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A City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation Publication Volume 5 │ Issue 1 │ Winter 2025
A Best of 2024 Special Edition
ATLANTA WELCOMES NRPA
By Commissioner Justin Cutler
The City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) hosted the 2024 NRPA Annual Conference last year! Over 8,000 passionate recreation and park professionals, advocates, and thought leaders descended on the Georgia World Congress Center, October 8-10.
One of the fastest growing cities in America, Atlanta boasts a notable roster of sustainable parklands, nature preserves and greenspaces. Known for its premiere parks − Chastain, Washington, Piedmont, Grant, Adams, and the newest and largest green space, Westside Park − Atlanta’s parks offer something for everyone.
The National Recreation and Parks Association conference theme, "Where We Belong," deeply resonates with Atlantans,
a city that has long stood as a beacon of progress, resilience, and unity. Over the years, Atlanta’s parks have served as the cornerstone for community and unfolding history.
Considered the birthplace of the civil rights movement, many of Atlanta’s recreation centers and streets are named for equity pioneers like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Congressman John Lewis, Former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young, Rev. James Orange and former Atlanta Councilmember C.T. Martin.
The Department of Parks & Recreation is committed to continuing its mission to build strong communities and facilitate memorable experiences in 2025.
The Year in Review
The Department of Parks and Recreation realized great advancements in the areas of community engagement, programming, growth, and national recognition in 2024. The year began with the launch of the first-ever citywide “Love Your Park” volunteer month initiative in February and closed out with two spectacular events: the groundbreaking of the innovative John A. White Golf & Senior Activity Center and the grand opening of Harper Skate Park!
There were other great wins. Atlanta reached its highest-ever ParkScore, ranking 25th out of the 100 largest U.S. cities in Trust for Public Land’s annual park index and the City of Atlanta ranked among the top 10 Best Cities for Recreation nationwide.
Primetime Senior participation rose to 1,895 which led to the opening of four additional sites: Coan, Dunbar, English and Grove Park. Senior enrollment in Camp Best Friends also skyrocketed from 496 participants in 2023 to 752 in 2024! Special thanks to Ms. Magdalene Womack and the recreation team.
It was also an award-winning year for DPRs Atlanta Teen Leaders Academy. Led by Nicholas Clark, the group received various accolades including “Youth Provider of the Year” from the Atlanta Police Foundation for its @Promise program as well as the “Outstanding Programming Award” from the Georgia Recreation and Parks Association. Mr. Clark was also recognized, receiving the “Visionary Leadership Award” from the Atlanta Police Foundation.
These achievements reflect the department’s commitment to enhancing quality of life for all residents by investing in parks and recreational opportunities citywide.
John A. White Senior Center Groundbreaking
Ms. Magdalene Womack
Heroes Honored for Saving A Life
Atlanta City Council presented a proclamation to the Department of Parks & Recreation during Water Safety Month (May). The American Red Cross also recognized two staff heroes for saving the life of a then 93-year old patron who became unconscious at C.T. Martin Recreation Center. Aquatics Facility Supervisor, Askia Bashir who has been with the City of Atlanta for 26 years and Aquatics Facility Assistant Senior Kamau Hogan who has served for 23 years, performed CPR and stabilized the patron before paramedics arrived. We salute both men for their superior acts of courage!
Connection Made Easier Through Trails
Last year, the Department of Parks & Recreation launched Trails ATL, a citywide plan aimed at connecting Atlantans to where they want to go. In a survey, neighbors shared their desire to have more trails in their communities. So, the Department of Parks & Recreation teamed up with the PATH Foundation to make that goal a reality. Beginning early summer, community members in every council district were invited to engagement events to share their input about the multi-phase plan. The goal is to create opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to conveniently walk, bike and roll to more places in less time. Learn more at Trails ATL and follow us on social media for opportunities to get involved.
