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Jane’s Walk: Fostering a Dynamic Community: The Evolution of Decatur's Legacy Park

  • Decatur's Legacy Park 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA Atlanta, GA, 30310 United States (map)

In Person | Decatur's Legacy Park
FREE


This Jane’s Walk, taking place in Decatur, focuses on themes of Environment, History & Culture.

What can a park become when a community decides to reimagine it?

Join Joey Goodall for a walk through Legacy Park, a 77-acre property in Decatur with a 140-year history that most Atlantans don't know. The land began as the Decatur Orphan's Home in 1877, operated by the United Methodist Church, and was strategically sold to the City of Decatur in 2017. Since then, a master planning effort has transformed it into a dynamic public space: office space for eighteen local nonprofits, a 400-meter track, new affordable apartments, a forest restoration managed by Trees Atlanta, and a Global Growers Garden, among other things. 

The walk traces the park's historical sites and natural features, and looks honestly at the compromises that come with ambitious public planning. Meet below the porch in front of the 500 building; park near the traffic circle.


About the Walk Leader

Joey Goodall is a civil engineer, writer, and naturalist with a decade of experience in Atlanta land development and storytelling. Born in New Zealand and raised in Florida, he has made Atlanta home and believes walking is one of the best ways to build community and develop a love for our neighborhoods and ecosystems. Learn more at jrgoodall.com.


The Details: 

  • Arrive Early to check-in with your walk leader or MODA volunteer.

  • Walk Starting Point & Ending Point: 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA (park near the traffic circle, meet below the porch in front of the 500 building).

  • Distance of Route: 1.3 miles

  • Duration of Walk: 90 minutes

  • Walk Language: English

  • Accessibility: Combination of paved and unpaved. The majority of the route is along accessible paved sidewalks; the final section accessing the Global Growers Garden is unpaved but relatively even. A shaded patio is available from which the garden can be viewed as an alternative. Please contact the walk leader in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.

  • What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water, walking shoes.

  • In light rain, a shorter route with covered stops will be used. Bring an umbrella or jacket if rain is in the forecast.

  • Know Before You Go: Details will be included in your confirmation email.


Registration | FREE

Jane’s Walks are free to attend, but registration is required.

Please click the link below to save your spot!

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Jane’s Walk: Stories of Freedom Park: From Farmland to Activists

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