Atlanta BeltLine is so much more than just trails, and our parks are true gems along the city’s “emerald necklace.” We hope our “Park of the Month” series will help you find greenspaces on the Atlanta BeltLine that you haven’t discovered yet, and maybe even show you something new about your favorite parks! For the month of October, we are highlighting Historic Fourth Ward Park.
Like many of the parks within the Atlanta BeltLine corridor, Historic Fourth Ward Park inhabits a once neglected site overrun with invasive plants and concrete. To top it off, the area faced flooding and water runoff issues. So, 17-acres of usable space including a 2-acre lake seemed to be the perfect solution for these problems. The park serves as a recreational oasis while the lake functions as a gathering place and detention basin that addresses the area’s flooding issue. The lake saved the city $15 million by replacing the option to construct a traditional storm water facility.
Historic Fourth Ward Park offers something for all ages and levels of creativity. Amenities include a playground, an outdoor amphitheater, and a multi-use field for lounging, picnics and sport activities. With easy access to the Eastside Trail, Historic Fourth Ward Park offers multiple fitness options like yoga and bike tours. The park also houses a splashpad which is open May 1 through October 1 of each year. Just walking distance from the park is the Historic Fourth Ward Skate Park where skaters can test their skill levels on the different features the park offers.
On top of those great amenities, Historic Fourth Ward Park gives way to amazing scenery and views within the city. From photoshoots with skyline views to weddings pictures along the glistening lake, this park has seen it all. If you’re looking for a venue or just an amazing backdrop, Historic Fourth Ward Park can answer your needs.
Let’s not forget this park’s initiative to “go green.” Native plants fight maintenance costs while dynamic soil biology helps reduce the need for irrigation. At the eastern entrance of the park, shade structures house solar panels which offset almost 50 percent of the park’s energy costs.
While exploring Historic Fourth Ward Park, be sure to catch the last bit of performances for the 2015 Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibition. The final performance weekend for this year is October 10th at the Northeast Hiking Trail near Piedmont Park and the 11th at Historic Fourth Ward Park. Artists include Zoetic Dance ensemble, Atlanta Music Project, Joseph Thomas, and so many more. Performances for both days begin around 2 p.m. and end around 9 p.m. Check out the full performance schedule for the weekend to see when your favorite artist will be performing.
Historic Fourth Ward Park truly exemplifies the transformative goals the Atlanta BeltLine has in mind for the scope of the program, providing endless possibilities for visitors. So whether you’re enjoying a day in the park, an art performance, or savoring the scenery, make sure to share your moments with us all month long on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram with the hashtag #atlbeltline or #beltlineart.
