Grant Park

Grant Park is Atlanta's oldest city park, established in 1883 when Colonel Lemuel P. Grant donated 100 acres of land to the city. Located in southeast Atlanta, the park now encompasses 131.5 acres and serves as a focal point for the historic Grant Park neighborhood.

The park features a mix of natural areas and developed recreational facilities. Rolling hills, mature oak trees, and open green spaces provide opportunities for picnicking, relaxation, and informal activities. A network of paved walking paths winds through the park, allowing visitors to explore its various sections.

One of Grant Park's most prominent features is Zoo Atlanta, which occupies approximately 40 acres of the park's land. The zoo, founded in 1889, attracts over a million visitors annually and is home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world.

Grant Park also contains several historical points of interest. These include the Fort Walker site, commemorating a Civil War fortification, and the 1870s-era Grant Mansion. The park hosts community events throughout the year, such as the Summer Shade Festival and a weekly farmers market.

While offering numerous recreational amenities, Grant Park has faced challenges with maintenance and preservation of its natural areas over the years. Some sections of the park have been converted to parking lots to accommodate zoo visitors, which has been a point of contention for some community members concerned about the loss of green space.