Spring in Atlanta brings sunshine, fresh energy, and plenty of activity in the park. The Candler Park Conservancy has been busy, and we are excited to share a few recent updates and what is ahead.
Park Accessibility and East Entrance
One of the most heavily used entrances to the park is on the east side at Marlbrook and Terrace. For years, it was easy to miss and hard to use safely. It did not connect well to the surrounding sidewalks, often forcing pedestrians and cyclists into the street on a blind curve. Working closely with the City of Atlanta and using dedicated bond funding for ADA improvements, we designed and completed a cleaner, safer entrance. The project connects the park to neighboring sidewalks, adds signage, and creates an ADA-accessible route with a direct path to the popular playground.
Pool House and Bathroom Updates
The City of Atlanta completed several important pool house improvements during the offseason, including roof resurfacing, locker room refreshes, and bathroom updates. An unused asphalt pad was also removed and converted back into green space. Then winter had its say. During a hard freeze, a pipe burst and caused additional issues. The Office of Park Planning and Design is using this opportunity to renovate the outdoor restrooms, update the facilities, and bring them into ADA compliance. We appreciate everyone’s patience while this work continues and look forward to having the new facilities open by summer.
Love Your Park Volunteer Day
We love Candler Park, and we know our neighbors do too. In February, we co-hosted a Love Your Park event with Park Pride, Hands On Atlanta, and the Parks Department. More than 40 volunteers joined us for a morning of hard work and community spirit. Together, we removed more than 40 pounds of trash, cleared a large area of invasive privet behind the Amy Erwin Memorial Garden, and repainted the tennis court practice wall after it was tagged with graffiti.
Culvert Clearing on Freedom Park Trail
We have also been partnering with the City to clear the culvert behind the golf course to prevent flooding along the Freedom Park Path. After contracted work last year, the City stepped in to remove remaining debris and invasive overgrowth. That clearing work is making way for native plantings and has already helped address flooding concerns in the area.
Keeping It Green with 85 Trees
Last year, the Conservancy partnered with Park Design and Trees Atlanta to create a master tree planting plan for Candler Park. That plan came to life this March. On March 21 and 28, volunteers helped plant 85 trees throughout the park, stretching from the Freedom Park connection in the northeast corner, along Terrace by the golf course, around Callan Circle, and across the park to the southwest corner at McLendon and Candler Park Drive. The trees were carefully selected native species that will help grow the future canopy, improve habitat, and keep the park greener and cooler for generations to come. A big thank you to everyone who came out to dig in and help.
Candler Park Sign
A special shout-out goes to neighbor of the month Erin Ayers, who brought Valentine’s Day cheer and springtime energy to the Candler Park neighborhood sign with fresh new designs. We love her creativity and neighborhood pride, and we are grateful for the color and care she brings to this community corner. Got an idea for the sign or interested in painting it yourself? Send us a note.
Pavilion Progress
Candler Park has become a favorite destination for birthday parties and gatherings, so we are excited to report progress on a new pavilion planned just downhill from the pool. With support from CPNO and park improvement bond funding, the project has City approval. Design work is underway, and the most recent drawings were delivered in early March.
Active Lawn and Amphitheater Project
Another exciting effort is the Active Lawn and Amphitheater Project, which is part of the park’s broader master plan. This vision includes refreshing the park’s playing fields, adding an “active oval” walking and running path, and transforming the hillside between the field and the pool house into a terraced amphitheater for events and performances. The amphitheater will also serve as a memorial to the Rose Hill community that was displaced during the construction of the park. In the first quarter of this year, the Conservancy contracted with a design firm to develop project cost estimates so that planning and budgeting can move forward. Candler Park has partial funding for this work through Moving Atlanta Forward bond allocations, but additional fundraising will be needed to bring the full vision to life. We are currently working closely with the City, who have been great partners, and we look forward to moving toward construction and launching a capital campaign soon.
Looking Ahead
There is even more to look forward to this spring. As always, thank you to our neighbors, volunteers, partners, and City staff who help make this park such a treasured part of the community. Candler Park continues to grow, improve, and welcome more people in more ways, and we are excited for what is ahead.