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Exclusive: Beltline mountain bike park scores $8M gift, refines plans Josh Green Mon, 09/16/2024 - 13:33 A mountain bike park with connectivity to the Atlanta Beltline that’s being called world-class, remarkably inclusive, and a “game-changer” for the city’s Westside is several million steps closer to happening today, as project leaders exclusively tell Urbanize Atlanta.
Atlanta Beltline Partnership has secured an $8 million donation for the Westside Park project from the Chestnut Family Foundation, a charitable organization led by billionaire Mailchimp cofounder and former CEO Ben Chestnut and his wife Teresa.
Chestnut, a noted mountain biking enthusiast, stepped down as CEO of Intuit Mailchimp for a business advisory position two years ago, following Intuit’s acquisition of the Atlanta-based e-marketing giant.
Atlanta Beltline Partnership leaders are calling the $8 million pledge "transformative" and a significant milestone toward creating “one of the most unique and inclusive biking facilities in Atlanta,” which will offer a new recreation experience like nothing else in the metro today, according to an announcement.
The official name of the project is now Bike Park at Westside Park.
An overview of Bike Park at Westside Park with a legend. Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Partnership
The Chestnut Family Foundation partners with nonprofits that strive to improve access and choices for children—and the Chestnuts envision the bike park as an entrée into the world of mountain biking for numerous Atlanta communities.
“Westside Park is the perfect place to create new opportunities for residents to explore and enjoy the outdoors,” said Ben Chestnut in a prepared statement, “fostering a love for biking in communities that previously didn’t include unique trails like this.”
Beltline designers relayed in a planning meeting in August last year the mountain bike park will be installed across roughly 45 wooded acres at the northeast corner of Westside Park. The 280-acre greenspace—considered the largest in Atlanta—opened its first phase three years ago.
The design process has been ongoing throughout the past year, and exactly what the park will offer once fully funded and built has come into sharper focus.
The bulk of the project will see 2.25 miles of mountain biking trails that designers say will be catered to all skill levels—all minutes from the urban settings of Midtown and downtown.
Those will include beginner and intermediate routes with bridges, boardwalks, natural obstacles, rollers, berms, and switchback trails.
For more experienced (and daring) riders, a steeper gravity trail will be designed to challenge, with large rocks, tight switchbacks, technical rock gardens, steep drops, and other natural and built obstacles, according to the partnership.
That section will also see more serene hiking trails weaving through the forest at various levels of difficulty. Designs call for protecting the area’s mature tree canopy, minimizing environmental impact, and keeping bikers and hikers separate for safety, Beltline officials have said.
Other planned features of the park are described as follows:
- Start area and overlook: The park will feature a dual-purpose start area integrated with an overlook, providing a stunning view of the bike park and surrounding landscape. This area will serve as a starting point for adventures and a spot for relaxation and social interaction.
- Bicycle playground: Tailored for beginners, particularly children, this area will feature low-risk elements such as balance beams, small rollers, and gentle turns to help new riders build confidence and basic bike handling skills.
- Jump lines: A range of jump lines will be available, from beginner-friendly to advanced, featuring clear signage for difficulty levels and safe landing zones to encourage progression and skill development.
- Skills course: This area will present technical challenges such as narrow bridges, rock gardens, and tight switchbacks, designed to simulate real trail conditions and help riders of all levels improve their technical skills.
- Pump track: Available for a variety of wheeled sports, this state-of-the-art asphalt pump track is designed for riders of all skill levels to practice momentum, balance, and agility. The track includes berms and rollers, allowing riders to refine their technique and bike control without pedaling.
The Atlanta Beltline Partnership has taken on the role of raising money for the bike park, while Atlanta Beltline Inc. will build it.
Zooming in to plans for the park's bike playground and other sections. Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Partnership
Design work remains in progress now, and according to current schedules, the initial phase of bike park construction is expected to begin at the end of 2025. Exactly how large that first phase will be is contingent on more funding coming in (additional fundraising measures are ongoing).
