THE GREENSPACE REVOLUTION

an American Tradition

MARC HYDEN

Few things are as American as baseball and apple pie, except maybe America's storied parks. Americans invented the concept of national parks in the 19th century—beginning with Yellowstone National Park—and while the first urban, public parks as we know them appeared in Victorian England, America was an early adopter of them. Now the United States is studded with both types, as parks have become part of the American story, and for good reason.

“Everybody needs beauty [...] where nature may heal and give strength to the body and soul,” remarked Scottish-American mountaineer John Muir more than 100 years ago. As modern research has shown, he was right; parks of all sizes provide myriad benefits, including promoting better health outcomes, cleaner environments, fostering social and cultural growth, and turning eyesores into beauty.

MODERN PARKS IN GEORGIA: INNOVATION AND COMMUNITY IMPACT

In keeping with this American tradition, Georgia's engineering firms have been hard at work. They are designing innovative parks spanning the state that stay true to their utilitarian purposes, while also challenging our notions of what form they should assume. In the end, they will serve Georgians— young and old, wealthy and underserved—for years to come, and they represent the next chapter of the American story.

While Georgia is known for Stone Mountain, Piedmont, Centennial Olympic and Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield parks, some more recent developments ought to garner the public’s excitement. The Path400 Greenway Trail—designed by Heath & Lineback Engineering—is one such park. “This environmentally responsible [space] provides recreational and social opportunities, as well as a sense of identity, to local residents,” according to Heath & Lineback.

The Path400 Greenway Trail is a transformative project aimed at enhancing connectivity across Atlanta. Stretching 5.2 miles from Atlanta’s Beltline in the south to Sandy Springs in the north, this trail offers a continuous route for pedestrians and cyclists. By linking various neighborhoods, the trail not only provides recreational opportunities but also encourages active lifestyles, making it easier for residents to engage in outdoor activities like jogging, biking, and walking. This project is a vital part of Atlanta's broader strategy to revitalize urban areas, reduce traffic congestion, and promote sustainable transportation options. The inclusion of art installations and 'trail moments,' such as parks and water features, adds cultural and aesthetic value, further enriching the experience for users.

This is a particularly important project, too. While roughly 79 percent of Atlantans live within a 10-minute stroll of a park, only around 6 percent of Atlanta’s land is dedicated to parks and recreation—compared to the national median of 15 percent for large cities. Much of the trail has already been completed and has plenty to offer visitors. As Heath & Lineback notes, “There are several trail ‘moments’ along the route, including parks, a water feature, and the City of Atlanta’s oldest cemetery.” The long winding path is already adorned with art and offers joggers, bikers and walkers in Buckhead usable space and convenient access points.

Health And Environmental Benefits Of Parks

It is parks like these—and many others—that provide so many health benefits. “Park access is associated with increased levels of physical activity across several studies,” reports the Urban Institute, which results in better overall health. Studies have also shown that spending time in parks reduces the complications associated with serious illnesses, like diabetes and heart disease, and contributes to improved mental health and well-being.

The 2024 ASCE Georgia Infrastructure Report Card highlighted the state’s continued efforts to improve its public parks, earning a grade that reflects ongoing progress. Although the overall grade for parks remains modest, the improvements are promising. Investments in projects like the Path400 Greenway Trail and other green spaces have significantly contributed to community well-being and economic development. The report card noted that these parks are not only crucial for recreation but also serve as vital infrastructure that enhances quality of life, promotes environmental sustainability, and attracts economic investment. These developments underscore the positive trajectory Georgia is on, aiming to enhance access to parks and recreational facilities for all residents, which aligns with broader state and national goals.

As the Path400 project has been underway, Croy Engineering and Pond & Company have coordinated with local officials to reimagine Smyrna’s downtown district. Thanks to their forward-looking vision and work on the Smyrna downtown improvements project, Smyrna’s residents now enjoy large greenspaces, broad sidewalks, plazas and revamped infrastructure, and it should be a point of pride.

“This collaborative effort resulted in a cohesive park that is visually appealing, structurally robust, accessible, and environmentally responsible—effectively meeting the diverse needs of the community,” remarked Sydney Thompson of Pond & Company. Croy is equally pleased with this development.

Economic Impact And Development Through Parks

“At Croy, we emphasize quality engineering and innovative solutions,” said Croy CEO Gregory D. Teague, “and we are proud to be able to support the city’s efforts in making their community a great place to live, work, and play.” Because of Croy and Pond & Company’s efforts, the Smyrna project promises to continue invigorating an already vibrant downtown by providing a venue for large events, concerts, markets and family picnics.

“We want this park to be a central part of Smyrna’s identity,” Thompson said, “both catalyzing new development in downtown and establishing a positive precedent for pedestrian prioritization in an urban center.” Studies suggest that her desire may come to fruition as this could prove to be a veritable economic engine for Smyrna as it attracts metro-Atlantans to patronize the amenities. This will in turn increase revenue to the city and possibly encourage further development and investment.

