One of Atlanta's most cherished landmarks, Grant Park, will celebrate its 135th birthday on May 17. Established in 1883 when Lemuel P. Grant donated the land to the city, the park endures as a vital part of Atlanta history and culture.
Whether it's your first or fiftieth time visiting Grant Park, the beautiful green space, countless events and activities and rich heritage will have you falling in love with this Atlanta treasure.
Here are a few things you might not know about the park:
It's home to Zoo Atlanta.
Located right in the heart of Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta attracts over a million visitors every year and is home to more than 1,500 animals from around the world. Originally named the Grant Park Zoo, Zoo Atlanta's award-winning conservation and education programs and beautiful, expansive exhibits continue to provide the public with an unbeatable and enriching experience.
It contains 131 acres of green space.
Based on a 1903 design by the Olmsted Brothers - the most highly renowned landscape architects of the day - Grant Park originally featured paths through a forest, a lake with boathouse, springs and landmark fountains. Over time and through conservation efforts by the Grant Park Conservancy, the park now offers the public 131 acres of lush green space containing miles of beautifully landscaped walking paths. In addition to the zoo, the park is home to monuments like the Erskine Memorial Fountain, Atlanta’s first public fountain.
Credit: Courtesy of Norman Gasbarro
Credit: Courtesy of Norman Gasbarro
It's Atlanta's oldest city park.
Located on the Eastside of Atlanta, Grant Park is the oldest city park in Atlanta and offers the public a relaxing reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's the city’s fourth largest park in Atlanta.
It's nestled in the historic Grant Park neighborhood.
Surrounding Grant Park, you'll find the Grant Park neighborhood, containing a wide variety of historic homes dating back to the 1890s. Through restoration efforts over the past few decades, the Grant Park neighborhood continues to be celebrated for its diversity and character.
It offers year-round events and activities
Grant Park hosts a wide variety of events, activities and festivals throughout the year, including the Summer Shade Arts & Music Festival, the Halloween Lantern Parade and the Grant Park Farmers Market. With more than 60 vendors, live music, kid's activities and chef demonstrations, the Grant Park Farmers Market continues to be a well-loved locals favorite.
Credit: Courtesy of Scott Ehardt
Credit: Courtesy of Scott Ehardt
Want to join the celebration?
You can help celebrate Grant Park's 135th birthday, which will be celebrated on May 12 with a silent auction and benefit. Details are to be announced soon. You can also take part in some of the many initiatives put forward by the Grant Park Conservancy. Whether you want to help raise money for the park, eliminate invasive plant species, help plant 135 trees or help spruce up the park with new paint, picnic spots and pruning, you'll find plenty of ways to help Grant Park continue to thrive and flourish. Find out how you can get involved here.
