Georgia State University Hurt Park

As Atlanta's first public park since the 1860s, Hurt Park was considered a significant accomplishment of Atlanta Mayor William B. Hartsfield's administration in 1940. The Park was named after Joel Hurt, a civil engineer by trade and later a real estate and streetcar developer who was highly influential in the development of downtown Atlanta. In the 40s and 50s, Hurt Park played a prominent role in the area serving as a thriving city center. Notable characteristics of the Park included the ‘Fountain of Light,’ an electric water feature gifted to the city by the Woodruff Foundation. The iconic park element featured nearly 80 bulbs varying in colors and patterns and provided a dazzling display of light and dancing waterspouts.

Renovations on the improved Hurt Park are just one part of the overall master development and include enhanced seating areas, remodeled walkways, and necessary repairs on the focal point of the park - its fountain. Several additional improvements involved the integration of a concrete stage 30" above the front seating areas, which allows for social engagement at the campus' core. New safety measures ensure the park's lighting follows the proper codes and fixtures meet the City of Atlanta's standards. To improve visibility across the park, HGOR worked with an arborist to create a clear line of sight, as many of the trees had become overgrown. The overall restoration plan has prepared Hurt Park for installing security cameras - completing its safety initiative.

Site renovations have allowed Hurt Park to offer revitalized greenspace with modernized elements that align with the growing area and the GSU campus and provide enhanced opportunities for further socialization among the student population.

Hurt Park’s star attraction is its ‘Fountain of Light,’ where a key element of the park’s revitalization was restoring the fountain to its former glory.

HISTORY & NEW TRADITIONS
With the park’s central location to many of Georgia State University buildings - a five-minute walk to most - the renovation has allowed students and faculty to create new, meaningful traditions in a welcoming space.

As a rich part of Atlanta’s history, once a platform where Martin Luther King Jr. addressed civil rights activists, the park provides equitable access to valuable open space for all Atlantans to celebrate the site with pride.

Awards

• Award of Excellence: Parks & Landscape Design, Atlanta Urban Design Commission, 2023

SIMILAR PROJECTS