We’ve asked Beltline reps for information on the total project cost of the park as envisioned, and we’ll update this story with any additional details that come.
Atlanta Beltline Partnership executive director Rob Brawner said in the announcement an additional $6 million is being sought to “fully bring this ambitious design to life,” and that the Chestnut Family Foundation gift “serves as a powerful call to action for other donors.”
MTB Atlanta, the Atlanta Chapter of Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association, is also a partner in the bike park’s development.
Brett Davidson, MTB Atlanta executive director, called the Westside Park location ideal “due to its central location, bike connectivity, outstanding amenities, forest canopy, and unique topography,” he said. “This park will serve as a crucial hub for learning, inclusivity in cycling, and passive outdoor recreation right in the heart of the city.”
The scope of the Westside Park corner in question, situated between a hilltop greenspace (left) and the park's reservoir. Atlanta BeltLine Inc.
For inspiration, Beltline designers have looked to Bentonville, Arkansas—aka, the “Mountain Biking Capital of the World”—where Walmart heirs who are mountain-biking enthusiasts have helped turn the city into something of a mecca for the sport.
Beltline president and CEO Clyde Higgs predicted the bike park will be “game-changer” for the Westside and critical component of the Beltline’s overall mission to boost the city's health by way of inclusive recreation opportunities.
“It’s not just about physical activity,” said Higgs, “but about creating a community hub that will create a passion for a sport that many people will enjoy for decades.”
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Bike Park at Westside Park Westside Park Westside Mountain Biking Pump Track Mystery Donors Atlanta BeltLine Inc. Atlanta Mountain Biking Atlanta Bicycling Bicycling Bentonville HGOR Sherwood Engineering Ben Chestnut Chestnut Family Foundation Atlanta Mountain Bike Park Atlanta Pump Track Atlanta BeltLine Partnership MTB Atlanta Parks and Rec Atlanta Parks Parks and Recreation Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association
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An overview of Bike Park at Westside Park with a legend. Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Partnership
Zooming in to plans for the park's bike playground and other sections. Courtesy of Atlanta Beltline Partnership
Subtitle With donation from Mailchimp cofounder and former CEO, Westside Park project to break ground next year
Neighborhood Grove Park
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CDC Foundation Releases New Episode of Contagious Conversations Podcast Using New Approaches to Tell Public Health Stories
(saportareport.com)
From the Saporta Report:
The CDC Foundation is introducing a new take on its popular podcast series, Contagious Conversations. The updated show format will use a story arc in each episode to explore critical public health issues with experts from diverse fields. The latest episode—“The Costs of Getting Sick”—provides a behind-the-scenes look at a disease outbreak investigation and examines […]
The post CDC Foundation Releases New Episode of Contagious Conversations Podcast Using New Approaches to Tell Public Health Stories appeared first on SaportaReport.
