westside park

HGOR led community engagement and design efforts in the development of the City of Atlanta’s largest park. Due to its unique location, it was important to emphasize the need for accessibility and connectivity to the park while providing as much flexible space as possible for activation and programming opportunities.

The park now provides Atlanta with its largest gathering space, highlighting the quarry-turned-reservoir and showcasing expansive views that connect through a carefully designed system of walkways and trails. It also includes an elaborate gateway entrance at the intersection of Johnson Road and Grove Park Place and trails leading to the grand overlook area for views of the reservoir and Atlanta’s only panoramic view of the skyline.

The park’s goal was to create a sense of culture and connectivity using a master planning component to foster community engagement. Components geared towards sustainability include educational facilities and venues for events, weddings and festivals. These efforts were integrated by capitalizing on the park’s three natural high points for venue spots that overlook dramatic city views. As both a design and engineering feat, the quarry-turned-reservoir has taken on the role of Atlanta’s major emergency water source, increasing the city’s drinking water supply from three days to thirty-plus days. Supporting the importance of water, the surrounding park features significant elements of green infrastructure, enhancing water quality and groundwater infiltration.

DESIGN PROCESS

Through numerous studies, site walks, and 250+ meetings with stakeholders, committees, and the community, a site plan was developed that evaluated eight opportunity zones for phasing and future programming. Across each zone are thoughtful considerations of connectivity, activation, sustainability, and economic development opportunities. Programming initiatives included: bike/walking trails, playgrounds, flex lawns for sporting activities, overlook areas that provide moments of awe and wonder, art placement that inspires and creates a sense of place and spaces conducive to educational initiatives.

INSPIRATIONAL ELEMENTS
A priority during the design process was incorporating artistic elements that deliver moments of anticipation for park visitors. Once home to Underground Atlanta, the “Birth of Atlanta” sculpture represents a metaphor for the phoenix - the mythological bird born from the fire post-Civil War battle that destroyed Atlanta. The sculpture represents the perseverance and aspirational goals of the city of Atlanta, which mirror the goals of the Westside Park project, merging the community and cultures into one. After being preserved by the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs, the Birth of Atlanta has found its new home at the core of Westside Park.

HGOR worked with the project architect to strategically place an entryway portal that inspires parkgoers upon entry. Distinctive landmarks, such as the park’s ribcage are placed throughout the park, offering an adventure-filled experience at every turn.

GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE & SUSTAINABILITY
Preparing Westside Park meant the removal of invasive species. Paramount to resiliency was selecting the right species to enhance the beauty of the park and ensure long-term value. A 100% native plant palette laid the groundwork to heal and promote biodiversity.

As more than just a parking lot, a 2.1-acre area promotes park resilience through vegetated swales and bio-detention cells, removing chemical pollutants and contaminants and reducing the water that washes into Proctor Creek, causing flooding and stream erosion.

One of Westside Park’s most notable attributes, its 35.5-acre quarry-turned-reservoir, serves as the city’s major emergency water reserve and increased the water supply from three to 30+ days.

Awards

• Honor Award, Georgia Chapter of American Society of Landscape Architects, 2023

• Award of Excellence: Resilient Infrastructure, Atlanta Urban Design Commission, 2022
  

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