During one of his final press conferences as mayor, Kasim Reed announced Friday some plans for the Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry, which has been under construction since September 2016.
The first phase of the $26.5 million project will include a gateway entrance at the intersection of Johnson Road and Grove Park Place. The gateway, which will have lighting, signage and graphics, is set on the park’s north side.
The restoration of Grove Park Place will include resurfacing of the road and improvement of the greenery along the corridor, according to a press release. The park will also have trails, a pedestrian connection to and from the seven-mile Proctor Creek Greenway and an ADA-accessible overlook area of the once-abandoned quarry site.
The site is being turned into a water reservoir that will provide a two-billion gallon, 30-day emergency supply of water to the city.
At 280 acres, Westside Park will surpass the 185-acre Piedmont Park in size.
“We are creating a healthy and sustainable city where everyone can bring and build their dreams,” Reed said. “Our Westside residents deserve best-in-class parks and infrastructure, and with this project, we are delivering on our promise.”
Department of Parks and Recreation Commissioner Amy Phuong, Department of Watershed Management Commissioner Kishia L. Powell, Councilman Michael Julian Bond, Renew Atlanta General Manager Faye DiMassimo and Atlanta Beltline Partnership Executive Director Rob Brawner attended the unveiling Friday.
RELATED: How to visit Westside Park in Atlanta
Shortly after the announcement, Reed broke the news about a $100 million expansion of Piedmont Park.
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