In this column for Saporta Report’s “People, Places, and Parks,” Executive Director, Michael Halicki highlights changes coming to Park Pride’s grant programs to make them more equitable.
SOURCE: Saporta Report
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Welcome Torey Garrett, Park Pride’s Park Visioning Intern!
Torey comes to us from Decatur, where his interest in design and environmental planning began in high school. He went on to graduate with a Bachelor’s in Environmental Design from Auburn University and is now earning his Master’s degree in Environmental Planning and Design from the University of Georgia. We asked some questions to get … Continue Reading →
Meet Marylyn Chen: Park Pride’s Community Building Intern!
Say hello to Marylyn Chen, Park Pride’s Community Building intern! Marylyn is an undergraduate student at Georgia Tech, where she’s earning her degree in Industrial Engineering with a minor in Computing and Intelligence. In her free time, she likes to dance, travel and spend time out in nature. We took some time to talk to … Continue Reading →
ActivateATL: Recreation and Parks for All!
The City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation has launched a comprehensive master planning effort, ActivateATL: Recreation and Parks for All! During this challenging time and beyond, the Department of Parks and Recreation is committed to building a better parks and recreation system that meets the needs of all Atlantans. Now is your … Continue Reading →
Parks: Not Just Fun and Games
“While many of us have perhaps never thought of parks and recreation centers as critical infrastructure, that is, in fact, the exact the purpose for which they were originally created. While the modern idea of parks has become associated with playgrounds, baseball fields, and park benches, parks in America actually began as an initiative to improve public health during past pandemics and increase urban resiliency.” In this month’s contribution to the Saporta Report’s “People, Places, and Parks,” Executive Director, Michael Halicki shares the major lesson from the COVID-19 health crisis and that parks are not all just fun and games.
SOURCE: Saporta Report
Atlanta’s 2020 ParkScore climbs two spots – from 42 to 40
Atlanta continues to make steady progress in its “ParkScore,” according to the Trust for Public Land’s annual index among the nation’s top 100 cities. The 2020 ParkScore index showed Atlanta placing 40th nationally – up two spots from last year’s score of 42. Its rank is a marked improvement from 2013, when it placed 65th; or from 2015, when its score was 70th.
SOURCE: Saporta Report
Showing Appreciation for All Parks and Recreation Workers
We know parks play a vital role in our wellness as places where we’re able to connect with nature close to home. Those who make it possible to continue to visit our local parks—that is, the staff and essential workers of our local departments of parks and recreation—deserve our heartfelt appreciation and gratitude for their service and sacrifices during this difficult time.
SOURCE: Saporta Report
Thank Your Local Parks & Recreation Workers
Over the past several weeks, while shutdowns and stay-at-home orders clashed with the colorful arrival of spring, metro Atlantans flocked to local parks and trails. You may have been among them, perhaps because you recognize that parks play a vital role in the health and wellness of our residents. The importance of this role has … Continue Reading →
Be Gone, Invasive Species!
This webinar is part of the Atlanta Community ToolBank’s “Tools, Tips, and Tricks” education series. During this informative class, Park Pride’s Volunteer Team, Chris Lemons and Victoria Burgos, presents on best practices and the right tools for removal of invasive species such as Bamboo, English Ivy and Kudzu. You’ll learn all about these common invasive … Continue Reading →
Community encouraged to practice safe distancing while enjoying Atlanta parks
“Right now, I think people really need access to nature, and I think nature has a number of different health benefits… provided that we practice social distancing.” Social distancing is *critical* to safely enjoying Atlanta’s parks, trails, and open spaces! Park Pride’s Executive Director, Michael Halicki, discusses the need for social distancing on WSB-TV’s People 2 People segment.
SOURCE: WSB-TV