Georgia Natural Wonder #271 - Piedmont Park

[Top Row Dawg]

Georgia Natural Wonder #271 - Piedmont Park 

Piedmont Park is an urban forest and park in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, located about 1 mile northeast of Downtown, between the Midtown and Virginia Highland neighborhoods. It certainly qualifies as a Georgia Natural Wonder for it's Natural Beauty, the Olmsted Legacy, the History, and the site of the first college football game in the "Deep South's Oldest Rivalry".

 

Today'sTRD Scrolling Nugget comes from the Allman Brothers Band playing 'Mountain Jam' live at Atlana Georgia's Piedmont Park, during one of their notorious free concerts.



Atlanta was a rapidly growing city in the years before Piedmont Park. From 1860 to 1890, the population jumped from 9,554 to 65,533 residents. Those years saw the opening of many education institutions such as Morehouse College (1867), Clark College (1869), Spelman College (1881), Morris Brown College (1882), Georgia School of Technology (now known as the Georgia Institute of Technology) (1885), and Agnes Scott College (1890). John B. Gordon, a distinguished Confederate general, was Governor of Georgia.

 

The area soon to be known as Piedmont Park was owned by Benjamin Walker, who purchased the 189 acres in the 1830s from a man who had won the land in the land lottery. Walker farmed the land and used it as his out-of-town gentleman's farm and residence. He sold the land in 1887 to the Gentlemen's Driving Club (later renamed the Piedmont Driving Club), who wanted to establish an exclusive club and racing ground for horse enthusiasts. 

 

Soon after, a main building, grandstands, and club house were built for the track. 



The Driving Club entered an agreement with the Piedmont Exposition Company to use the land for fairs and expositions and later gave the park its name. A prominent Atlanta businessman and former lawyer, Charles A. Collier, was president of the company. 

  Collier and Johnson.

The park was originally designed by Joseph Forsyth Johnson to host the first of two major expositions held in the park in the late 19th century. 

Piedmont Exposition 1887

The Piedmont Exposition opened in October 10, 1887 to great fanfare. 



The main building constructed for the Exposition was 570 feet long, 126 feet wide, and two stories high. The first day opened with 20,000 visitors. Samuel J. Randall opened the Exposition with a speech on the success of the resurrected post-civil war south.  When his speech concluded, General Pierce M. B. Young and his men fired cannons to signal the opening of the events.



Exhibitors showed off a variety of items including works of art, local raw materials like manganese, marble, and wood work. Many prominent figures of the day were in attendance to see the displays. Governor David B. Hill of New York spoke at the event as well as President Grover Cleveland who attended with his wife, Frances Folsom. Over 50,000 people were in attendance for Cleveland's speech. When the exposition was over, civic leaders said that it had successfully expanded Atlanta's reputation as a place to visit and to conduct business. 

 
Cleveland at the Exposition.

The Exposition was also a chance for Atlanta to prove that it was ready to host a world's fair. The Executive Committee of the World Fair was invited to attend the event under the bidding of Charles Reynolds, Secretary of the Piedmont Exposition Company.

The "Deep South's Oldest Rivalry" 1892

Five years later, Piedmont Park was the location of the second football game in Georgia history, and the beginning of the "Deep South's Oldest Rivalry" between Auburn University (then named Agricultural and Mechanical College of Alabama) and the University of Georgia. The game was arranged by former Johns Hopkins classmates, Dr. Charles Herty of Georgia and Dr. George Petrie of Auburn. Auburn won the game 10–0.

 Actual image from 1892 game. 

"Sir William" 1892 – A goat. Appeared at the Georgia–Mercer game on January 30, 1892 and the first Auburn–Georgia game on February 22, 1892. It was dressed in a black coat with the letters "U.G." in red on each side. Auburn fans chanted, shoot the billy goat now. It was rumored afterward that he was the main course at a barbecue held by Georgia fans after the game. As for Auburn, legend has it an eagle broke loose from a faculty member during the game, circled the field, eventually fell to the ground dead, and thus the "War Eagle" battle cry.

 Sir William. 

