Piedmont Park North Woods Master Plan
Description:
TSW was tasked with developing a comprehensive master plan for the Piedmont Park Conservancy and the City of Atlanta to transform more than 50 acres of unusable and inaccessible land in and adjacent to Piedmont Park. The planning process, which took place over the course of a year, involved extensive community engagement and input, and was directed towards programming for the “North Woods” portion of the park, as well as two parcels managed by the City’s Department of Watershed Management.
The Piedmont Park North Woods Master Plan incorporates three distinct segments: the active zone, which is primarily located on the floodplain “West” property at the north end of the park, appeals to people of all ages, featuring playgrounds, sports fields, and other recreational amenities. The environmental education oriented zone on the eastern “Halpern” property, focuses on educating visitors about the importance of preserving natural resources and the environment through interpretive exhibits, guided tours and hands-on educational programs. Lastly, the primarily passive recreational zone on the North Woods main segment takes advantage of the area’s dramatic topography and natural woodland features, including several bridges, overlooks, and large-scale water features to captivate visitors and draw activity to this area.
One of the key elements of the Piedmont Park North Woods Master Plan is the transformation of a lengthy concrete stormwater management culvert into a more natural stream environment, and the creation of a pond and wetlands in the currently unappealing overflow detention area, which would not only improve the aesthetics of the area but also serves as an essential component of stormwater management and water quality.
The Piedmont Park North Woods Master Plan is a long-term vision for the Park’s future, one that will guide management decisions and inform capital improvement projects for years to come, that would offer something for everyone, from sports enthusiasts and nature lovers, to families, and environmental education seekers. The plan provides an opportunity to create a premier destination that is accessible, sustainable, and inclusive, and also serves as an environmental education and conservation model for communities around the region.
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