of the Midtown Atlanta skyline and the natural view of Lake Clara Meer. This historic Atlanta wedding venue is ideal for large wedding parties. Greystone provides room to spread out between the outdoor terrace, South Wing and Main Hall. The neutral color palette can help make any couple’s vision come to life. All you need are candles and florals to create an intimate, glowing wedding reception.

Other Perks for Your Budget

The Conservancy offers affordable rental rates along with flexible beverage packages so couples can budget more for other wedding necessities. All three venues include tables, Chiavari chairs, security guard and a venue event manager to help make your wedding day a breeze.

Atlanta’s Piedmont Park and the Conservancy would love to be a part of your special day to create memories that will last forever. Don’t wait to book your venue as dates fill fast.

For more information about the Conservancy’s wedding venues, contact Jane Rollo at: jrollo@piedmontpark.org.

Wedding Venue Details

Fourteen New Trees Planted in Piedmont Park

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Thanks to the Georgia ReLeaf grant from the Georgia Tree Council, Piedmont Park Conservancy was able to plant 14 new native trees this past December 2020. Trees provide a plethora of benefits including heat reduction, cleaner air and habitats for wildlife. We thank everyone involved as it was truly a collaborative effort.

“Thank you City of Atlanta Arborists, Piedmont Park Conservancy and Trees Atlanta for all your good work. What a lovely way to round out a horribly challenging year.  Your commitment to our beloved park and city is inspiring. Citizens like me really appreciate it and couldn’t ask for a better holiday gift!” – Rita

All 14 trees came from Redbone Nurseries and were 2-3” caliper, balled and burlapped.

  • White Oak, Quercus alba
  • Scarlet Oak, Quercus coccinea
  • Swamp Chestnut Oak, Quercus michauxii
  • Cherrybark Oak, Quercus pagodafolia
  • Silverbell, Large Flowered, Halesia diptera magniflora (3)
  • Blackgum, Nyssa sylvatica ‘Green Gable’ (2)
  • Southern Magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora ‘Bracken’s Brown Beauty’ (1)
  • Tulip Poplar, Liriodendron tulipifera (4)