The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation has officially launched the design phase of the Memorial Drive Greenway. This transformative public space will convert underutilized land into a lush, accessible linear park stretching from historic Oakland Cemetery to the edge of Downtown.

This milestone marks the beginning of a collaborative design process led by Pond & Company, which will work closely with the City, community stakeholders and the public to shape the Greenway’s next chapter. The design team will draw upon the 2016 Memorial Drive Vision Plan as a foundational guide.

About the Project

The Memorial Drive Greenway will revitalize a half mile stretch of the corridor between Memorial Drive SE and Martin Luther King Jr. Drive SE, turning approximately 8.5 acres into a people-centered greenspace. The project is framed by Oakland Cemetery on the east end and the Downtown Connector on the west. Phase One of the project includes the schematic design of the entire length of the park plus full design, permitting and construction for one of the seven city blocks in the greenway.

The Greenway will incorporate Sustainable Sites Initiative (SITES) strategies, including stormwater management and native plantings to enhance biodiversity and improve public health.

“Our Administration’s pillar of making Atlanta a City Built for the Future has always kept preservation and environmental sustainability at the forefront of our city’s growth and progress—which is why I created the first Greenspace Advisory Council. Every neighborhood deserves access to quality parks and greenspace, and I am eager to see this project through,” said Mayor Andre Dickens.

“This is what transformational infrastructure looks like: inclusive, innovative, and inspired by the people it serves,” said Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari. “From skate parks to shade trees, the Greenway is built not just for today’s Atlanta, but for the generations who will inherit it. Every path we pave here is a pathway to equity, healing and shared experience. It honors our heritage while charting a greener, more connected future for every Atlantan.”

“The long-awaited development of Memorial Drive Greenway is a powerful example of what’s possible when a community comes together with a shared vision. This project wouldn’t have been possible without the efforts of our dedicated team of volunteers and stakeholders, the support of our Parks Department and the Dickens Administration, and the leadership of Councilmember Bakhtiari, whose commitment helped turn this vision into reality. I’m eager to collaborate with this team to deliver a vibrant green space that will serve as a prominent corridor for the surrounding neighborhoods and historical places,” said Brent Beatty of The Friends of Memorial Drive Greenway.

A Greenway for Families and the Future

The Memorial Drive Greenway supports Mayor Dickens’ vision of making Atlanta the best city in the country to raise a child by expanding access to high-quality greenspace. As the City’s Park system grows, more families will be able to walk to and enjoy nature every day, fostering healthier, more connected communities.

Though the original Vision Plan included a future "cap park" over the Downtown Connector, the current design scope focuses on achievable next steps, starting with Phase One. The city anticipates launching community engagement in August 2025, offering multiple opportunities for residents to shape the design and programming of the Greenway.

"Atlanta is reimagining Memorial Drive as a vibrant greenway—a welcoming space to walk, gather, reflect and reconnect with nature. Pond and Company is honored to lead the design of this transformative project, guided by community voices, grounded in sustainability, and dedicated to creating a lasting legacy for East Atlanta," said Grady Smith, Senior Vice President at Pond & Company.

Project Funding and Partners

Planning and design for the Greenway is funded by:

• $560,037 in discretionary funds from Council District 5 as part of the Moving Atlanta Forward (MAF) bond
• $500,000 from the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation’s FY27 Park Improvement Fund to support a pilot implementation project

The project is made possible by a broad coalition of partners, including the City of Atlanta, Pond & Company, Dan Kurzius (Mailchimp Co-Founder), The Integral Group, Park Pride, the Friends of Memorial Drive Greenway, and The Conservation Fund.

Next Steps

The Department of Parks and Recreation, in partnership with the design team and stakeholders, will launch a public engagement process in the coming months. More information and updates will be posted on the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation website and shared through community channels.

You can find the vision plan at this link, and a rendering at this link.

Learn more about the City of Atlanta’s Department of Parks and Recreation hereand follow them on Instagram.