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Converging Realities: Hammonds House Museum Collection exhibit and the John Rhoden Sculpture Garden open on September 20
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
Converging Realities: Hammonds House Museum Collection exhibit and the new John Rhoden Sculpture Garden will open simultaneously on September 20. Converging Realities is a captivating exhibition from the Hammonds House Museum permanent collection. It takes visitors on a remarkable journey through the dynamic interplay of artistic expressions spanning the 19th century to the present day. This … Continued
The post Converging Realities: Hammonds House Museum Collection exhibit and the John Rhoden Sculpture Garden open on September 20 appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
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Mayor Dickens to Push Owners of Blighted Properties to Make Repairs or Face Tax Increases
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens is cracking down on owners of blighted and dilapidated properties with the imposition of a new “blight tax” which would let courts increase the taxes of some blighted properties up to 25 times the going rate. It would only apply to occupied properties, ensuring that nobody is moved from their home … Continued
The post Mayor Dickens to Push Owners of Blighted Properties to Make Repairs or Face Tax Increases appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
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Black Women Face Higher Rates Of Unnecessary C-Sections, New Jersey Study Reveals
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
A new study from New Jersey has uncovered a troubling reality for Black women during childbirth: they are significantly more likely to undergo unnecessary cesarean sections (C-sections) than their White counterparts. The study, one of the largest of its kind, analyzed nearly one million births across 68 hospitals in New Jersey between 2008 and 2017. … Continued
The post Black Women Face Higher Rates Of Unnecessary C-Sections, New Jersey Study Reveals appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
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From the Atlanta Daily World:
Tito Jackson, member of the famed Jackson family who performed with his brothers Michael, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie died on Sunday, Sept. 15 from an apparent heart attack. Tito’s sons — Taj, Taryll and TJ Jackson — confirmed his death in an Instagram tribute early Monday morning. “We are shocked, saddened and heartbroken. Our father was an … Continued
The post Tito Jackson of Jackson 5 Dead at 70 appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
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Exclusive: Meet Osè, The Nigerian-Canadian Sensation Blending Afro-Soul And R&B
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
At just 19, Nigerian-Canadian singer and songwriter Osè has already captivated audiences with her soulful sound and authentic storytelling. Born in Nigeria and raised in Toronto, Osè’s Afro-soul and R&B influences run deep, shaped by her cultural roots and a strong sense of community. “Growing up Nigerian, it was a lot of communal living,” Osè … Continued
The post Exclusive: Meet Osè, The Nigerian-Canadian Sensation Blending Afro-Soul And R&B appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
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Partnering for Cybersecurity: How Atlanta Businesses and Boys & Girls Clubs Can Build a Safer Digital Future Together
(saportareport.com)
From the Saporta Report:
BY Carl Patten II, Vice President of Information Technology, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro Atlanta & Mat Mathews, Chief Technology Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of America Recently, a 12-year-old teen in Georgia made national news after disappearing from her driveway. The teen was eventually located in Ohio.[1]Reading stories such as the 12-year-old’s incident […]
The post Partnering for Cybersecurity: How Atlanta Businesses and Boys & Girls Clubs Can Build a Safer Digital Future Together appeared first on SaportaReport.
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Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks a Milestone for Affordable Housing at 646 Echo Street
(saportareport.com)
From the Saporta Report:
Westside Future Fund (WFF) is excited to celebrate a significant achievement with the groundbreaking of its latest affordable multifamily housing development at 646 Echo Street. This event marks a pivotal moment in the organization’s ongoing mission to revitalize and restore the historic Westside. The 646 Echo Street development represents a significant milestone in WFF’s next chapter, […]
The post Groundbreaking Ceremony Marks a Milestone for Affordable Housing at 646 Echo Street appeared first on SaportaReport.
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Exclusive: Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys Showcase ‘Giants’ Of Black Art With New Exhibit In Atlanta
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
The art world and Atlanta’s booming entertainment scene converged at the High Museum of Art to preview a new exhibit by Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. The “Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys” highlights 98 works by 37 Black artists, owned by the music power couple. On Sept. 13, the … Continued
The post Exclusive: Swizz Beatz, Alicia Keys Showcase ‘Giants’ Of Black Art With New Exhibit In Atlanta appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
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Major component of Georgia Tech growth spurt inches forward Josh Green Mon, 09/16/2024 - 08:12 After its development slate was wiped almost fully clean last year (to the chagrin of Atlanta armchair preservationists), a mixed-use project that would continue Georgia Tech’s westward expansion is showing signs of life.
Plans were recently filed with the Atlanta City Council Zoning Committee for the redevelopment of the former Randall Brothers Construction Materials headquarters, a century-old complex located near the western fringes of campus between 665 and 693 Marietta Street.
According to city filings, Georgia Tech is seeking a Special Use Permit to build a hotel and dormitory on the 7.3-acre site, which also counts 294 feet of frontage on North Avenue near Coca-Cola’s headquarters. But first the property needs to be rezoned from a classification for light industrial uses to mixed-use residential and commercial.