Auburn halfback Rufus "Dutch" Dorsey, a Georgia native, scored the game's first touchdown (thus, tallying the Auburn program's first-ever points) on a rush from less than a yard out, and then followed it up with another touchdown, which covered 40 yards.  

 1892 Auburn. 

After the game, a disgruntled Red and Black player proclaimed to the Auburn team: "Well, you Alabama folks can't crow over Georgia, for you owe your victory to a Georgia boy."  Unfortunately for us UGA fans, a Georgia boy playing for Auburn and being an integral part of a victory over our team would become a recurring trend during the long-standing rivalry.

 1892 Georgia.

Finally, leading up to the game, there was some controversy brewing in regards to Auburn's practice sessions: "They say Auburn has had a professional training their men down there," declared a newspaper.  Therefore, whether 120 years ago, two years ago, and several others utilized in between, Auburn just can't help itself from cheating throughout the long history of the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry.


1895 Georgia Auburn game Piedmont Park.

In 1894, the Piedmont Exposition Company offered to sell the land to the city of Atlanta for $165,000.00, but Mayor John B. Goodwin refused. Thus, The park remained in private hands and outside the city limits for another ten years.

Cotton States and International Festival

The Piedmont Exposition event was a success and set the stage for the Cotton States and International Exposition which was held in the park seven years later in 1895. Both exhibitions showcased the prosperity of the region that had occurred during and after the Reconstruction period. 


Lithograph of Piedmont Park plans for the 1895 Cotton States Exposition in Atlanta, GA c.1894



The Cotton States and International Exposition which opened for 100 days beginning on September 18, 1895 and ending December 31, 1895, attracted visitors from the U.S. and 13 countries. 



Over $2 million was spent on the transformation of Piedmont Park. 



The government allocated $250,000 for the construction of a government building and many states and countries such as Argentina also had their own buildings. 

 

Also constructed for the fair were the Tropical gardens, now known as the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and Lake Clara Meer which was originally a pond but was expanded to 11.5 acres for the event. 



Today, the stone balustrades scattered around the park are the only part of the enormous main building. 

 

The park remains largely as Joseph Forsyth Johnson designed it for the exposition although some changes were made during the Olmsted planning phase. 

 

However, most of the buildings that were constructed for the exposition were made of local Georgia granite and the buildings were dismantled after the event so that the granite could be sold to absolve the debt that the city incurred to hold the fair. 

 

Booker T. Washington delivered his famous Atlanta Exposition Speech at the Expo, which is "widely regarded as one of the most significant speeches in American history."

 
In his speech, Washington pushed for progress but not integration, a point that angered many other black leaders such as W. E. B. Du Bois. 

Attractions included Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show, 

 

the Liberty Bell,


Atlanta school children pose with the Liberty Bell at the Expo

 and the first public demonstration of C. Francis Jenkins and Thomas Armat's motion picture projection device which they called the Phantoscope. 



John Philip Sousa's "King Cotton" march was created for the expo and was performed at the ceremony, and was conducted by the composer himself.

 

After the Exposition, the park continued to be extremely popular and was a magnet for growth in the area. State fairs and holiday celebrations were held at the park. Street car lines to the park increased. It was a generally prosperous time. 



The year 1904 for was a watershed time for the park. The preceding year, the prominent Atlantan George Washington Collier died. Collier had owned 202 acres of land to the west and north of the park that was sold for $300,000 to developers. The city bought the park for $98,000 in 1904, incorporating Piedmont Park into Atlanta's city limits. Mayor Evan Howell agreed to purchase the park, but only if it included those developed areas adjacent to the park which would add approximately $35,000 to $40,000 in tax revenues annually. 

 
Stonework left over from 1895 Exposition. 

The main developer of Collier's land was Edwin Ansley, who created the Ansley Park subdivision under the guidelines set by the Olmsteds. The result was curvy streets surrounding "mini-parks" comprising a total of 25 acres. In 1912, these parks were deeded to the city. 

