From the smallest beautification project to a full-scale park overhaul, Park Pride’s Grantmaking Program awards funding to Friends of the Park groups for community-supported park improvements. Through the Parks for All campaign, we plan to grow our annual awards to $2.8 million by 2024, doubling investments in local parks and doubling impact for Atlantans across the city!
In fact, we’ve already put campaign funds to work. The projects highlighted below are among the first to be completed through the increased investment of Parks for All with support from grants awarded in 2022. Additionally, in January we announced our largest slate of grants ever (opposite page), with $2.5 million awarded to 25 communities and 67% of funds allocated to parks in low-income neighborhoods.
Playground at DeKalb Memorial Park
A new playground at DeKalb Memorial Park—funded in part through a $50,000 grant from Park Pride—has proven to be an absolute kid magnet! This improvement was a long-time coming; for years, families in the community longed for a safe place for their kids to play in the park. In fact, an updated playground was identified by the neighborhood as a priority project through the Park Visioning process completed with Park Pride in 2019.
The Friends of DeKalb Memorial Park and neighbors love the new playground, but they’re not done yet. Fundraising is now underway to add swings, a climbing dome, and play cubes to the delight of kids and parents alike!
Bridge at Lenox-Wildwood Park
Today, when you visit Lenox-Wildwood Park in Atlanta’s Morningside neighborhood, you’ll find a lovely trail that invites visitors to stroll, exercise, and enjoy time outside.
That’s thanks to a new bridge, funded in part by a $30,000 grant from Park Pride! The installation of the bridge has improved connectivity through the park, seamlessly linking two sections separated by a small ravine.
Community members now enjoy a well-integrated recreational area, with improved access to tennis courts and the nearby Sunken Garden Park.