Abernathy Greenway Linear Park Opens on Thursday

Staff Report

Sandy Springs residents will have a new community gathering spot as the Abernathy Greenway Linear Park officially opens on Thursday, July 17 with a public celebration beginning at 10 a.m. 

The new park, located on Abernathy Road between Wright and Brandon Mill Roads, includes a plaza, patio, gardens, lighted trails, playgrounds and a Playable Art Park "designed to delight visitors of all ages and provide recreation options that will appeal to either the casual stroller or an active toddler," the city said in a press release. 

“This park is a true representation of community partnership," said Sandy Springs Mayor Rusty Paul. "The seed was planted with discussion of a widening project for Abernathy Road. Residents came to us with the idea of a linear park, and Johnny Isakson, our state representative at the time, championed the idea, helping us integrate park creation as we worked with the Georgia Department of Transportation on needed roadway improvements."

Sandy Springs Founding Mayor Eva Galambos added the city was able to sell the neighborhoods on the widening of Abernathy Road by promising a parkway or linear park. 

“The park concept was integral in our ability to enhance traffic flow along that artery," she added.  

The 6.6-acre linear park runs alongside Abernathy Road, one of the city’s major traffic arteries, used by tens of thousands of cars each day. A community group, consisting of neighborhood representatives, worked with the city throughout the planning and construction phases, helping guide the vision.

Those traveling along Abernathy have watched the landscape evolve into an outdoor sculpture garden as they witnessed the creation of one of the new park’s most unique features. 

Designed to encourage movement through imaginative play, the park is home to six Playable Art Sculptures created by noted artists from across the county. The Playable Art was made possible through the efforts of the Sandy Springs Conservancy, which secured a generous grant from Northside Hospital, in collaboration with Art Sandy Springs.

The ribbon on the new park will be cut at 10:00 a.m. Those in the surrounding neighborhoods are encouraged to walk to the Park. For those traveling via car, complimentary parking will be available at the Sandy Springs City Green located at Johnson Ferry Road and Sandy Springs Circle with complimentary shuttle service from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.