Adopt-A-Park

“In creating or changing a public space, small improvements help to garner support along the way to the end result. They indicate visible change and show that someone is in charge. Petunias, which are low cost and easy to plant, have an immediate visible impact. On the other hand, once planted, they must be watered and cared for. Therefore, these flowers give a clear message that someone must be looking after the space”

(How to Turn a Place Around, Project for Public Spaces, Inc.)

Making the world a better place often starts in your own back yard. Or – in the case of Devon Forbes and the Peachtree Towers Condominium Association – in the front yard: Hardy Ivy Park.

Hardy-Ivy is a ½ acre pocket park located at the corner of Peachtree and West Peachtree in downtown Atlanta – right in front of Peachtree Towers. It’s a formal, well-designed park that was in need of a little TLC. A small, heavily-used public space in an urban setting, Hardy Ivy needed a little more attention than the Office of Parks’ limited staff could provide.

Devon Forbes cared about that park, and he knew just how much the community cared, too. He also knew that someone had to step forward and take the lead. So Devon did what needed to be done – and the neighbors were only too happy to help.

Peachtree Towers adopted Hardy Ivy Park. The worked with Park Pride to design a new planting scheme, organized volunteer days and got to work. Every day they are making a difference. They have changed Hardy Ivy Park – simply by making it THEIR PARK.

Devon Forbes and Peachtree Towers are what Park Pride’s Adopt-A-Park program is all about. Neighbors coming together to change the world one park at a time.

Across Atlanta – and most likely in your community – there are parks like Hardy Ivy that need a little TLC. Hopefully, there also are people like Devon Forbes and Peachtree Towers willing to take ownership of that park – to make it theirs – to give a little time and effort to make their park and their community better.

If you’re one of those people, and you know a park that needs a little help, give Park Pride a call. For more information, or to find out the nearest Adoptable location to you, your community association or business, contact Eva Bradley at 404.817.7981 or eva@parkpride.org.