Piedmont Park Conservancy Eyes Future Upgrades

The  met on Monday to review its progress on upgrades to the park and to talk about next steps including Piedmont Gardens, an area adjacent to Monroe Drive, which could include gardens, a playground and a picnic area.

The Conservancy is finishing up at the park, which has been focused on upgrading infrastructure and adding new entrances. Phase One has cost about $41 million.

Phase Two is beginning now and involves adding amenities such as additional benches, water fountains and grills that would increase the park’s appeal to Atlantans and tourists who may rent facilities there. Design plans also include a small orchard and an outdoor classroom. 

"When we're done, there will be more Piedmont Park to love and embrace," said Yvette Bowden, the Conservancy’s President and CEO.

The meeting also focused on the use of Greystone, a building next to the that is often rented out for weddings and corporate meetings. Nearby residents said that the building, one of the most beautiful in the park, was underused and would benefit from being open to the public more often. 

Bowden and Chris Nelson, the Conservancy’s executive vice president, said it would be too expensive to keep Greystone open to the public all the time. They said its current use as an event space makes money for the Park and helps highlight Piedmont Park as "world class amenity” at a time when city funds are tight.

What upgrades would you like to see at Piedmont Park? Tell us in the comments area below.