City of Atlanta Climbs to 18th Nationally in 2026 ParkScore Index
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026
Mayor Andre Dickens and the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) is proud to announce a significant milestone: Atlanta has improved its national ParkScore ranking from 21st to 18th among the 100 most populous U.S. cities, according to The Trust for Public Land’s (TPL) 2026 ParkScore Index.
This three-spot rise reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to expanding access, strengthening equity, investing in communities, and enhancing park amenities across every neighborhood. The achievement also aligns with Mayor Dickens’ broader greenspace vision and the work of the Mayor’s Greenspace Advisory Council, which is focused on expanding equitable access to parks, trails, and connected green infrastructure throughout Atlanta.
“Atlanta’s continuous rise in the ParkScore Index, from 49th when I first took office to now 18th, is further proof that meaningful, deliberate investments deliver results,” said Mayor Dickens. “For more than four years, our Administration has worked to ensure every neighborhood across this city has access to quality parks and greenspace. These spaces are more than just land, they are community; places to gather, celebrate and make memories. Thank you to the dedicated team at the Department of Parks and Recreation for their work to embody our Moving Atlanta Forward mission.”
“Strong park systems do not happen by accident—they require long-term planning, consistent investment and collaboration,” said Chief Operating Officer LaChandra Burks. “This achievement reflects the City’s commitment to building healthier neighborhoods, improving access to quality public spaces and ensuring Atlanta’s growth benefits communities across the city.”
The ParkScore Index is the nation’s leading comparison of urban park systems, evaluating cities annually across five key categories: access, investment, amenities, acreage and equity. Atlanta’s overall score this year is 67.9 out of 100, based on 15 measures that collectively demonstrate how effectively the city serves residents through parks and recreation.
“Atlanta's new status as a top 20 ParkScore city reflects its significant, long-term commitment to improve the lives of residents by building and maintaining a world-class park system,” said George Dusenbury, VP of ParkScore® for Trust for Public Land. “By continuing to add new parks, improve recreational amenities, and increase funding for park maintenance, Mayor Dickens can build upon Atlanta's best-ever ParkScore rating and lead the city even higher.”
Investment in the Department of Parks and Recreation has grown from $60.95 million in FY2022 to $126.91 million in FY2027 proposed budget (from all sources)—a 108% increase over five years. The budget includes sustained growth in the Park Improvement Fund, which more than doubled during this period, alongside continued General Fund support for recreation centers, youth programming, park maintenance and community services. In FY2027, the City is also leveraging nearly $30 million in Park Improvement Fund balance resources to accelerate capital investments and neighborhood enhancements across Atlanta. These investments reflect the Administration’s commitment to building healthy neighborhoods, expanding access to quality parks and recreational opportunities and ensuring every community benefits from Atlanta’s growth.
Strong Access to Parks
- 84.6% of Atlanta residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park, placing the city well above the national average.
- Continued investments in trail connections, new neighborhood parks and improved walkability have strengthened Atlanta’s position as a city where parks are accessible to all.
High Levels of Park Investment
- Atlanta invests $312 per capita annually in parks and recreation, one of the highest levels in the country.
- This category reflects capital improvements, operational support, and the value of thousands of volunteer hours that help keep parks clean, safe and vibrant.
Expanding and Diverse Amenities
Atlanta scored above average overall for amenities, serving a broad range of residents through improvements and expansions that include:
- Playgrounds (84 points)
- Senior and recreation centers (88 points)
- Dog parks (68 points)
- Splash pads (73 points)
- Trail expansions and ongoing enhancements to park facilities
These amenities reflect the City’s strategy of creating inclusive spaces for children, teens, adults, seniors and families.
Improvements in Park Equity
- Atlanta achieved 76 points for both residents of color and low-income households living within a 10-minute walk of a park, an above-average performance nationally.
- The city continues to address inequities in park space distribution and is making strategic investments in underserved neighborhoods to close remaining gaps.
“Thank you to all of the members of the Greenspace Advisory Council that I created my first year in office—members like the Department of Parks and Rec, Park Pride, Trust for Public Land, The Conservation Fund, the Atlanta BeltLine, Trees Atlanta, Piedmont Park Conservancy, Westside Atlanta Watershed Alliance, Greenspace4Good and others—for all that they do,” continued Mayor Dickens.
While acreage remains an area for long-term growth, scoring 34 points for parkland percentage and 23 points for median park size, the City’s continued acquisition of natural areas, greenspace conservation efforts and future land-use planning strategies position Atlanta for improvement in the coming years.
“We are thrilled to see Atlanta climb to 18th in the nation. With input from the Greenspace Advisory Council, we’ve been able to achieve growth in the areas they recommended, including increased funding for park maintenance, a joint use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools and support with strategic acquisitions in historically disinvested communities,” said DPR Commissioner Justin Cutler. “This ranking is more than a number; it reflects our commitment to building a healthier, greener, and more connected city where every resident can enjoy the benefits of high-quality parks and recreation.”
“We are thrilled to see Atlanta climb to 18th in the nation. With input from the Greenspace Advisory Council, we’ve been able to achieve growth in the areas they recommended, including increased funding for park maintenance, a joint use agreement with Atlanta Public Schools and support with strategic acquisitions in historically disinvested communities,” said DPR Commissioner Justin Cutler. “This ranking is more than a number; it reflects our commitment to building a healthier, greener, and more connected city where every resident can enjoy the benefits of high-quality parks and recreation.”
The City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation remains dedicated to expanding green spaces, improving park distribution, investing in underserved neighborhoods and ensuring excellent experiences for all Atlantans.