The Smyrna Downtown Improvements Project represents a significant investment in community infrastructure. This initiative transformed the downtown area into a vibrant public space featuring large greenspaces, broad sidewalks, and modern plazas. These enhancements not only provide a welcoming environment for residents and visitors but also serve as a catalyst for economic development by attracting new businesses and hosting large events, concerts, and markets. By prioritizing pedestrian access and environmental sustainability, the project aligns with Smyrna's goal of creating a more livable and dynamic urban center. The integration of these features is expected to boost local businesses and increase property values, further solidifying Smyrna's identity as a thriving community hub.

Economic studies have already established this reality, and according to City Parks Alliance, “$1.2 million in federal park grants resulted in over $2.5 billion in local public and private investments” in one out-of-state city. That is an incredible return on investment, and Georgia’s municipalities could enjoy similar returns.

Meanwhile, Croy has also been closely involved with the design and construction of a host of parks and recreation centers across Paulding County. The two most recent are the Burnt Hickory and Mulberry Rock parks in Dallas, Georgia. Between the two of them, they cover around 300 acres and boast miles of trails, pavilions, playgrounds, and multipurpose fields. They represent a cornucopia of recreational and leisurely options that are skillfully integrated into the parks.

Building such spaces is no easy feat. As Scott McNally of Croy noted, “For Mulberry Rock Park, we have spent nine years working to complete it […] There have been a handful of engineers that have worked on [it], including several civil, environmental, geotechnical, mechanical, electrical and plumbing engineers.”

This is his passion, too. “I decided to dedicate my life to creating a place where kids can come and have fun, and find what they are passionate about in the process,” explained McNally. “Whether it is hitting their first home run or making a friend for life on the monkey bars, we build these parks knowing that they help the community thrive.”

Cranston Engineering has played a pivotal role in enhancing public spaces across Georgia through a series of high-impact projects. Lance Cheely, a key figure at Cranston, highlights several notable projects, each showcasing the firm's commitment to blending functionality with aesthetic and environmental considerations. “Cranston has a large portfolio of park projects,” Cheely proudly admitted, but picking a favorite is a difficult proposition. “A few of my personal favorites are Sharon Jones Amphitheater on the riverfront in North Augusta, the Terrace Green at Wellstar Augusta University Medical Center, and the Blind Willie McTell Park and Amphitheater in Thomson.”

The Sharon Jones Amphitheater on the North Augusta Riverfront has become a central cultural venue, attracting numerous events and contributing to the local economy. The amphitheater's design integrates seamlessly with the riverfront, providing an accessible and scenic location for performances and community gatherings. While the Terrace Green at Wellstar Augusta University Medical Center offers a serene outdoor space for patients, visitors, and staff. This project exemplifies how thoughtfully designed green spaces can contribute to healing and well-being, offering a peaceful retreat in a healthcare setting. The Blind Willie McTell Park and Amphitheater in Thomson also stands out for its tribute to the legendary blues musician, enhancing cultural heritage while providing a versatile space for events and community activities.

Moreover, each of these developments may provide valuable case studies in parks’ abilities to bring disparate people together. “Parks can be the center of life for many communities—a place to gather, recreate and create a cohesive community identity,” explained Cheely. Research has shown that he is right. Parks encourage social cohesion and a sense of inclusion. Their amenities are communal in nature. Children play together, neighbors can share meals in pavilions and people exercise with one another. In short, Georgia’s engineers are not just building parks, but communities and lasting relationships.

Community Engagement And Inclusivity Initiatives

They do so with the generous help from nonprofits, like Atlanta-based Park Pride, and local, state, and federal governments that fund these critical projects. Park Pride, a key player in enhancing Atlanta's green spaces, engages communities through volunteer projects, community gardens, and park redesigns. With a mission to activate the power of parks, Park Pride has been instrumental in bringing to life numerous projects across the city. One notable project is the Kathryn Johnston Memorial Park, part of the Proctor Creek Green Infrastructure Vision, which helps manage stormwater and prevent flooding in the English Avenue neighborhood. Another significant initiative is the "Parks for All" campaign, which aims to improve parks in historically underserved areas. This campaign includes projects like the transformation of Cascade Springs Nature Preserve and the enhancement of playgrounds and green spaces throughout Atlanta and DeKalb County. These efforts, supported by substantial funding from various partners, including The Coca-Cola Foundation and The Home Depot Foundation, exemplify Park Pride's dedication to creating inclusive and sustainable parks that serve all residents

FUTURE OUTLOOK: EXPANDING GEORGIA’S GREENSPACES

As Georgia continues to grow and evolve, the commitment to expanding and enhancing its greenspaces remains steadfast. The state's innovative approach to park development, supported by a network of dedicated engineering firms, nonprofits, and community organizations, is setting a new standard for urban and suburban planning. These efforts not only provide recreational and aesthetic benefits but also play a crucial role in fostering economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social cohesion. As Peach State officials and local stakeholders continue to prioritize these developments, the future looks bright for Georgia's parks and the communities they serve.