Last Thursday afternoon, shovels hit the ground at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park as city leaders, community partners, and residents gathered to mark the start of construction on a new BeltLine Bike Park designed to serve Atlanta’s Westside.
The project will transform a portion of the park into one of the city’s most inclusive biking destinations, creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation, youth engagement, and neighborhood connection in Atlanta’s largest green space.
A new kind of bike destination
The Bike Park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park will feature 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails designed for riders of all skill levels, from beginners learning the basics to experienced riders looking for a challenge. Plans also include a pump track, jump lines, a skills course, a bicycle playground, and new hiking trails, creating a space where families, neighbors, and young people can gather, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors together.
Located along the Westside segment of the BeltLine, the park expands access to high-quality recreation in an area that has long been central to Atlanta’s growth and identity.
Honoring legacy while building forward
The groundbreaking took place at a park renamed last year in honor of former Mayor Shirley Franklin, who helped acquire the land and envision its potential years ago. Thursday’s milestone represents the next chapter of that vision, turning long-term planning into visible progress on the ground.
“Any day we get to break ground on a project that brings people together and keeps Atlanta moving forward is a good day,” said Mayor Andre Dickens during the ceremony.
Partnership-powered progress
The project is led by Atlanta BeltLine in partnership with the City of Atlanta, philanthropic supporters, and community organizations. Leaders from the Chestnut Family Foundation and the Grove Park Foundation joined city officials to highlight the role collaboration plays in moving projects from concept to construction.
The BeltLine’s broader mission, connecting neighborhoods to parks, jobs, schools, and each other, was a recurring theme throughout the afternoon.
Built for the future
Projects like the Bike Park reflect Atlanta’s commitment to investing in infrastructure that lasts for generations. Beyond recreation, the park is expected to support youth development, promote healthy activity, and strengthen connections across Westside neighborhoods.
As construction begins, the Bike Park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park stands as another example of how coordinated public and private investment can deliver meaningful, community-centered spaces across the city.
