Latest news with #PiedmontParkConservancy
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bird and Piedmont Park Conservancy Announce New Partnership to Enhance Park Connectivity and Programming
Atlanta, GA, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bird, the leading shared micromobility provider in North America, and the Piedmont Park Conservancy, the non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of Piedmont Park, today announced an innovative and comprehensive partnership. This groundbreaking collaboration positions Bird as a programmatic partner and official corporate sponsor of Piedmont Park, ushering in a new era of operational and programmatic collaboration that will support efforts to provide enjoyable experiences for the park's millions of annual visitors. This strategic alliance signifies a mutual commitment to fostering seamless connectivity to and within Piedmont Park, Atlanta's treasured urban oasis. Bird's fleet of shared micromobility options aim to alleviate transportation barriers, reduce reliance on personal vehicles, and promote environmentally responsible transit options for individuals accessing the park from surrounding neighborhoods and the wider Atlanta metropolitan area. As a cornerstone of this multifaceted partnership, Bird will provide a significant financial contribution to the Piedmont Park Conservancy. The partnership will establish programmatic and operational initiatives focused on enhancing safe, affordable, and environmentally conscious mobility solutions that directly link communities to the vibrant heart of Atlanta's premier green space. The investment underscores Bird's dedication to not only providing sustainable transportation options but also actively contributing to the well-being and accessibility of the communities it serves. The collaboration between Bird and the Piedmont Park Conservancy will encompass a range of joint initiatives designed to optimize the visitor experience and promote responsible micromobility practices. As a first initiative, Bird will partner with PPC to support the Pick up and Pitch In volunteer program by mobilizing volunteers from our extensive rider base in Atlanta. As part of a recurring series, Bird will host riders and park goers alike, providing coffee, safety demonstrations, and free rides for those participating in park beautification efforts. Additional areas of collaboration will focus on rider education, accessibility, safety, and park etiquette to ensure that shared micromobility contributes to a safe and positive experience for all park-goers at all times. John Lankford, Sr. Director, Government Partnerships, stated, 'We at Bird are deeply honored and enthusiastic about this partnership with the Piedmont Park Conservancy. Piedmont Park is an invaluable asset to the City of Atlanta, and we are privileged to play a role in supporting the Conservancy's mission of providing a welcoming and accessible green space for all. This collaboration underscores our shared values of accessibility, environmental sustainability, and positive community impact, and we are eager to work alongside the Conservancy to create a more connected and sustainable future for Atlanta.' Doug Widener, President & CEO of the Piedmont Park Conservancy, commented, 'Piedmont Park serves as a vital gathering place for our diverse community, and ensuring that everyone can access and enjoy its beauty is a top priority. We are thrilled to welcome Bird as a corporate sponsor and programmatic partner. Their commitment to sustainability aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are confident that this collaboration will significantly improve how people can reach and will experience the park, by fostering a greener and more accessible environment for all visitors.' This partnership represents a significant milestone in Bird's ongoing investment in Atlanta's evolving mobility landscape. By aligning with the city's broader goals of reducing traffic congestion, improving air quality, and expanding the availability of multimodal transportation options, Bird is committed to being a responsible and integral part of Atlanta's sustainable urban development. About Bird Bird is an electric vehicle company dedicated to bringing affordable, environmentally friendly transportation to communities across the globe. Founded in 2017, Bird's expansive network of shared e-scooters and e-bikes provides convenient, sustainable mobility solutions that reduce reliance on cars and contribute to cleaner, more livable cities. About Piedmont Park Conservancy As the nonprofit champion of Atlanta's most visited park, the Piedmont Park Conservancy is committed to enhancing and preserving Piedmont Park as a vital urban greenspace and cultural resource that enriches the lives of all Atlantans. Through a collaborative partnership with the City of Atlanta, the Conservancy manages much of the day-to-day operations and maintenance of the Park; coordinates volunteer stewardship throughout the Park; offers programming for all ages, abilities, and works to ensure the Park remains a welcoming and sustainable public space for all. CONTACT: John Lankford Bird Sara Barksdale Brave Public Relations for Piedmont Park Conservancy sbarksdale@ in to access your portfolio
