Atlanta Parks Receive $3.5M Boost from Park Pride

Nonprofit awards grants to 19 projects, with majority going to historically disinvested neighborhoods.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Park Pride, an Atlanta-based nonprofit, is awarding $3.5 million in grants to 19 park projects across the city and unincorporated DeKalb County. Roughly $2.5 million, or 60% of the total, will be directed to historically underserved neighborhoods. The grants will fund a range of improvements, including redesigned playgrounds, new gathering spaces, and better trail connections to make parks more accessible.

Why it matters

This investment in Atlanta's parks aims to address longstanding inequities in access to green spaces, particularly in communities that have historically been overlooked or underfunded. By prioritizing projects in disinvested areas, Park Pride is working to ensure all residents have access to high-quality, well-maintained public parks.

The details

The $3.5 million in grants will support 19 capital projects across Atlanta and DeKalb County. Improvements include a redesigned playground at Ellsworth Park, a new playscape at Thomasville Park, and an amphitheater upgrade in Cabbagetown. The grants also fund access-focused work like new park entrances, trail connections, and wayfinding. Park Pride says the grants come with technical support to help community groups move their ideas from planning to construction.

  • Park Pride published its 2026 grant list on February 18, 2026.
  • In 2025, Park Pride awarded more than $3 million to 23 park projects.

The players

Park Pride

An Atlanta-based nonprofit that works to improve the city's parks and green spaces through grants, advocacy, and community engagement.

Justin Cutler

Commissioner of the Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation, who emphasized the city's reliance on community groups and nonprofit partners to maintain and improve parks.

Andrew White

The director of Park Pride, who said the nonprofit has invested more than $10 million in historically disinvested communities since 2021.

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What they’re saying

“Partnership is at the heart of how we deliver great parks for Atlanta.”

— Justin Cutler, Commissioner, Atlanta Department of Parks & Recreation (The Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

“Park Pride has invested more than $10 million into historically disinvested communities since 2021.”

— Andrew White, Director, Park Pride (SaportaReport)

What’s next

The winning community groups will move into the design and permitting phase for their projects this year, with support from Park Pride staff and partners.

The takeaway

By directing the majority of its $3.5 million in grants to historically underserved neighborhoods, Park Pride is working to ensure all Atlanta residents have access to high-quality public parks and green spaces, regardless of their community's past investment levels.