World’s Largest Swimming Lesson
For the second year in a row, the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition participated in the World's Largest Swimming Lesson event June 20 at the East Lake Youth and Teen Center Pool. Simultaneously, DPR led swim lessons at six City of Atlanta pools. The coalition is comprised of multiple collaborators including the City of Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR), YMCA of Metro Atlanta, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, American Red Cross, WABE, and Greater Atlanta Water Safety Alliance.
The nationwide event is designed to build awareness about the importance of teaching kids to swim and drowning prevention. This is the second year that the Atlanta Water Safety Coalition has participated. Studies show the highest drowning rates are among children ages 1-4 and boys ages 15-19, with individuals in Black and Brown communities at the highest risk overall. DPR Commissioner Justin Cutler talked about the importance of families learning to swim. “If mom and dad don’t know how to swim, why would their children or grandchildren learn? It’s about creating a culture of swim safety.”
To underscore the importance of swim safety, parent Jeff Githens shared his family’s personal experience in losing their young daughter during an accidental drowning incident. Githens recalled that day, “It was in a setting with other parents, other kids, and lifeguards present. Unfortunately, our daughter went unnoticed until it was too late, and that shouldn’t happen to anyone.” The family now actively advocates prevention and water safety.
Local author and comic book creator, Gary Burnham, read his children’s book, "Swim, Kelly! Swim!" to YMCA campers. The Atlanta Water Safety Coalition, established in 2023, is dedicated to developing age-appropriate strategies and enhancing access to swimming and water safety instruction for Atlanta's youth, particularly those in at-risk communities. The coalition looks forward to advancing its mission to educate and inform in 2025.
ATLANTA Recreation
Among Best Cities for
In a 2024 comparison study, Atlanta ranked 9th among the top 100 largest U.S. cities for recreation. Using 47 key metrics that focused on the benefits of recreational activities, WalletHub examined the availability and cost of recreational activities nationwide. Atlanta ranked high in recreation affordability, weather and quality of parks. WalletHub analyst, Cassandre Happe said, “Recreation is an important factor to consider when moving to a new city. Without adequate space for activities you enjoy, your mental health will suffer.” Happe also made the argument that cities that lack greenspaces and indoor facilities to exercise make it difficult to achieve and maintain physical health as well.
In his congratulatory message to staff, Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Justin Cutler stated, “The diverse and high-quality recreational facilities, parks, and programs that you have developed and maintained play a crucial role in enhancing the quality of life in our city. Your efforts not only promote physical health and well-being, but also foster a strong sense of community and connection among our neighbors!” See the report’s findings in Best & Worst Cities for Recreation (2024).
DPR in the Community
By Phillip E. Smith
THREE CHEERS FOR POPSICLES IN THE PARK
By Phillip E. Smith
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Department of Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Atlanta Police Department and Atlanta Fire Rescue Department, celebrated the kick-off of the 3rd Annual "Popsicles in the Park" at Grant Park.
In June 2021, DPR created the family-friendly event to provide free summer treats for youth and community members while offering resources from APD & AFRD. This year, the event connected residents in Southeast and Southwest Atlanta to resources from the Atlanta Citizen Review Board, Keep Atlanta Beautiful Commission, Emory University School of Medicine, Georgia Clinicians for Gun Safety, and more!
As the Department continues to provide programming for families throughout the city, the Community Outreach team is dedicated to continuing positive engagement programs in greenspaces to showcase the many great ways Atlantans can utilize parks. In 2025, "Popsicles in the Park" will be held in all 12 City of Atlanta council districts! Stay tuned for more information this upcoming Spring and Summer.
DPR Partners with APS
By Dienabout Diallo
The Department of Parks & Recreation is proud to partner with Atlanta Public Schools! On Saturday, July 20, 2024 the school district held its 10th Back-toSchool Bash offering free backpacks, school supplies, and community resources to APS students and their families. DPR contributed over 1,000 backpacks to support the effort and provided information about its afterschool program for youth ages 5-18. Participation in the Atlanta Teen Leader Academy (13+) is FREE!