Axios
25-04-2025
- Sport
- Axios
Bike lanes, pickleball courts and more trees planned for Piedmont Park
The look and feel of Piedmont Park will evolve significantly over the next decade as the nonprofit that manages one of Atlanta's most popular green spaces plans to add paths, trees, courts and play areas. Why it matters: While the park looks good in its current state, "it could look great," Piedmont Park Conservancy president and CEO Doug Widener told Axios in a phone interview. "Someone said you could do whatever you wanted to but get the basics right first," he said. Driving the news: That was the running theme of the feedback the conservancy heard throughout the process of updating its 10-year comprehensive plan, which was released Thursday during its 28th Annual Landmark Luncheon, the organization's largest fundraising event. This year marks the first time the park's comprehensive plan was updated in 25 years. What they're saying:"It feels it's great to see all the great ideas and feedback we've gotten now translate into real ideas that we'll be able to implement over the next months and years," Widener told Axios, adding the park gets over 6 million visitors each year. "We're excited to release it, and we're even more excited to get started on making it real." Zoom in: The updated comprehensive plan calls for installing more than 6 miles of paths for pedestrians, designated trails and sidewalks for walkers and runners, access routes for service vehicles and dedicated lanes for scooter riders and bicyclists. Renovations are also planned in what the conservancy calls the park's " active oval," including new basketball and pickleball courts, three new courts in the sand volleyball area, new soccer and ballfields and play and picnic areas at Noguchi Playscape and Mayor's Grove. Lake Clara Meer will be dredged to improve its appearance and water quality. Expansion: The conservancy also plans to expand northeast to the intersection of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive, the area it calls the Commons. Projects include creating an entry plaza with concessions and restroom buildings, passive recreation areas, lawns to host picnics, two new playgrounds and a rock scramble. More trees, please: Boosting Piedmont Park's tree canopy is also part of the plan. The conservancy on Thursday rolled out its Seeds for the Future initiative, which will survey the health of the park's 3,000 trees and the eventual planting of hundreds more. The fine print: Other plans include improving entrances, restrooms, water fountains and building what it calls the Clear Creek Walk, which will provide an alternate path through the park tree canopy that steers clear of crowds using the Beltline. Councilmember Alex Wan, whose district includes the park, told Axios he's excited about the conservancy's "ambitious" plan. "I think there's something in it for everybody, no matter how you use the park," he said. " If you like coming for concerts or festivals or if you just like coming and strolling through ... there's a piece of the new plan for you." What's next: The project's first phase, which Widener said could cost between $50 million and $75 million to implement, includes assessing the health of the park's trees, will begin this year.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Piedmont Park Conservancy reveals renovation plans for iconic Atlanta greenspace
Piedmont Park is getting ready to create more greenspace and more places for people to enjoy the park. The Piedmont Park Conservancy CEO Doug Widener, took Channel 2's Jorge Estevez for an early look at some of the renovations planned for the area. With $3 million worth of initial renovations, Piedmont Park is ready to kick off the work, but the best part about it for the organization is that the feedback to make changes came from those who enjoy the park most. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] A tent full of people gathered for their love of Piedmont Park and to learn more about what's growing in the 200 acre space. Channel 2's Lori Wilson and Estevez got to see what's coming next, from charity walks to arts festivals. TRENDING STORIES: Police investigating shooting involving an officer in Southwest Atlanta Young Georgia equestrian severely injured after getting kicked in the head by horse Caregiver accused of buying Shein outfits, paying bills with Alzheimer's patient's credit card 'We are really transforming this part of the city,' Widener told Wilson and Estevez. The renovation plans include adding miles of trails to creating a welcoming experience and building more usable space. Widener said to 'Imagine this being filled with people experiencing nature,' while showing where a storage unit would become a visitor center for the Atlanta Botanical Garden, or how a northern part of the park will go from empty greenspace to an amphitheater. Most of last year, the Piedmont Park Conservancy took feedback from almost 10,000 people for ideas on how to update Piedmont Park. The things most requested were better up-keep of the park, more ways to explore nature and adding more activities, like pickle ball courts, sand volleyball courts, more basketball courts and a field for people with different abilities. Other improvements include removing part of a shopping center at Monroe and Piedmont. 