This article was originally published on SaportaReport.
This is a great time to be an Atlantan! Our city has come alive on the center stage for the World Cup. During this month-long party, our parks have welcomed visitors from near and far, the Atlanta Stadium, temporarily renamed from Mercedes-Benz, is bursting with fans (with the NYTimes ranking it among the best hosting stadiums), and MARTA is feeling the love.
And having a ticket to a game isn’t the only way to have fun — locals and international visitors alike have been flocking to our local parks for watch parties and live performances.
When people think of parks, they may think about playgrounds, trees and trails, but the power of parks goes beyond that. Parks are the keepers of culture. The World Cup watch parties have reaffirmed our parks as true town squares that are accessible, safe and fun. Our parks have welcomed people who fill these greenspaces with camaraderie, connection and culture.
Events like the FIFA Fan Fest at Centennial Park feel like you’re at the center of it all — a cultural and sports hub that’s infused with Atlanta’s flavor. (Have you seen the Waffle House jerseys?) The City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) has attracted several hundred guests to watch parties in parks and recreation centers throughout the city, including Atlanta Memorial Park, Sara J. Gonzalez Memorial Park and Candler Park. Groups serving Grant Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park and Founders Green (a new greenspace in South Downtown) have hosted their own events, among others.
DPR is also channeling the city’s soccer energy with the new FootGolf pilot program at the Candler Park Golf Course, with over 350 rounds played in June. FootGolf is a blend of soccer and golf where players aim to land a soccer ball in oversized cups in as few kicks as possible. If you’re feeling inspired by all the soccer fun, consider trying it out!
And while football still reigns as the most popular sport in the U.S., Atlanta is no stranger to the soccer spirit. Organizations like Soccer in the Streets and Atlanta’s American Youth Soccer Organization have been building the community and infrastructure to bring this sport alive in the city. The Atlanta Beltline is also hosting opportunities to play that are beginner and family-friendly.
If you’re not ready for the World Cup fun to end, consider heading over to Piedmont Park on Sunday, July 19, for A Celebration of Soccer & Sound. The free event will include a live screening of the World Cup Final, live music, local vendors and more.
Organizers describe the event as a “celebration of global culture and hometown pride,” which perfectly encapsulates the essence of our parks this summer and beyond.
Here’s to the summer of soccer, parks and Atlanta!
Photos by Park Pride and the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation