Freedom Park was created through legal and political activism by
intown neighbors who stopped an expressway that would have
destroyed several historic intown neighborhoods. The proposed
four-lane highway with five bridges over neighborhood streets
was planned by the Georgia Department of Transportation
and supported by former President Jimmy Carter, Atlanta
Mayor Andy Young, a majority of the Atlanta City Council, the
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and most of the Atlanta business
community.
To stop the road, neighborhood organizations came together to
form Citizens Against Unnecessary Thoroughfares in Older
Neighborhoods (C.A.U.T.I.O.N.). Together with Roadbusters
and Olmsted Park enthusiasts, over 3,000 neighbors waged
ten years of legal battles, lobbied state and federal lawmakers,
elected 67 anti-road politicians to local, state and federal office,
organized and participated in fundraisers, protested, rallied,
marched, endured arrest, and finally reached the mediated
settlement that ended the Road Fight.
The scar left after more than 600 homes were bulldozed
was transformed into the 130-acre park that we now love
and celebrate as Freedom Park. C.A.U.T.I.O.N. became the
Freedom Park Conservancy, which serves as a nonprofit
steward of the park. This urban oasis weaves through the Old
Fourth Ward, Poncey-Highland, Inman Park, Candler Park,
Druid Hills, and borders Virginia Highland and Lake Claire. Over
35,000 residents live within a 10-minute stroll of Freedom Park,
which stands as a living tribute to the spirit of community and
activism.
- Freedom Park is Our Legacy Park and home to The
Bridge, a sculpture by Alabama artist Thornton Dial
commemorating John Lewis, and the John Lewis Plaza
that honors Lewis and the residents who fought the Road.
- Freedom Park is Your Art Park, Atlanta’s designated
art park, with temporary and permanent installations
throughout the 130-acre greenway.
- Freedom Park is Your Intown Greenway Park with over
eight miles of multi-use paths connecting historic intown
neighborhoods and cultural landmarks.
- Freedom Park is Your Nobel Peace Park, being the only
park in the world that connects within walking distance two
Nobel Peace Prize Centers: the Carter Center and the King
Center.
We invite you to support your intown park and learn more
about it by becoming a Park Partner at
freedompark.org.