We Believe in the Power of Parks
Park Pride believes great parks have the power to improve our quality of life and strengthen the fabric of our cities. When parks meet the needs and reflect the unique character of the communities they serve, they feel safe and welcoming for all members of the community to gather, play, relax, and connect with nature, encouraging mental and physical health and enhancing the resilience of our neighborhoods. This is the power of parks.
Parks are at the Heart of Healthier, Stronger Communities
Park Pride’s comprehensive set of programs provide support for over 150 community groups stewarding over 200 parks in the City of Atlanta and DeKalb County. By blending community vision with professional planning, targeted investment, leadership development, and policy advocacy, we help build a park system that improves public health, strengthens neighborhoods, and enriches life for everyone who calls Atlanta home.
Common Ground Where Atlanta Comes Together
Atlanta is a city in constant motion, full of energy, growth, and new development. Parks are where that energy finds room to breathe – where we gather with neighbors, play, relax, and enjoy the natural environment close to home.
Parks also strengthen the communities around them, with lasting benefits for public health, environmental sustainability, and neighborhood vitality. Parks are the common ground that’s shaped by the character of each neighborhood.
Parks That Spark Change
Every park has its own personality. Some offer lively programs and activities, play structures, or trails to explore. Others showcase unusual plants and trees, and many give birds, squirrels, and other wildlife a place to thrive.
Still other parks haven’t yet reached their full potential, and they’re ready for the care and attention that will help them flourish. Whatever stage a park is in, each one can drive real change, bringing neighbors together and enriching the natural environment around it.
Growing the Power of Parks Since 1989
From one of Atlanta’s earliest voices for parks to a trusted partner for communities across the region, Park Pride has spent more than 35 years helping people shape, improve and care for the parks they love.
Building the Next Generation of Park Leaders
Park Pride launched the Park Stewardship Academy, an educational and skill-building program that equips Friends of the Park members to become stronger advocates and leaders in their communities.
Launching Parks for All
Park Pride launched Parks for All, its first multi-year comprehensive campaign, to expand services, deepen impact and increase investment in parks, with an emphasis on historically underinvested communities.
A New Chapter in Leadership
Michael Halicki joined the team, ushering in a new era of growth for Park Pride.
Expanding Beyond Atlanta
Park Pride expanded its service area beyond the City of Atlanta through a partnership with DeKalb County. That same year, Park Pride and community partners published the award-winning Proctor Creek North Avenue Vision for Green Infrastructure, which became a catalyst for several Atlanta parks.
Putting Friends at the Center
Park Pride created the Friends of the Park Program, establishing the community-led model that remains the gateway to Park Pride’s programs and resources today.
Bringing Community Vision to Parks
Park Pride launched its Park Visioning Program to help communities develop a shared vision for the future of their parks.
Investing Directly in Park Improvements
Park Pride launched its grant program to provide matching funds for community-led park improvements. The original program continues today as Small Change Grants.
Bringing the Park Community Together
Park Pride hosted its first annual Parks & Greenspace Conference, which grew to attract hundreds of park advocates, professionals and community leaders from across the Southeast.
Growing Volunteer Power
Park Pride hired its first Volunteer Coordinator, expanding opportunities for volunteers to make a hands-on impact in local parks.
Helping Communities Fund Their Vision
Park Pride launched the Fiscal Partners Program, enabling communities to raise funds for playgrounds and other capital park improvements with Park Pride serving as fiscal agent.
Growing the Team
Park Pride hired its first full-time employee, Allison Barnett, who remains with the organization today as Chief Administrative & Program Officer.
Park Pride Becomes a Nonprofit
After beginning as an advisory committee formed by the City of Atlanta Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, Park Pride incorporated as a nonprofit. Carolyn (Henry) Rader served as its first Executive Director, with Tally Sweat as founding Board President.
“Plant spacious parks in your cities, and loose their gates as wide as the morning, to the whole people.”