Summer Camp Exceeds Expectation
By Haneefah Abdullah
As the new Program Director of Camp Best Friends (CBF), I am excited to share a few key highlights. CBF 2024 enrollment increased to 3,668 participants with youth and senior participation almost doubling since 2023! Campers enjoyed participating in a wide variety of activities ranging from golf, tennis, and swimming, as well as weekly field trips. Campers at Grant Park Recreation Center participated in their first Peachtree Road Race Junior event, July 3.
In addition, 5 to 8-year-old campers at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center toured the King Center and enjoyed a Be Loved Puppetry Book Reading. And what a great summer our Prime Time Seniors enjoyed. They went to see “The Preacher’s Wife” play at the Alliance Theater. We can’t wait to welcome campers back again next year!
CBF Campers Enrollment
By Shelby Beverly
Last summer, our campers got a chance to go on their very own CBF Road Trip! Each week participants had a chance to learn and experience new tasks, adventures, and foods. The Department hired over 500 staff including lifeguards, teens, camp counselors, and transportation drivers. We are excited to share the impact of our community giving this summer, providing free meals to school-aged youth and their families. Check out the results of the City of Atlanta Summer Food Program:
Sponsored 52 food locations
Over 65,000 free breakfast and lunch meals served in June
Launched mobile food distribution at eight pool locations
Partnered with the Atlanta Hawks and Goodr
Community Showcases RICH HISTORY Summer Food Program Expands
During the 1940s and 1950s, Atlanta’s Pittsburgh community was home to a successful group of Black, working class professionals. Some were doctors, teachers, lawyers, porters, business owners, and laborers. Their tenacity opened doors for future generations. On June 20, the Pittsburgh community, Friends of Pittman Park, the Department of Parks & Recreation, Park Pride and District 12 Councilmember Antonio Lewis celebrated pioneers of that era by unveiling the monumental mural project, “Pittsburgh Days in History,” at Pittman Park Recreation Center.
The rendering is part of an overarching initiative to help today’s youth to not only know their history, but to continually build upon it. During the celebration, the Pittsburgh community also celebrated longtime resident, Elder Richard Kelsey who turned 99 years young. The initial artwork was previously vandalized and has since been restored thanks to the community and Friends of Pittsburgh Park Chair, Winfrey Young.. See the restored project here .
The Department of Parks & Recreation hosted various events in 2024, celebrating new park amenities and upgrades.
Grant Park Conservancy
Celebrated
Completion of Loomis Plaza
April 20
Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy and Peachtree Battle Alliance
Opened New Betty Young Park
April 25
Friends of Chosewood Park
Celebrated New Playground
May 31
Friends of Knight Park Celebrated New Amenities
June 3
Friends of Lang Carson Park
Celebrated New Land Acquisition
June 6
ACTRESS GIVES BACK TO COMMUNITY PARK
By Dienabou Diallo
Last summer, the community celebrated the grand opening of the all-new Brownwood Playground with actress, producer, and Atlanta-native Storm Reid. Storm’s hard work and dedication were instrumental in bringing this exciting project to life. The new playground features three distinct play areas designed to cater to all age groups, including a special space created just for teenagers, ensuring that everyone has a place to play and explore.
A special thank you goes out to the Reid family for their unwavering support and enthusiasm, the East Atlanta Kids Club for their active involvement and engagement, and Atlanta City Councilmember Liliana Bakhtiari for her significant contributions to the project. We are also grateful to the Office of Park Planning and Design for their leadership and tireless efforts. Additionally, we extend our sincere thanks to the entire East Atlanta community—your commitment, passion, and collaborative effort were crucial in turning this vision into a reality.
EPA Clean Up Planned AS ATLANTA MAKES NEW PARK READY
Members of the Biden Harris Administration visited Atlanta August 14 to promote its “Investing In America” agenda. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) invested $2 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding for cleanup at the former Chattahoochee Brick Company site. Plans are to transform the 73-acre site into new parkland with access to the river.
