I grew up in Cabbagetown, a historic inner-city neighborhood situated 1.5 miles east of downtown Atlanta, Georgia. During the 1980s my neighborhood was poor, under-resourced, neglected and lacked green space, leaving its residents disconnected from the natural environment.

The only real natural areas we had were the overgrown, vacant lots where demolished homes were replaced by kudzu alleyways ripe for adventure. There was also an abandoned elementary school in the middle of the neighborhood, directly across from my house. For a while, it was used as a community center, but mostly it was just left empty. Out back, there was a dirt field, but it had so much broken glass you dare not ride your bike across the yard. Not exactly a great place to play.

Me, my cat, and the view of the abandoned school from my parents’ back porch in 1982.  Photo courtesy Shannon Lee.

During the past few years, many changes have come to Cabbagetown. Houses have been restored, vacant lots have been filled and new neighbors have moved in. While many factors have helped to revitalize this historic neighborhood, I believe one of the most important was the 3-acre park built in 2003 by the City of Atlanta on the site of that old elementary school. That space is now the heart of the community—filled with people, kids, and dogs all coming together around a shared space. I’m lucky enough that my parents still live in Cabbagetown and my own kids get to enjoy this beautiful park almost every weekend. 

Now my parents’ house has a great view of Cabbagetown Park. Photo courtesy Shannon Lee.

I have seen firsthand the positive impact this park has had on the community. New businesses have sprung up across from the park and the annual Chomp and Stomp Chili Cook-off attracts more than 20,000 visitors and raises thousands of dollars for the neighborhood.

Small city parks can make a big difference. Most people think my job involves protecting large tracts of land for wildlife; but the Fund does more than that. Through our Parks with Purpose program, we help restore our inner city neighborhoods, by building parks that protect our environment and reconnect us to nature, while also supporting the local economy and the residents who call these communities home.

On October 21, 2015, our first Park with Purpose in Atlanta was officially opened! Lindsay Street Park is the first for the English Avenue neighborhood, but it’s more than just a new greenspace. It provides a safe place for kids to play and neighbors to gather, and focuses on environmental, economic and social justice outcomes as well. This park was envisioned, planned, and designed through a process to ensure residents led the way.

Before crews got to work creating Lindsay Street Park, it was an overgrown lot filled with weeds and trash. Now, it is a clean, open space for people to play and gather. Photos by Whitney Flanagan/The Conservation Fund.