REI Doubles Previous Gift to the Adopt-the-Atlanta BeltLine Program with $20,000 Grant

The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership has received a second year of funding from REI in support of its Adopt-the-Atlanta BeltLine program. Doubling its previous gift, REI’s $20,000 grant will support the continued progress the 50+ adopter groups are making along 8.2 miles of Atlanta BeltLine corridor currently included in the program. In partnership with funding from Atlanta BeltLine, Inc.,  the donation also will help support the installation of  mile markers along Atlanta Beltline Trails.

“We are incredibly grateful for REI’s continued support of the Adopt-the-Atlanta BeltLine program,” said Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Valarie Wilson. “REI’s commitment to the Atlanta BeltLine through this grant and other programs demonstrates the tangible impact private organizations can have in helping advance the Atlanta BeltLine vision.”

REI at Trail MileMarkers
A portion of REI’s donation will help support the installation of trail mile markers

“Mile markers better enable trail users track their distance,” said Atlanta BeltLine President and CEO Paul Morris, “And more importantly, they offer an added element of safety in enabling users to identify and report more precisely where they are located in case of emergency.”

A partnership between Park Pride, Trees Atlanta, the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, and Atlanta Beltline Inc., the Adopt-the-Atlanta BeltLine program launched in winter 2010. The program provides an opportunity for community groups to play a direct role in improving and maintaining the Atlanta BeltLine.  Tools are provided free of charge to adopter groups by the Atlanta Community ToolBank, and the City of Atlanta Department of Public Works provides disposal support for the program.

“REI believes in the Atlanta BeltLine as a long-term investment in our community,” said REI Market Manager for Atlanta Outdoor Programs & Outreach, Jason Lane. “We are excited by the opportunity the Adopt-the-Atlanta BeltLine program presents to provide Atlantans to be hands-on stewards of this transformative project.”

Organizations interested in adopting a segment of the Atlanta BeltLine can log onto Adopt.BeltLine.org to identify a segment of the Atlanta BeltLine they would like to adopt by completing the form located on the page. From there, a contact from Park Pride will facilitate the adoption process. Participants will engage in activities to maintain their area at least monthly, including:

  • Picking up litter
  • Maintaining greenspace through weeding and invasive plant removal
  • Cleaning benches, signage, and other fixtures within their segment of the corridor
  • Reporting maintenance concerns, vandalism, or suspicious activities

“Last year alone, more than 50 volunteer groups and over 2,000 volunteers provided nearly 6,000 hours of service through the Adopt-the-Atlanta BeltLine program, and this year we are on track to meet 10,000 volunteer hours since the inception of the program.” said Atlanta BeltLine Program Director Rob Brawner. “We are excited to see so many companies and organizations taking ownership and helping make the Atlanta BeltLine a success.”

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