The brick company, previously owned by former Atlanta Mayor James W. English used convict labor, making the land and its development a sensitive matter for families and the surrounding communities impacted by the negative history. City of Atlanta
Chief Sustainability Officer, Chandra Farley stated, “When we talk about environmental justice and what that looks like here in Atlanta, this is an example. We value the authentic community partnerships and engagement that honors the history of this site and respects the legacy and agency of this community. ”
EPA Deputy Director, Janet McCabe, Pulitzer-prize winning author Douglas Blackmon who penned the book “Slavery by Another Name,” District 9 Councilmember Dustin Hillis, and Donna Stephens, founder and chair of the Chattahoochee Brick Company Descendants Coalition were among speakers on program. Department of Parks & Recreation Urban Planner Tara Buckner also provided remarks about plans regarding the future of the park in holding, “to open it as a memorial, greenspace and park” and “establish a trail that will allow nature lovers to walk along the mighty Chattahoochee [River].” Special thanks to all for their contributions to this remarkable effort. To learn more about the EPAs plans, click here.
inFORM
NPU 50th Year Celebration
August 13 marked the 50th Anniversary for Neighborhood Planning Units (NPU) in the City of Atlanta. In 1974, then Mayor Maynard Jackson formed the NPU System to engage community participation in the City’s Comprehensive Development Plan, a citywide vision for Atlanta’s growth. Fifty years later, Neighborhood Planning Units continue to serve as the conduit for residents to communicate their concerns, advocate their vision, and receive information from the City.
Tracy Bates attended the 50th Anniversary celebration. The President of the English Avenue Neighborhood Association (NPU-L), she spoke with Inform about the value of having an NPU in her community. “Having a voice at the table and having the opportunity for developers to come to us to share their plans and concerns is primarily because we have an NPU System in place. They are required to get the input and interest of the community as they pursue development opportunities within our neighborhood.”
Forrest Coley has been in the NPU System for 20 years and is the current chair for NPU-M. Coley hopes to see affordable housing increase in his Old Fourth Ward neighborhood in the coming years. He says of the City-community relationship, “I’ve seen growth. I’ve seen our streets become cleaner, fewer dilapidated homes, and fewer vagrants.”
Transparency and open dialogue between the City and community remains the aim of the NPU System. In 2020, NPU University was created to help amplify the voices of Atlantans by empowering and equipping them to serve as effective community representatives and leaders. To connect or learn more, click here.
WE’RE GROWING
By Gineekia Welch
We were pleased to announce the formation of the new Data, Strategy, and Innovation (DSI) team in 2024. Residing within the Office of Administration, Strategy & Innovation, this team has been created to lead the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR) into a new era of excellence and innovation, ensuring that our parks and recreational facilities not only meet, but also exceed community expectation.
DSIs focus is to identify trends, set goals, and ensure alignment with DPRs Activate ATL Master Plan by leveraging data-driven insights and stakeholder feedback. Through analytics, strategy development and process analysis, DSI will explore cutting-edge ideas and technology to enhance user experience and increase operational efficiency within Parks & Recreation.
Director of Data, Strategy
Emmanuel Cocodia leads DSI and has over 20 years’ experience in strategy & operations, technology, and product management. He has held various leadership roles in the private sector including Vice President of Product and Data Strategy. He also served as a Management Consultant for federal and state government entities. Mr. Cocodia holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology and a Master of Science in Geoscience from Imperial College at the University of London. He earned an MBA with specialization in Strategy & Technology Management from the University of Western Australia Business School. He is an avid football and soccer fan and an enthusiastic Formula 1 follower.
Lisa Bond Management Analyst Senior
Lisa Bond is a tenured professional and the newest member of DSI. Since 1995, she has worked for Parks & Recreation in an administrative capacity serving three commissioners, four deputy commissioners, and five recreation directors. Career highlights include serving as a City of Atlanta Equity Ambassador, CAPRA team lead, and grant manager. She attended Georgia State University and received GIS and CAD certifications from Kennesaw State University. Lisa takes pride in being an engaged, supportive, and positive team player.
