Atlanta’s Memorial Drive Greenway finalized concept has been unveiled

The people of Atlanta have spoken, and a utopian vision for Memorial Drive’s westernmost reaches is now set in stone.

They’re calling this long-planned, sweeping expanse of greenspaces—all studded with public art and cafes—the Memorial Drive Greenway. It would span from Oakland Cemetery to a large park that caps The Connector where Memorial meets downtown.

Friends of Memorial Drive Greenway and Park Pride worked in concert for nearly a year to gather public input, which influenced the finalized concept plan presented below.

Leaders concede the concept is ambitious—but potentially game-changing for a vital, formerly downtrodden corridor experiencing a wave of investment.

So what are pretty visuals worth?

According to Park Pride, the concept “is a tool that can be used to fundraise and advocate for what would be a visionary step forward for the surrounding neighborhoods and a source of pride for the city and state.”

With plans in place, Friends of Memorial Drive Greenway are now strategizing how to engage elected officials and everyday citizens to make the park happen, leaders say.

Here’s an overview:

And closer looks at specific segments, beginning at Memorial Drive’s western junction with downtown Atlanta:

• Final Concept Plan for Memorial Drive Greenway [Park Pride]
• Memorial Drive guru Greg Giuffrida talks changes on the corridor [Curbed Atlanta]