Exactly what the site’s redevelopment could look like isn’t yet clear. A Georgia Tech representative wrote via email, “There’s really nothing new on this yet,” when asked for specifics.
How the 7-acre property long owned by Randall Brothers Construction Materials related to Marietta Street, Coca-Cola's complex, and campus.Google Maps
Eastward views from the site to Midtown. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
The property is located where North Avenue meets Marietta Street, a few steps north of downtown and directly west of Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech officials previously said an arts-focused redevelopment will replace the longstanding building supply company, and earlier filings described those plans generally as “multifamily, dormitory, hotel, office, and commercial uses.”
For now, the site is idle and vacant, apart from large concrete slabs and one old brick structure that was mothballed, as project leaders put it in demolition permit paperwork, for future adaptive-reuse purposes. Eight commercial buildings totaling 101,000 square feet were razed last year.
The redevelopment would continue Georgia Tech’s growth spurt on the western rim of campus and beyond, where the university’s first new student housing since 2005 is planned and the Science Square project debuted earlier this year.
Brickwork on a main warehouse structure along Marietta Street that was demolished last year. Google Maps
Looking north, the lone century-old structure that remains standing at the former Randall Brothers Construction Materials headquarters. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
Randall Brothers initially put the Marietta Street property up for sale in early 2018, citing the area’s post-Olympics boom and rise in property value during the current long development cycle. In November that year, Georgia Tech Foundation paid $36 million for the property, noting that its bones and adaptive-reuse potential echoed two success stories on the flipside of downtown: Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market.
After selling the Marietta Street property, Randall Brothers relocated its Atlanta facility to an overhauled headquarters building overlooking Atlanta Road near Interstate 285.
Find more context and current site photos in the gallery above.
General overview of how ongoing redevelopment projects in the area west of Georgia Tech's main campus could come together over the next few years. Georgia Tech
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665 Marietta Street NW Randall Brothers Construction Materials Randall Brothers Development Georgia Tech Georgia Institute of Technology Adaptive-Reuse Adaptive-Reuse Development Adaptive Reuse Marietta Street Downtown Atlanta Hotels Atlanta Development Troutman Pepper Troutman Pepper Hamilton Atlanta Mixed-Use Mixed-Use Development
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The 665 Marietta St. warehouse site in relation to Georgia Tech, the downtown Connector, and other landmarks. Google Maps
How the 7-acre property long owned by Randall Brothers Construction Materials related to Marietta Street, Coca-Cola's complex, and campus.Google Maps
Prior to demolition, the 7-acre cluster of warehouses, at left, with downtown ahead in the distance. Google Maps
Brickwork on a main warehouse structure along Marietta Street that was demolished last year. Google Maps
Looking north, the lone century-old structure that remains standing at the former Randall Brothers Construction Materials headquarters. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
Northernmost section of the 665 Marietta St. site today. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
Eastward views from the site to Midtown. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
Frontage along Marietta Street today. Josh Green/Urbanize Atlanta
General overview of how ongoing redevelopment projects in the area west of Georgia Tech's main campus could come together over the next few years. Georgia Tech
Subtitle Zoning efforts underway for new mixed-use district on western fringes of campus
Neighborhood Georgia Tech
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Cops Launch Probe After Resident Says Bring Back ‘Hanging In Town Square’
(atlantadailyworld.com)
From the Atlanta Daily World:
Photo: Getty Images California police have launched an investigation after a resident called for bringing back “hangings in town square” to “fix Antioch right up.” According to Mercury News, Interim Antioch Police Chief Brian Addington said police are probing the individual’s racist comments as potential criminal or terrorist threats. The comments, shared on social media, … Continued
The post Cops Launch Probe After Resident Says Bring Back ‘Hanging In Town Square’ appeared first on Atlanta Daily World.
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