FPT=Baby Beltline (especially with soundtrack)
As I was jogging along the Freedom Parkway trail Friday afternoon, I felt a sense of déjà vu.
From the path, I peered into the back patio at Across the Street in the Old Fourth Ward. I saw a make-shift skate park, and benches arranged in a shady semi-circle.
I caught a glimpse of a beautiful three-story house I can’t see from Highland Avenue, where I had entered the trail.
I spied an enticing rooftop deck that I think may belong to Park’s Edge restaurant in Inman Park. Leaning over a bridge that straddles a tiny creek, I watched golfers tee at the Candler Park golf course.
In short, I saw things I cannot normally see from the road, and I traveled seamlessly from one neighborhood to another.
And I thought: this is what the Beltline will be like.
My jog reminded me of the walk I took with Beltline guru Angel Poventud a few weeks back, where, from high above, I watched people as they played with their dogs at Ardmore Park. It also reminded me of another excursion along the Beltline where I caught a glimpse of City Hall East in the distance, and delighted in the “hidden” condo patios I could only see from the trail.
There’s something thrilling about seeing things that are normally unseen.
I’m not blind to the shortcomings of both projects; the last time I wrote about Freedom Parkway here, for example, reader Ben K. reminded me that construction of the roadway and the park cost Atlanta parts of established neighborhoods.
On his own blog, Ben, an MBA student, has expressed disappointment that the Beltline is first tackling the park component of the 22-mile corridor rather than transit, and I agree with him. (We have park space. In addition to the city’s many parks, there’s my frontyard, and your frontyard and your neighbor’s side garden and….)
But even so, there are good aspects to both projects, and the Freedom Parkway trail is well-used by joggers, bikers and walkers.
I suggest you get out on the trail yourself, and see if it helps you imagine what the Beltine could be.
If you need some help making the mental leap, here’s my running soundtrack:
Radio Free Europe, R.E.M.
Bed’s Too Big Without You, The Police
Ball of Confusion, Love & Rockets
Violet Stars Happy Hunting, Janelle Monae
Sueno Mama, Roberto Poveda
I Am Stretched On Your Grave, Sinead O’Connor
Foto Viva, Mo’ Horizons
Get Down Moses, Joe Strummer and the Mescaleros
The Thrill Is Gone/And The Healing Has Begun, The Waterboys (live)
Cooldown: That’s So Amazing, by Michelle Shocked
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Comments
10 Comments on FPT=Baby Beltline (especially with soundtrack)
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Alex K on
Tue, 28th Jul 2009 8:43 am
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Jeanne Bonner on
Tue, 28th Jul 2009 8:50 am
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Diane on
Tue, 28th Jul 2009 3:15 pm
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Jeanne Bonner on
Wed, 29th Jul 2009 8:18 am
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Alex K on
Wed, 29th Jul 2009 10:52 am
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Jeanne Bonner on
Wed, 29th Jul 2009 4:55 pm
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Alex K on
Thu, 30th Jul 2009 8:56 am
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Diane on
Thu, 30th Jul 2009 9:24 am
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FPT=Baby Beltline (especially with soundtrack) | My Green ATL on
Thu, 30th Jul 2009 3:07 pm
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Robert Johnson on
Wed, 3rd Mar 2010 1:01 pm
Is that patio on Bernina Ave? Then I think it belongs to the condos, not the restaurant. The restaurant is farther to the left. We walk there all the time, from Carter Center along the trail then on Bernina/Elizabeth/Highland toward Parish and PCheen. There used to be a gallery (Orange gallery) around the corner on Elizabeth. That whole block is quite charming, it just needs a little bit more life.
Yes, that’s it. I was thinking there was no connection, too, but I thought it was unusual that the umbrella appears to be the same color orange as the restaurant’s awning. Makes sense what you say, though. I have a mental goal to get out on these rooftop decks this summer (The Glenn Hotel, etc).
I like walking along there, too, and there appear to be some artists’ studios that I find intriguing. But it’s true there is not enough life there. I was pleased to see Park’s Edge had a good crowd Sunday afternoon. I think it has an interesting location.
I’ve also felt the same sense of ‘connection’ while I bike or run along the Freedom Park trails. I often find that one of the best ways to truly experience any city is via these planned trail systems (whether walking, biking, skating, or what not), as they are usually strategically built to connect places that are not easily accessible otherwise. Yes, there’s something to be said about aimlessly wandering around a city and stumbling upon places of interest. As you allude to, it’s beautiful to discover ‘hidden gems’ in Atlanta regardless of how you find them.
One of my favorite recent discoveries: the garden at Peachtree Circle & 16th (or around that area) tucked away in the Prado area, at the edge of Winn Park. It has a beautiful series of waterfalls and flowers; it’s absolutely gorgeous and if I hadn’t decided to take a different route to work on my bike, I may not have seen it.
Sidenote: I really enjoy your postings, Jeanne. I appreciate proactive citizens like yourself, who really take an interest in our community. It’s hard to come by, in my limited experience, especially in Atlanta.
You are so kind Diane! I will savor your kind words.
And while I do, I will try to check out the garden you mention ASAP (waterfalls? Wow!!!). There seem to be lots of gardens/small parks in the neighborhoods off Peachtree, starting from the intersection you mention and then going north.
I’m still skeptical about the Beltline but as I’ve said, the idea of vicariously participating in different neighborhoods excites me. I liked the fact that on the FPT, I started in the Old Fourth Ward and ended up in Candler Park — and I wanted to keep going!
Please keep visiting Diane and sharing your thoughts.
Winn Park is probably my favorite of all parks in Atlanta. It’s never crowded, very serene and makes you feel you’re 50 miles away from the city. The little garden Diane mentioned is at Peachtree Cir and Westminster. It’s almost like a Japanese garden, with a pond, a fountain and a narrow path.
I probably shouldn’t show my ignorance, but where’s Winn Park? And why is it your favorite?
You’re opening up a whole new conversation: favorite parks!
It’s easier to find it from Peachtree/15th than from the Botanical garden side. I suggest google maps.
Why is it my favorite? I like the calmness and the relatively large size of the green area for something so close to the bustle of Midtown. I also like the homes that surround it. Mostly classic American with some Victorians, which are very well kept and quite picturesque. Large, tall trees… Ansley Park (the neighborhood) is charming that way.
I agree with Alex – charming is a great word for the Prado area, especially the homes surrounding Winn Park. I used to coach a youth soccer team and we practiced at the fields at Winn; it was a lovely atmosphere: relaxed and shaded, plus the parents loved it because their kids’ ADORED the great playground there, as well.
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Just came across this web site via Maria Saporta. In regards to your concern about the BeltLine…..there are very specific steps that must be taken in order to get federal funding. The first phase is the completion of the Tier 1 EIS that should be done early this summer. ASAP after that, the Tier 2 will be done at which point the feds make a yes or no decision. Then final design of the first transit segment can begin….remember, there are 21 years left on this project.
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