'We have this once in a lifetime opportunity to add green space to our city's most visited park,' Widener told Channel 2 Action News. Some changes are also coming to Lake Claireamere, one of the park's most picturesque places. 'It's that iconic view that we all recognize well,' Widener said. Plans for the area call for clearing the brush, adding water friendly trees and building boardwalks. 'Imagine walking all the way around and experiencing this aquatic ecosystem up close and personal,' Widener said. All of the changes planned for the park were funded by thousands of dollars in donations from people who want to make a difference for generations to come. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
24-02-2025
- Yahoo
Piedmont Park wants your input on 2 options for its renovation plan
Piedmont Park will soon unveil its renovation plan, but officials want to hear from you first. There are two conceptual options to add amenities, spaces and more access. Visitors riding, running or walking call the park a gem in the middle of the city. 'We love having it here. One reason we live here,' Tim Fellow said. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The Piedmont Park Conservancy is working on its first comprehensive plan in the last 25 years, taking feedback at in-person meetings and a virtual session last week. Jack Shen lives nearby and would like to see the park kept more natural. 'Stick with a wild feeling,' he said. There are two options. One adds more recreation while the other amplifies more nature and scenic views. Both would add more seating with benches, trees in and around the active oval and new basketball and pickleball courts near the current tennis center. Both plans also add a new north entrance with concession stands and restrooms. It would expand the park to the intersection of Piedmont and Monroe. RELATED STORIES: 'This is our crown jewel' How Piedmont Park went from a farm to one of Atlanta's most popular places Piedmont Park celebrates 120th birthday, conservancy leaders discuss new projects, initiatives Big things happening at Piedmont Park as site celebrates 120 years in Midtown Each reimagines and beautifies Lake Clara Meer with one adding paths and even boardwalks over the water and the other more passive trails. 'I don't go down there very often, cause it's not easy to get to... but yeah I would,' Fellow said. A final virtual session will be held Wednesday night before the public is asked to review both concepts and give their input. You can submit your thoughts on the conversancy's website through March 8. The final comprehensive plan will be revealed at Piedmont Park's Landmark Luncheon in April. The actual work will take the next 10-20 years to complete the vision. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Axios
07-02-2025
- General
- Axios
Piedmont Park's future needs your input
If you have thoughts about how Piedmont Park can become even better, now is the time to speak your mind. Why it matters: For the first time in 25 years, the Piedmont Park Conservancy is updating its comprehensive plan for Atlanta's most popular green space. Community input during that process will "ensure the park reflects the needs of its more than six million annual visitors," the organization said. Driving the news: A public input session will be held from 9am to 1pm Saturday, Feb. 8, at Dockside in Piedmont Park. Zoom in: Draft projects include a new boardwalk circling Lake Clara Meer, new connections to the Atlanta Beltline and completing the park's expansion to Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive, according to Urbanize. What they're saying: " Community feedback is essential in shaping Piedmont Park's future, ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible space for all," said Piedmont Park Conservancy president and CEO Doug Widener. State of play: Saturday's gathering will be one of the last in-person sessions the Conservancy will host to collect feedback. The next session will be held 9am to 1pm Sunday, Feb. 16, at Dockside. Virtual sessions are set for 1–2pm Saturday, Feb. 22, and 6–7pm Wednesday, Feb. 26. You can also give input using the online interactive platform through March 8. What's next: The new comprehensive plan will be released at the 28th Annual Landmark Luncheon, the conservancy's largest fundraising event.