Stanton M. German Performance & Operations Specialist (Recreation)
Stanton German has been with Parks and Recreation for 9 years. He began his recreation journey as the Community Facility Manager at Peachtree Hills Recreation Center and was promoted to Recreation Program Supervisor before joining DSI. Stanton is passionate about community, service, and teamwork.
Sabina Kasumova Performance & Operations Specialist (Parks)
Sabina Kasumova served as a vital project team lead in the development of DPRs 10-year masterplan, Activate ATL. Now, her focus is supporting the Office of Parks by promoting operational efficiency and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement. Sabina graduated from the University at Buffalo specializing in environmental policy, education, and design.
Gineekia Welch Performance & Operations Specialist (Park Design and Administration)
Gineekia Welch’s leadership acumen for streamlining procedures, fostering operational excellence and employee development are perfectly aligned in her current role. She is a native Atlantan, a graduate of North Carolina A&T State University and has 15 years’ experience in operations management.
DSI
Data, Strategy, and Innovation
New Mural Honors Historic Golfer
On June 5, 2024, City of Atlanta Golf unveiled a mural honoring legendary amateur golfer Tup Holmes and his pioneering family. Each of the men represented helped to pave the way for diversity, equity and inclusion in golf, medicine, and education. Members of the Holmes family attended the celebration, including Tup’s grandson, Hamilton E. Holmes Jr., President & CEO of the Alfred “Tup” Holmes Legacy Foundation.
In July 1951, Tup along with his father, brother, and friend, attempted a game of golf at Atlanta’s Bobby Jones Golf Course, but were denied access because of their race. The Holmes family filed an injunction against the City and in 1954, the court ruled that Atlanta could maintain “separate but equal” courses or select days for Black golfers to use public courses. However, in a landmark ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court the decision was overturned the following year requiring Atlanta to desegregate its golf courses. Tup Holmes opened the door for equal access to parks and recreational facilities in Atlanta. His son, Hamilton E. Holmes would later integrate the University of Georgia and Emory University. More here.
Welcome to the Team
Dr. Gaylan Williams is the newly appointed Deputy Commissioner of Park Design for the Department of Parks and Recreation. A professional landscape architect, licensed arborist, and LEED® accredited professional, he has built a reputation for community-centered outreach and education, ensuring sustainability strategies are both accessible and inclusive. He brings over 20 years of expertise in climate-adaptive, sustainable, and equitable urban design to this role.
A New Orleans native, Dr. Williams earned a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University, a Master of Science in Architecture/Urban Design from the Georgia Institute of Technology, and a PhD in Urban Forestry from Southern University. Dr. Williams previously lived in Atlanta. His focus is to implement design solutions that will transform Atlanta's parks and public spaces into vibrant, inclusive, and enduring community assets.
Investing In Atlanta’s Youth
The 26th Annual Mayor’s Golf Cup Tournament was held at Chastain Golf Course September 5. The fundraiser, which supports the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program (MYSP), grossed nearly $207,000, exceeding last year’s effort by nearly $50,000. A portion of the proceeds were used to provide college scholarship assistance to 161 aspiring Atlanta scholars during the 2024-25 school year. To learn more about the Mayor’s Youth Scholarship Program, visit https://www.myspatl.org/. The application process opens in May.
Access to the Hooch Realized
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens joined Trust for Public Land for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony of Atlanta’s first public access point to the Chattahoochee River: Standing Peachtree Greenspace. The December 2 event unveiled an accessible kayak launch, a fully accessible path to the river, woodland restoration and upgrades to the access road. The project is part of the Chattahoochee RiverLands and provides access to a 48-mile stretch of the river.
Photo Credit: Joshua Spruiel
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Credits
Commissioner: Justin Cutler
Deputy Commissioner: La’Shawn Brown Dudley
Deputy Commissioner: Rachel Maher
Deputy Commissioner: Doug Voss
Deputy Commissioner: Dr. Gaylan Williams
Senior Graphic Designer / Photographer: Greg Parmer
Communications Manager / Writer / Editor: Yolanda Harris
City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation 160 Trinity Avenue SW Atlanta, GA 30303
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