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Commissioner's Corner
As we step into a new season of growth and community connection, I’m excited to welcome you to the relaunch of our Parks and Recreation Quarterly Newsletter. Our parks, centers, and programs belong to the people we serve, and this newsletter is one of the many ways we’re strengthening our commitment to transparency, accessibility, and community engagement. Over the past few months, our teams have been hard at work enhancing recreational opportunities, improving facilities, and hosting events that bring neighbors together. In this issue, you'll find highlights from recent programs, updates on current initiatives, and a look ahead at what’s coming next across Parks and Recreation.
I also want to personally invite you to join us for the next Commissioner Conversations in June. This is an open community forum where you can hear about ongoing projects, ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about the work happening throughout our parks system. Your voice matters deeply, and these conversations help guide our priorities and ensure we continue building a vibrant, inclusive parks network for all.
Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting the spaces and programs that make our city thrive. I look forward to seeing you out in our parks and at our upcoming events!
Warm regards,
Justin Cutler
Commissioner, Parks and Recreation
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2026 FIFA World Cup
Is On The Horizon
With the FIFA World Cup on the horizon, Atlanta is preparing to welcome the world, and the Department of Parks and Recreation is preparing our neighborhoods right alongside it.
This quarter, we’re getting our parks, recreation centers, and green spaces ready to serve as local hubs for connection, programming, and community gatherings tied to this global moment. From family-friendly activities to neighborhood activations, our focus is on ensuring every resident has safe, welcoming spaces to come together and participate close to home.
Stay tuned for upcoming events, programs, and ways to get involved as we kick off the World Cup across the city. And check out our HBCU Futbol Field Day recap below!
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The Department of Parks and Recreation Acquires
Tatum Lakes
The Department of Parks and Recreation has acquired the 50-acre Tatum Lakes property, a major step toward creating Southwest Atlanta’s newest nature preserve and expanding access to green space for nearby communities.
As the preserve takes shape, the Department of Parks and Recreation will lead long-term stewardship and work with residents to guide the development of low-impact trails and amenities that protect the land while making it accessible for recreation and exploration.
Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to share input as planning for Tatum Lakes moves forward.
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Atlanta Hosts 2028 Greater & Greener Conference | |
We’re excited to share that the City of Atlanta will host the City Parks Alliance’s 2028 Greater & Greener Conference!
From June 3–6, 2028, we’ll welcome park and city leaders from across the country and around the world to explore how parks serve as powerful city-building tools. Atlanta’s parks and green spaces will become both a classroom and a living example of the transformational impact urban parks have on communities.
We can’t wait to showcase our vibrant parks, engaged neighborhoods, and commitment to sustainable growth as we come together to shape the future of parks!
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A Day of Remembrance:
Vietnam Memorial & Parade
The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation proudly hosted the Sons of Atlanta Vietnam War Memorial and Parade at Piedmont Park, bringing the community together for a powerful day of remembrance and tribute. The event honored 240 Vietnam veterans from the Atlanta area who had not previously received formal recognition, ensuring their service and sacrifice are acknowledged and remembered.
At the heart of the commemoration, the newly unveiled memorial was introduced as a lasting sanctuary for reflection, a place where veterans can gather, families can honor their loved ones, and the community can come together in gratitude. More than a monument, it stands as a meaningful call to remember the courage and resilience of those who served.
Through this moving tribute and parade, the Department and the Sons of Atlanta reaffirmed their commitment to preserving the legacy of these heroes, creating a space where their stories will continue to live on for generations to come.
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Atlanta Beltline Free Fitness Classes
Did you know the Atlanta Beltline offers free fitness classes for Atlantans of all ages and fitness levels at parks across the city? From yoga to Zumba, the program brings a wide variety of workouts to your neighborhood with no membership, no registration fees, and no experience required — just show up and move. Families can also take advantage of free Parent & Me and Grandparent & Me Playdates and a Learn 2 Ride Bike Club, making it easy for multiple generations to get active together.
Click here to learn more
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Moving Atlanta Forward
As part of the City of Atlanta’s commitment to building stronger, more vibrant neighborhoods, our department is proud to support Moving Atlanta Forward, an effort aligned with Mayor Andre Dickens’ vision to invest in the people, places, and spaces that shape everyday life.
Through strategic park renovations, facility upgrades, and enhanced green spaces, we’re reimagining parks across the city to better serve families, youth, and seniors. From refreshed playgrounds and improved trails to modernized recreation centers and safer, more welcoming gathering spaces, these improvements are designed to increase access, safety, and opportunity for all residents.
Improvements are already underway at Bessie Branham Park, where upgrades have enhanced the park experience and created a stronger, more vibrant hub for the surrounding community.
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Stay connected with the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation! We’re excited to share that we’ve officially launched our LinkedIn page, giving our community a new way to stay up to date on department news, programs, projects, and career opportunities.
Follow us across all of our social media platforms for the latest updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and important announcements as we continue to connect with residents throughout the city. Join the conversation and be part of our growing online community!
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