The Olmsted plan 

Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. influenced Piedmont Park by consulting on the 1895 exposition large public green spaces, but it was his sons who created the 1912 master plan for Atlanta's park, shaping its scenic, winding paths, open lawns, and naturalistic design that mirrors Central Park. It was picturesque landscapes, woodlands, and open fields.



The plan emphasized natural beauty, meandering paths, varied topography, and areas for recreation, reflecting Olmsted's philosophy of parks as vital democratic spaces for all citizens.

 

Even though budget cuts left much of the full vision unrealized, it is still influencing today's layout with its iconic features like Lake Clara Meer and varied recreational spaces. 

Olmsted's Role & Influence

In 1909, the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. were asked to design the park's master plan while they were at work on Grant Park. The city agreed to pay $1,800 for the plan. 



John Charles Olmsted was the nephew and adopted son of Frederick Law Olmsted, Sr. After their father retired, Charles and his younger half-brother, Frederick Law Olmsted Jr., took over leadership and founded Olmsted Brothers as a landscape design firm. The firm became well known for designing many urban parks, college campuses, and other public places. John Olmsted's body of work from over 40 years as a landscape architect has left its mark on the American urban landscape. During his visit to Grant Park, John Charles sketched and photographed the land.



In 1910, the brothers submitted a plan for the park that was to include a 5-mile scenic path and driveways that would link Piedmont Park to the streets of Ansley Park. Joining the parks was a success and thereafter, the parks were known as Twin Parks. Although never fully implemented, the Olmsted plan had a great effect on the development in the surrounding area.

Key Features Influenced by Olmsted
    
Winding Paths & Drives: Meandering roads and paths create changing views and a sense of discovery.

 
    
Open Lawns: Large, open grassy areas for community gathering and relaxation.

 
    
Lake Clara Meer: A central water feature designed for scenic enjoyment.

 
    
Wooded Areas: Shaded groves with walking trails. 

  

Legacy Today
    
Honoring the Design: The 1995 master plan for Piedmont Park honors the Olmsted Brothers' original vision, incorporating elements like the Bathhouse (now Visitor Center), tennis courts, and active recreation areas.


Stonework left over from 1895 Exposition. This is where the Allman Brothers played it looks like.
    
A "Central Park" for Atlanta: Piedmont Park, with its Olmsted-inspired design, serves as Atlanta's primary urban green space, offering nature, recreation, and large event venues.
 
The beginnings of Atlanta baseball

In March 1898, the baseball fields were finally completed. On April 16, 1898, the first baseball game between Georgia and Georgia Tech, then known as the Georgia School of Technology, was played. 

 

From 1902 through 1906, the Atlanta Crackers, the city's original professional baseball team played ball on the fields of Piedmont Park before moving to a stadium on Ponce de Leon Avenue. The Atlanta Crackers were a Minor League Baseball team based in Atlanta, Georgia, between 1901 and 1965. The Crackers were Atlanta's home team until the Atlanta Braves moved from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1966. For 60 years (until 1961), the Crackers were part of the Class AA Southern Association, a period during which they won more games than any other Association team, earning the nickname the "Yankees of the Minors".

 

Atlanta played its inaugural Southern Association game, against the Nashville Baseball Club, on Saturday, April 26, 1902 (Memorial Day) in Piedmont Park before a crowd of around 3,500. 

Piedmont Park baseball field as it looked in 1902

They had played earlier seasons at Brisbine Park about six blocks west of the future site of Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium. One of the most infamous events in college football history occurred here. During a game between Georgia and Virginia on October 30, 1897, Georgia player Richard Von Albade Gammon suffered a severe concussion during a scrimmage. He was taken to a hospital and died the next morning. Gammon's death nearly resulted in the state legislature outlawing football. Only a plea from Gammon's own mother persuaded the governor to veto the pending bill. (GNW #54)




20th-century growth and development


Piedmont Park in the winter

The park's first bathhouse was opened in 1911. A wooden structure built to support swimming in Lake Clara Meer, offering changing rooms and showers for park-goers enjoying lake activities like diving and sunbathing. 



The same year the first bathhouse was opened, the Peace Monument, a Confederate monument, was dedicated in the park, near the 14th Street gate. 

