By Collin Kelley
Editor

Work continues on clearing and upgrading trails and paths along the BeltLine, the 22-acre “emerald necklace” that circles Atlanta.

While some type of train system will eventually be built on the BeltLine, parallel paths, parks and trails for the public to use are full steam ahead. In April there was a ribbon cutting for a portion of the Northside trail in Buckhead and, at press time, grading and clearing on a portion of trail from DeKalb Avenue to 10th Street at Monroe Drive is under way.

Crews are are also working on building the Historic Fourth Ward Park, a 35-acre green space that will be behind the old City Hall East off North Avenue. A groundbreaking ceremony was held last month for the new Boulevard Crossing Park.

More good news came in May when the Fourth Ward Skatepark was given a $25,000 grant from the Tony Hawk Foundation Board of Directorsto help complete the 15,000-square-foot project.

“This is an endorsement of the amazing collaboration between the City, Atlanta BeltLine, and our incredible local skateboard community,” said Brian Leary, President and CEO of Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. “The inspiration came from the vision, will, and determination of the community. Combined with the City’s strong support, and now this outstanding gift, the new park—Atlanta’s first fully designed skate park—will be one of the best skate facilities in the U.S.”

During the month of June, regular BeltLine 101 meetings will be taking place for different quadrants of the project and there will be quarterly briefing on the BeltLine on Thursday, June 17, from 6-8 p.m. at 130 Trinity Ave. in Downtown.

For a complete list of events, meetings and how you can volunteer to help with the BeltLine, visit www.BeltLine.org.