Park Pride began as an advisory committee formed by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs. In 1989, Park Pride Atlanta incorporated as a tax-exempt organization governed by a volunteer board of directors. By engaging grassroots advocates, nonprofit partners, and government officials in developing and implementing strategic responses to emerging park issues, Park Pride serves as the voice for parks in Atlanta.
A Track Record of Making More and Better Parks
2023
Through Parks for All, Park Pride launched the Park Stewardship Academy – an educational and skill-building program to help community members become even more impactful park leaders and changemakers for their neighborhood. Through PSA, Park Pride is creating a network of park leaders who will be able to guide capital improvement projects and marshal the resources needed to make lasting change within their neighborhood.
2021
To address disparities in park quality and access, Park Pride launched Parks for All, its first ever multi-year comprehensive campaign. Parks for All has allowed the nonprofit to expand services, deepen impact, create more park advocates, and increase funding for parks with an emphasis on low-income communities. This was Park Pride’s most ambitious undertaking in its 35-year history and the campaign equipped the team to provide tangible investment, thought leadership, and continuity for parks and greenspaces in Atlanta.
2013
Park Pride’s Board of Directors named Michael Halicki as the new Executive Director. Under Halicki’s leadership, Park Pride has reached new levels of success.
2010
Park Pride expanded its geographic footprint beyond the City of Atlanta, entering into a contract with DeKalb County!
Park Pride published the Proctor Creek North Avenue Vision for Green Infrastructure (PNA Study) in partnership with several nonprofits and community partners. The PNA Study has since won several honors and served as the catalyst for several parks in the City of Atlanta.
2006
Park Pride hired a Community Builder to develop the Friends of the Park Program. Friends of the Park is the connecting point for all of Park Pride’s programs; our community driven model revolves around the success of the Friends of the Park Program.
2005
Park Pride introduced the Park Visioning Program to help community groups develop a shared vision for the future of their park.
2004
Park Pride began its grant program with support from the Cecil B. Day Foundation to provide matching grants to communities for improvements to parks. This initial program – now called Small Change Grants – allowed communities to gain experience in project implementation and fundraising with small-scale projects.
2002
The first annual Parks and Greenspace Conference was held. It has since become the leading conference of its kind in the southeast – attracting over 500 attendees.
2000
Park Pride hired its first Volunteer Coordinator to expand volunteer efforts and sweat equity impact in parks.
1998
Park Pride started the Fiscal Partners Program, which allows the organization to act as the fiscal agent for communities raising money for park improvements. Since the program began, Park Pride has helped communities raise money for playgrounds, land acquisition and other capital improvements.
1991
Park Pride hired its first full-time employee, Allison Barnett. Allison remains with Park Pride today, serving as Chief Administrative & Program Officer.
1989
Park Pride incorporated as a nonprofit with Carolyn (Henry) Rader serving as the organization’s first executive director and Tally Sweat as the founding board president.