 
The monument features the "angel of peace" (modeled by Audrey Munson), holding an olive branch, standing over a Confederate soldier who has a gun in his hands, telling the soldier that peace has been proclaimed.

In 1913, seven clay courts were built where the 1895 Cotton States and International Exposition's Manufacturers and Liberal Arts Building once was. Eight more courts were added in 1914 to accommodate the overwhelming demand. 



That same year, the Sidney Lanier Monument was dedicated in the park. 

 

Notable additions and buildings include the bandstand, built in 1915; 



The historic Piedmont Park Bathhouse, built in 1927,



A picnic shelter constructed by the WPA in 1936; 



The Steffen Thomas-designed Pioneer Women memorial in 1938; 

 

By Spring 1969 midtown Atlanta's Piedmont Park had become the primary setting for free concerts, usually on Sundays, from the afternoon into the evening. The central location drew local and regional talent, most memorably the Allman Brothers Band, who had recently relocated from Jacksonville FL. to Macon GA. Atlanta had yet to open any substantial rock clubs, therefore the park became a key venue for musicians to showcase material to a large audience. 

 

Allman Brothers drummer Butch Trucks recalled: We went straight to Piedmont Park and found a perfect spot to set up. It was a rather large flat space at the top of some stairs with some electrical outlets within reach. We didn't ask permission, we just set up and started pouring out all of this music we had only played for ourselves up to that time.



This grew into a weekly event that went from that little place to a big flatbed stage set up on the end of a very large field that someone provided complete with a massive generator. Plus many more bands. Grateful Dead, Chicago Transit Authority, Spirit, Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, It's A Beautiful Day, Allman Brothers Band, Hampton Grease Band - July 7 (Monday concert following July 4th weekend's Atlanta International Pop Festival in Hampton GA, arranged by festival promoters)

 
Chicago, Grateful Dead at Piedmont Park. 

Piedmont Park's swimming history began with swimming in Lake Clara Meer, supported by bathhouses built in 1911 (wooden) and 1926 (stone), featuring slides and diving platforms.

 
Quite the spot. First African Americans in lake. 



For decades, the lake was the primary swimming spot, attracting thousands with its diving platforms, sunning areas, and even a double water slide.







Until 1973, when the lake swimming stopped and the current, renovated Aquatic Center was built, offering a modern pool with lap lanes and a splash pad, all next to the historic Greystone event space (the old bathhouse).



On April 23, 2008, a ground-breaking ceremony was held at the Bathhouse for the 53-acre expansion of the Park. The pool and bathhouse are part of a huge Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) renovation that cost around $7.8 million and was completed in early summer 2009.



The renovation features accessibility, a warming kitchen, WiFi, a pool with beach entry, bubblers, current channel, vortex, fountains, separate splash pad, lap lanes, landscaped deck environment, and concessions. 

 
Dog Day at pool.

A new area featuring a Bocce ball court and green space with an arbor opened in May 2010.


Midtown.

The Noguchi Playscapes, completed in 1976 under the aegis of the High Museum and a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and designed by world-renowned artist and sculptor Isamu Noguchi, noteworthy as the only public work by Noguchi in the U.S. 

 

It's a set of colorful, architectural, and flexible metal and concrete pieces set in a clearing in Atlanta’s wooded Piedmont Park. 

 

Perhaps more importantly, it’s the expression of decades of thinking and tinkering about the best way to get children moving, thinking, and exploring the natural world.



In 2002, the dog park was opened. 

 



Approximately 50 acres in the northwest portion of the 187-acre park had remained woodlands into the 21st century. In 2007, a park expansion plan called for a new parking deck as well as "open green space, bicycle and walking trails, formal and community gardens, an interactive water feature, children's playgrounds, a skate park, athletic fields, and woodlands". The project was expected to cost $72 million. 

2011 expansion


Looking south, new bridge over Clear Creek in the new section of the park, with the new dog park in the background


"Greensward", looking north at northern plaza with interactive fountain in the background.

