A Catalyst for Westside Development
The anticipated Spring 2020 opening of the $26.5 million Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry will change the surrounding landscape far beyond just becoming the largest greenspace in the city. It will also serve as a catalyst for Westside neighborhoods and become the home of a critical backup source of drinking water for the entire city. Upon completion, the park will encompass a total of approximately 280 acres, nearly one hundred acres larger than Piedmont Park, and will connect Proctor Creek Greenway and Chattahoochee River Corridor with the Atlanta Beltline.
The parks design will provide lighting, signage, and well-designed graphics to enhance pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Park elements may include educational facilities and venues for events, weddings, and festivals. Additionally, the grand overlook area will maximize breathtaking panoramic views of the reservoir and the Atlanta skyline. Visitors will also be able to experience the quarry by ADA accessible trails leading to the grand overlook.
Since 2016, the City of Atlanta’s Department of Watershed Management has constructed the Bellwood Quarry Reservoir, a transformative project that will hold 2.4 billion gallons of emergency drinking water, increasing the City’s emergency supply from three days to more than 30 days.
As the population continues to grow, the need for public greenspaces will have to increase accordingly. The development of the Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry takes a giant step forward in that direction.
