It’s the most comprehensive development effort ever undertaken in the city of Atlanta — transforming 22 miles of an underutilized industrial railroad corridor into an extensive network of trails, parks, transit and brownfield redevelopment that will traverse 45 neighborhoods around downtown Atlanta.

Our Role

Our Conservation Loans program assisted Atlanta Beltline Inc., the entity overseeing the planning and execution of the Beltline, with the purchase of a 1.7-acre property along the proposed corridor. This property provides a critical connection between the northern and southern portions of the Atlanta Beltline green space network. Historically, these two areas of Atlanta have been physically separated by expansive industrial uses that limit connectivity.

Our Atlanta office is also working closely with Atlanta Beltline Inc. to assist with priority acquisitions for the trail corridor and adjacent green space and connecting trails. As we continue our long-standing partnership with the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation to expand parks and green space around metro Atlanta, many of our new acquisitions for Parks and Recreation are the priorities of neighborhoods seeking to expand their trails and parks to connect to the Beltline.

Why This Project Matters

Atlanta historically has had one of the nation’s lowest percentages of park space per capita. However, the goal of the Beltline is to increase the city’s green space by 40 percent. Nearly a quarter of Atlanta’s population lives near some portion of the Beltline planning area, giving those residents direct access to recreation trails and improving their overall quality of life.

Our work with Atlanta Beltline Inc. builds on our decade-long effort to expand park space in Atlanta. Utilizing a multifaceted approach to conservation, we have over the years deployed our conservation training and community engagement, as well as our experts in strategic conservation planning, conservation acquisitions and business partnerships, to bring together corporate and community partners and realize a vision for Atlanta that skillfully blends the built and natural environment, giving opportunities for all Atlantans to enjoy the outdoors

Learn More

• • Atlanta BeltLine
  • Parks With Purpose in Atlanta