Co-founder of PATH Foundation, Who Shaped Atlanta Trails, Dies at 81

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Ed McBrayer, the founding executive director of the PATH Foundation, has died at the age of 81. McBrayer was an avid cyclist and former engineer on NASA's Skylab who returned to Atlanta in 1986 after nearly two decades in the Denver area, where he missed the bike paths he had taken for granted. He co-founded the PATH Foundation, a nonprofit that backed the development of the Atlanta Beltline, the Silver Comet Trail, and hundreds of miles of paths across the region.

Why it matters

McBrayer's work with the PATH Foundation played a crucial role in shaping Atlanta's network of beloved trails and greenspaces, which have become integral parts of the city's infrastructure and community. His vision and advocacy helped transform the region and improve quality of life for residents.

The details

After returning to Atlanta in 1986, McBrayer co-founded the PATH Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to building and maintaining a network of multi-use trails and greenspaces across the region. Under his leadership, the organization backed the development of the Atlanta Beltline, the Silver Comet Trail, and hundreds of miles of other paths that have become beloved community assets.

• McBrayer returned to Atlanta in 1986 after nearly two decades in the Denver area.
• McBrayer co-founded the PATH Foundation in the late 1980s.