  

On April 12, 2011, Mayor Kasim Reed cut the ribbon to open the first phase of a major expansion into the northern third of the park. Areas opened include two oval-shaped plazas ("The Greensward" and "The Promenade", which contains the interactive Legacy Fountain), the Lower Meadow, the Six Springs Wetlands, and a vastly expanded dog park. 


Promenade.

Construction began in early 2013 on areas at the far north of the park, including The Northwoods, Piedmont Commons, and Piedmont Gardens. New park entrances are to be added at the eastern end of Westminster Dr. (off Piedmont Ave.), the northern end of Dutch Valley Pl., and at 1514 Monroe just south of Piedmont Ave., on the site of Agnes & Muriel's restaurant. 

 
Northwoods boardwalk, Six Springs cascade. 



There are already dirt trails that follow Clear Creek and the BeltLine Eastside Trail northwards connecting the 2011 and 2013 expansion areas and providing pedestrian access to the Ansley Mall area north of the park, and to the BeltLine trails going further north to Ansley Park and Peachtree Creek in Buckhead. 

 
TRD image of new Piedmont Park Beltline and Internet image of proposed Beltline travel through I-85 tunnel. 

Activities and facilities Outdoor activities

The park hosts several miles of paved paths suitable for walking, running, biking, and inline skating. Skate Escape across from the park at the 12th Street entrance rents both bikes and skates. On weekend afternoons, skateboarders and inline skaters often share the open, paved area inside the 12th Street entrance. 



Piedmont Park has picnic shelters located just to the East of the north soccer field. There are also various picnic tables and benches throughout the park. Many visitors choose to picnic on the expansive lawns as well. The first grill in Piedmont Park was erected for the 1895 Cotton States Exposition where the administrative offices now sit. There are 22 grills throughout the park. No portable grills are allowed. 



The Noguchi "Playscape" is located near the 12th Street Gate. The geometrically shaped, modernist playground includes a soaring swing set, slide, sand pit, climbing dome and more made of bright and exciting colors. Also in the park is a new playground known as Mayor's Grove. It was designed as a Boundless Playgrounds and features a high level of accessibility and interactive play. 


TRD image Mayor's Grove. 

Sports

Piedmont Park is a popular place for organized sports. The Sharon E. Lester Tennis Center at Piedmont Park is a fully staffed, public facility with 12 lighted hard courts, offering leagues, lessons, and supplies. 


Can see tennis Courts and Active Oval this drone image. 

The Active Oval has two softball fields, two soccer fields, and two beach volleyball courts, all ringed by a dirt running path. Kickball leagues also use the softball fields.

The park's swimming center, once closed for renovations, re-opened in summer of 2009.


Popular sledding hill during winter snow storms. 

Fishing and the lake

The lake is located in the south east part of the park. Fishing is permitted in the lake, which is stocked with large mouth bass, crappie, bream, and catfish. A 2002 renovation of the lake added a new bridge connecting the two bodies of water and three fishing piers located around the lake.

 
 
Clara Meer Dock is located at the west corner of the lake. Just above the Dock sits the historic Visitor Center building. Clara Meer Dock forms an amphitheater-like space nestled into the western end of the lake. Clara Meer Dock is often used for wedding ceremonies. Rental of the dock also includes the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center features a barrel ceiling with a painted mural called "A Day at the Park" by Ralph Gilbert. The center seats 40 persons inside and over 200 more on the adjoining lawn and dock. The Dock seats up to 120 for ceremony, or up to 100 for table dining or possible dance floor area. 

Dogs

With the exception of some festival weekends and special events, dogs are permitted in Piedmont Park, on leashes 6 feet or shorter for safety reasons. Owners must clean up after their dogs, and the park has a half-dozen plastic bag dispensing stations to facilitate this. Several of the park's water fountains also have a ground-level basin for dogs to use.

  

Just north of the Park Road entrance bridge are two fenced-in Dog Parks that equal to three acres where friendly dogs (and their owners) can cavort with each other off-leash. Brand new, vastly expanded parks for small and large dogs were opened in April 2011.

 
TRD image of Dog Park and Dog Day at the Pool.   

