The Westside Trail, a new three-mile corridor on the Atlanta BeltLine, is now open and available for everyone to enjoy.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony took place at Gordon White Park on Friday, September 29. In attendance were Mayor Kasim Reed, Rep. John Lewis, Atlanta BeltLine Inc. President and CEO Brian McGowan, Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Executive Director Rob Brawner, Invest Atlanta President and CEO Dr. Eloisa Klementich, and many others.
The $43 million investment brings the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. closer to its goal of connecting every community in the City of Atlanta. Running from Washington Park to Adair Park in Southwest Atlanta, the new 14-foot wide multi-use trail features 14 access points, public art and greenway. Of the 14 access points, 11 entrances are ADA accessible – representing more accessibility than any other trail in the city. For a half mile along White Street, the trail will use the existing West End Trail.
“Today is a good day in the City of Atlanta as we celebrate a promise kept with the opening of the new Westside Trail,” said Mayor Kasim Reed. “My Administration was committed to working with the Atlanta BeltLine and other partners to make this shared public space available in Southwest Atlanta, connecting some of the city’s most important and historic neighborhoods in a new way while honoring them with such a valuable and significant investment.”
The Westside Trail is the largest expansion of the Atlanta BeltLine since its inception. The amenity connects four schools, four parks and a dozen Westside neighborhoods. The trail will also feature murals, sculptures and other artwork.
“We are proud to celebrate this significant milestone in the Atlanta BeltLine’s history – the opening of the Westside Trail,” said Brian McGowan. “This trail will have a transformative effect on the city and will foster new jobs, promote business creation and ensure livable communities in Southwest Atlanta. As we continue to build upon this amenity, we are 100 percent committed to working with the community to identify the unique needs that must be built in our planning as much as our concrete trails are.”