Atlanta Beltline Breaks Ground on City of Atlanta’s First Bike Park at Shirley C. Franklin ParkAtlanta Beltline Breaks Ground on City of Atlanta’s First Bike Park at Shirley C. Franklin Park

Yesterday, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens, Atlanta Beltline, Inc. President & CEO Clyde Higgs, elected officials, philanthropic leaders, and community members broke ground on Atlanta’s first bike park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park (formerly Westside Park), marking a major investment in one of Atlanta’s largest greenspaces and expanding access to the sport of cycling.

Designed as a skill-building recreational destination and a catalyst for economic activity, the Bike Park supports a range of riding styles and users, both serving historically underserved Grove Park, Bankhead, Knight Park, and Howell Station neighborhoods and metro Atlanta. 

“As a son of the city of Atlanta, I’m so proud of what we’re building here, as it’s going to benefit all of Atlanta,” said Mayor Andre Dickens. “This will be a place where our families can come out, our neighbors can gather, and young people can see themselves out here being active and having fun. These types of projects prove that Atlanta is indeed a city built for the future.”

Phase 1 construction, made possible by philanthropic donations, including an $8 million lead gift from The Chestnut Family Foundation, will create a world-class asphalt pump track facility, jump lines, a bicycle playground and a skills course designed to give riders of all ages and abilities a place to advance their skill levels. Phase 1 is expected to be completed in fall 2026.

“The Bike Park at Shirley C. Franklin Park is another gem in the emerald necklace as we continue to build the 22-miles of mainline Beltline and 11 miles of connector trails,” said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. “This park represents a significant investment in communities that have historically had limited access to outdoor recreation, serving as a community hub that will spark a lifelong passion for cycling. When families on Atlanta’s Westside and across the city see this park open in their backyard, they’ll see an investment that is real, lasting, and will impact their long-term health and wellness.”

The Bike Park's design includes ADA-compliant features and adaptive equipment, ensuring that cyclists of all abilities can participate. Located adjacent to the Atlanta Beltline Westside Trail, the facility will join a growing network of Beltline-connected parks, including Franklin Park, Enota Park, Washington Park, Rodney Cook Sr. Park, Perkerson Park, Rose Circle Park, Historic Fourth Ward Park and Piedmont Park, to name a few.

Phase 1 features will include:

• State-of-the-Art Pump Track: An asphalt pump track designed for various wheeled sports, allowing riders to build momentum, balance and agility through berms and rollers without pedaling, perfect for everyone from beginners to experienced riders. This track is appropriate for both road and mountain bikes. 

• Bicycle Playground: A welcoming entry point for young and novice riders featuring low-risk elements like balance beams, small rollers and gentle turns to build confidence and fundamental bike handling skills.

• Skills Course: Technical challenges including narrow bridges, rock gardens and tight switchbacks that simulate real trail conditions, helping riders at every level progress their abilities.

The current design for future mountain bike trails in Phase 2 includes 0.37 miles of beginner trails, 0.67 miles of intermediate / expert gravity trails, and 1.19 miles of intermediate bidirectional trails. Phase 2 of the project will also include 0.75 miles of hiking trails. The mountain bike trails will be developed in phase 2 once funding is secured.

"This world-class, dynamic bike park reflects our commitment to inclusivity, creating a place along the Beltline where riders of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds feel welcome,” said Rob Brawner, Executive Director of the Atlanta Beltline Partnership. “We're extremely grateful for the Chestnut Family Foundation’s $8 million leadership gift toward our $15 million goal, along with the many donors whose support is helping make this vision possible.”

The project has also garnered philanthropic support from the Coca-Cola Foundation, Rebecca and John Somerhalder, and LISC/DICKS Sporting Goods Foundation.The full project vision,at a cost of $18 million, would include 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails (beginner, intermediate and expert gravity trails), and 0.75 miles of hiking trails. The Beltline continues fundraising for Phase 2, which will bring the trail network and additional features to reality. 

Other critical project collaborators include Reeves Young (construction), Sherwood Engineering (design), bike park specialists American Ramp Company, a company known for creating inclusive, expertly designed cycling facilities, City of Atlanta Department of Park and Recreation, City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management, City of Atlanta Department of Planning, Fulton County, Invest Atlanta, Trees Atlanta, and MTB Atlanta, the Atlanta chapter of the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association. 

For more information about the Bike Park at Shirley C. Franklin Park and opportunities to support Phase 2 construction, visit here.

Media assets available here.

Pictured left to right: Ruben Brooks, Chief Operating Officer, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.; TJ Austin, Board Member, Grove Park Foundation; Councilmember Dustin Hillis, Atlanta City Council 9; Mayor Andre Dickens, City of Atlanta; Clyde Higgs, President & CEO, Atlanta Beltline, Inc.; Ben Chestnut, Chestnut Family Foundation; Carlos Pagoaga, President, Coca-Cola Foundation; Commissioner Justin Cutler, City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation; Rob Brawner, Executive Director, Atlanta Beltline Partnership