Just beyond Ansley Park’s tree-lined streets, Piedmont Park has long served as a gathering place for Atlanta — where neighbors walk their dogs, families picnic under the trees, runners circle the Active Oval, and the city comes together for festivals, concerts, and everyday moments outdoors.

Helping care for this iconic green space is the Piedmont Park Conservancy, the nonprofit organization that works in partnership with the City of Atlanta to preserve, protect, and enhance the Park for the millions of residents and visitors who enjoy it each year.

Following the release of the Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in more than 25 years, the Conservancy is focused on ensuring Piedmont Park continues to meet the needs of a growing city while remaining welcoming, accessible, and beautifully maintained.

That vision is already becoming visible throughout the Park.

Over the past year, several important improvements have taken place, including renovations to the Pool and Aquatic Center, resurfacing of the Active Oval, and restoration of the Park’s iconic Legacy Fountain. Visitors may also notice a new garden at the 10th Street entrance, along with Myriad, a permanent public art installation that adds another creative dimension to the Park experience.

Together, these improvements reflect the Conservancy’s ongoing commitment to maintaining one of Atlanta’s most treasured public spaces while planning thoughtfully for its future.

Beyond maintaining landscapes, trails, and gardens, the Conservancy also creates opportunities for the community to connect with nature and with one another.

Educational programming, volunteer initiatives, and seasonal events invite people of all ages to experience the Park in meaningful ways. In recent years, public programming has continued to grow.

The Conservancy’s EnviroVentures summer camp recently reached full capacity, introducing young Atlantans to the Park’s natural environment through hands-on learning. New Saturday volunteer stewardship opportunities now welcome community members who want to play a direct role in caring for the Park’s landscapes and green spaces.

The Conservancy has expanded operations staffing to provide seven-day-a-week Park coverage, helping ensure Piedmont Park remains clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone who visits.

The impact of that work can be seen in the way the Park continues to bring people together. Piedmont Park has long served as a shared gathering place for Atlanta — a space where neighbors connect, traditions are formed, and the rhythms of city life unfold outdoors. Ensuring that this space remains vibrant, welcoming, and well cared for is at the heart of the Conservancy’s mission.

The Conservancy’s work is also strengthened by the involvement of local community leaders, including several Ansley Park residents who play active roles in the organization.

Among them are Lisa Cannon Taylor, who serves as Board Chair, along with Mike Messner, Judy Hamilton, Tom Callaway, Erik LaValle, Charles Abney, Shannon Johnston, and Whit Friese, who serves on the Executive Committee.

Their leadership reflects the deep connection many neighbors feel to the Park — not simply as visitors, but as stewards invested in its future.

The Conservancy’s work continues year-round, supported by community engagement and fundraising efforts.

One of the organization’s most important annual events is the 29th Annual Landmark Luncheon, taking place on April 23. The luncheon serves as the Conservancy’s signature fundraising event, supporting the ongoing care and improvement of Piedmont Park. Funds raised help maintain landscapes, improve infrastructure, and expand programs that benefit the entire community.

The Conservancy is also building on the success of Light Up the Season, a holiday celebration that debuted last year and quickly became a new Atlanta tradition. The event brings neighbors together for an evening that celebrates the spirit and diversity of the city, highlighted by the lighting of the Park’s Great Tree, Menorah, and Kinara, along with festive programming for families and visitors.

For Ansley Park residents, Piedmont Park is more than a landmark — it’s part of daily life.

Whether it’s a morning walk, an afternoon picnic, or a citywide celebration, the Park provides a shared space where community happens naturally.

Through the work of the Piedmont Park Conservancy — and the support of volunteers, neighbors, and community leaders — this treasured green space will continue to thrive for generations to come.