The Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation announced that the city has added three major parcels to its park inventory: Red’s Farm Preserve in Ormewood Park, the Tatum Lakes forest on Boulder Park Drive, and the 30‑acre Lucinda Bunnen property in Buckhead. Each acquisition follows a multi‑step process that involves the city, nonprofit partners, private philanthropy and local volunteers.
How the land becomes a public park
Nonprofit groups such as The Conservation Fund (TCF), Park Pride, Trust for Public Land and the Atlanta Beltline play a central role in identifying, purchasing and holding land until the city can fund the purchase and pass any necessary legislation. TCF’s Senior Field Representative, Roberta Moore, highlighted the Tree Trust Fund—fees collected from developers when healthy trees are removed—as a key financing tool that has helped the city acquire over 1,000 acres of greenspace in the past two decades.
Once a parcel is secured, the planning phase begins. TCF typically hands the land to the city while a resident‑led “Friends of the Park” group is formed, often with assistance from Park Pride. Community input is considered essential; Moore noted that without local enthusiasm a park will not be cared for or enjoyed.
Red’s Farm Preserve: a model of community stewardship
Red’s Farm is a 5.25‑acre former family farm that was tended for three decades by Brian “Farmer Red” Harrison. After his death in 2022, his family sold the land for public use, and the park opened last year. Urban Farm of Ormewood, the nonprofit that manages the site, worked with Park Pride’s Vision team to create a design that balances natural habitats, community gardens, orchards, a creek and accessible gathering spaces. The plan emphasizes play areas built from natural materials, pathways for all abilities and the preservation of regenerative farming practices.
Upcoming openings at Tatum Lakes and Lucinda Bunnen
Tatum Lakes, a 50‑acre urban forest with old‑growth oak, pine and hickory, two man‑made lakes, wetlands and a small waterfall, was purchased earlier this year. The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution reports the preserve is slated to open in 2027. The Lucinda Bunnen property, a 30‑acre tract of contiguous forest in Buckhead that includes Little Nancy Creek and two miles of trails, was acquired this summer. Councilmember Mary Norwood cited the nearby Cascade Springs Nature Preserve as a template for keeping the forest intact while providing public trail access, with an opening expected as early as next year.
Why the effort matters
Atlanta’s tree canopy has fallen from 47.9 percent in 2008 to 45.5 percent in 2023, according to a recent study. Preserving large tracts of mature forest helps mitigate climate‑change impacts, supports biodiversity and ensures that residents across the city have convenient access to nature. The city’s latest ParkScore ranking—its highest ever—reflects the progress made over the past decade.
Moore summed up the approach: “Sometimes to go fast, you have to go slow.” By securing land, engaging neighbors and planning thoughtfully, Atlanta aims to turn private parcels into public assets that strengthen families, honor stewardship and uphold the community’s right to enjoy safe, open spaces.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
