Atlanta Beltline Partnership Announces $8 Million Chestnut Family Foundation Donation for a New Bike Park in Westside Park

Atlanta Beltline Partnership is thrilled to announce a transformative $8 million donation from Chestnut Family Foundation, marking a significant milestone in the fundraising efforts needed to construct a new Bike Park at Westside Park. When fully funded, this project will become one of the most unique and inclusive biking facilities in Atlanta, offering a new recreational experience for the metro communities.

Planned features of the new park include:

• Mountain Bike Trails: The park will feature 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails designed to cater to various skill levels, including adaptive mountain bikes to ensure people of all abilities can enjoy the experience. These trails will include:

  • Beginner and Intermediate Trails: Equipped with berms, switchbacks, bridges, boardwalks, natural obstacles, and rollers.

  • Gravity Trail: A challenging route for intermediate to advanced riders, featuring natural and built obstacles, large rocks, steep drop-offs, tight switchbacks, and technical rock gardens.

• Pump Track: Available for a variety of wheeled sports, this state-of-the-art asphalt pump track is designed for riders of all skill levels to practice momentum, balance, and agility. The track includes berms and rollers, allowing riders to refine their technique and bike control without pedaling.

• Bicycle Playground: Tailored for beginners, particularly children, this area will feature low-risk elements such as balance beams, small rollers, and gentle turns to help new riders build confidence and basic bike handling skills.

• Jump Lines: A range of jump lines will be available, from beginner-friendly to advanced, featuring clear signage for difficulty levels and safe landing zones to encourage progression and skill development.

• Skills Course: This area will present technical challenges such as narrow bridges, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks, designed to simulate real trail conditions and help riders of all levels improve their technical skills.

• Hiking Trails: The park will also include serene hiking trails that meander through the natural landscape, offering accessible paths with varying difficulty levels. These trails will be designed to minimize environmental impact while providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all users.

• Start Area and Overlook: The park will feature a dual-purpose start area integrated with an overlook, providing a stunning view of the bike park and surrounding landscape. This area will serve as a starting point for adventures and a spot for relaxation and social interaction.

The Bike Park is key to realizing the Atlanta Beltline’s vision of making Atlanta a global beacon for equitable, inclusive, and sustainable life. By offering healthy outdoor activities and making sports like bicycling and mountain biking accessible to all residents, especially those in underserved communities, the park embodies this vision. It also furthers the mission of the Chestnut Family Foundation, led by husband-and-wife Ben and Teresa Chestnut, which partners with nonprofits that have demonstrated compassion and creativity in improving access and choice for children in the areas of health and the performing arts.

"We're deeply committed to advancing the vision of the Atlanta Beltline at Westside Park, and we’re thrilled that this donation will give greater access to the sport of mountain biking to the people of Atlanta," said Ben Chestnut, a co-founder and former CEO of MailChimp. "Westside Park is the perfect place to create new opportunities for residents to explore and enjoy the outdoors, fostering a love for biking in communities that previously didn’t include unique trails like this."

Atlanta Beltline, Inc. is implementing this project. Design concepts are underway. The first phase of construction is expected to begin at the end of 2025. The scope of the first phase of construction will be funding dependent.

"The Bike Park will be a game-changer for the Westside," said Atlanta Beltline, Inc.’s President & CEO Clyde Higgs. "This park is a critical component of Atlanta Beltline’s mission to provide equitable recreational opportunities and healthy lifestyles for all Atlantans. It's not just about physical activity, but about creating a community hub that will create a passion for a sport that many people will enjoy for decades."

“MTB Atlanta is extremely proud to partner in developing Atlanta’s first municipal bike park with the Atlanta Beltline,” said Brett Davidson, Executive Director of MTB Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association. “Westside Park is the ideal location for this landmark project due to its central location, bike connectivity, outstanding amenities, forest canopy, and unique topography. This park will serve as a crucial hub for learning, inclusivity in cycling, and passive outdoor recreation right in the heart of the city. Thank you to the Chestnut Family Foundation for this game changing contribution to our sport in the City of Atlanta.”

"We are deeply grateful for Ben and Teresa Chestnut's generosity and vision in advancing a world-class facility that will expand biking in Atlanta and beyond," said Atlanta Beltline Partnership’s Executive Director Rob Brawner. "Their leadership gift not only propels us closer to realizing the full potential of the bike park and trails at Westside Park but also serves as a powerful call to action for other donors. We are currently seeking an additional $6 million to fully bring this ambitious design to life." 

For more information on the Westside Park Bike Park and to learn how to support it, please visit our web page.