City of Atlanta Commemorates Fort Peachtree Bicentennial

DWM Commissioner Jo Ann Macrina (center), Councilmember Yolanda Adrean, Councilmember Mary Norwood, Director of Parks Doug Voss, DWM Directors R.T. Parker and Lee Hunt with Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), Fort Peachtree Chapter

Staff Report

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management today joined Atlanta City Councilmember Yolanda Adrean and the Department of Parks and Recreation to celebrate the opening of the former Fort Peachtree as a public greenspace. The historic site on Ridgewood Road in northwest Atlanta houses a Fort Peachtree replica constructed by staff in honor of the 19th-century military fort’s bicentennial celebration.

“I want to thank the Mayor’s office for sharing this vision and understanding the importance of greenspace in building communities and making a place where we want to raise our families, create traditions and enjoy the outdoors,” said Councilmember Adrean. “This land is owned by the Department of Watershed Management and they are opening it up to us in partnership with our Parks Department. I am grateful that they agreed that this would be an important mission for our city. This is just the beginning of all the great things we will do here.”

The 15-acre facility that runs along the Chattahoochee River and Peachtree Creek will provide passive greenspace to residents.

“Opening this greenspace to the public supports Mayor Reed’s commitment to increase access to greenspace for the betterment of families and youth in the City,” said Watershed Management Commissioner Jo Ann Macrina. “We are thrilled to partner with Councilmember Adrean and Parks and Recreation and with the public’s involvement, we will be able to protect and preserve this space for future generations.”

The Department of Parks and Recreation will operate, maintain and provide any additional improvements to the greenspace, which will be open to the public daily during daylight hours.

“We are one of only 135 agencies accredited by the National Recreation and Parks Association,” said Doug Voss, Director of Parks. “To be able to meet those standards you have to show that you are able to meet fundamental standards in terms of leadership and partnership in moving projects forward. I cannot think of a better example than Fort Peachtree at meeting those objectives.”

The greenspace also provides citizens with access to the Chattahoochee River for activities like kayaking and canoeing.