The Piedmont Park Conservancy (a nonprofit) was responsible for the restoration of the Piedmont Park Dog Parks, and still manages the dog parks today.

Special events

Piedmont Park is a central focal point of Atlanta's Midtown community. The park is home to various annual celebrations and events, including Atlanta Pride Festival, the Atlanta Jazz Festival, 



the Atlanta Dogwood Festival, Music Midtown, Atlanta Black Pride, and Festival Peachtree Latino. A summer series of classic films, Screen on the Green, is also aired in the park for local residents.  

 
Dogwood Festival and Music Midtown.



The Peachtree Road Race finishes at Piedmont Park.


 
On the weekend and holidays, the park comes alive with music, intramural sports, and fun festivities. In 2004, Georgia Shakespeare Festival added an annual series of free performances entitled "Shake on the Lake" with Lake Clara Meer as a backdrop. A centennial celebration was held for the park in June 2004. In 2007, the Allman Brothers Band and Dave Matthews Band played a concert with proceeds benefiting the planned expansion to the park. Dave Matthews Band's performance was later released as a live DVD as well as their eighth live album, Live at Piedmont Park. Sir Paul McCartney performed in Piedmont Park to benefit the conservancy on August 15, 2009. The Eagles performed at the park on October 16, 2010, also as a benefit for the conservancy. In 2011, Music Midtown returned from its five-year hiatus, hosting headliners Coldplay and The Black Keys in Piedmont Park.

 
Paul McCartney and building the stage. 

 
2006 Dogwood Festival with Midtown Atlanta skyline in background

TRD Visit to Piedmont Park

 
I parked on Park Drive off Monroe by Dog park.

 
Walked across bridge and Beltline and dog park. 

 
Stone columns.


Vintage Lamps Midtown Skyline.

 
Piedmont Park obelisk. One of several. 

  
Right off I was impressed by the wintertime trees. 

 
Loved the Cypress trees and stumps. 

 
South Georgia feel. 
 
 
Park to left Lake to right. Feels like an Olmsted park.

 
Bought some Oatmeal to feed ducks. Websites say this is approved food not bread.

 
Wind kept blowing it back. Ducks just nibbled. Bringing white bread next time. Side Note, Ducks love left over sweet potato fries from the Nook.

  
Benches and swings along the lake. 

 
Main path between lake and Park Tavern meadow.  


Palmetto. 


Selfies on the pier. 

 
Lakeside Trail. 


Dogwood Flower sculpture. 

   
And lots of trees. 

 
Looking across lake to gazebo and bridge. 


Stonework and trees. 


Park Tavern meadow was hopping. 


Can see town Christmas Tree over by Tavern. 

 
Made my way to Charles Allen gate. 



 
Free Nelson Mandella sculpture and iconic meadow hill and midtown. 

 
Love how the late afternoon sun reflects off the trees. 


Walking back to lake, this is where concerts are held. 

 
Sat on a lake swing between enormous trees. 

 
Lakeside trail was sweet. 

 
Fountain and 1895 Stonework on Island in lake.

 
Wedding pictures main dock of Lake. 

 
Visitor center. 

 
1895 Exposition stairs and stonework. 


Noguchi "Playscape"

 
The Renovation Plaque and the trees all up here by the 12th Street Piedmont Road Main Gate. 

  
All the winter trees of Piedmont Park. 

   
These trees were up by the Benjamin Walker Homestead. 

 

Had lunch at the Nook and came back into 12th Avenue Main gate.

 

Sculptures and Monuments all in here.

 

 
The Peace Monument. 





Historical markers for the 1895 Cotton State Exposition and Booker T Washington Speech.



  
Looking back to 12th Street Gate and Midtown. 

Panoramic image of Ball Fields.



Walking down steps to ball fields. 

 

Panoramic from central gazebo in Ball Fields.



The 1895 Cotton States steps and stonework across Ball Fields where Allman Brothers played. 

 


Spot where Allman Brothers payed.

The park is open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day.

Today's GNW Gals were all photographed at Piedmont Park.