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Lower Paul Park is an undeveloped greenspace located in Atlanta’s Riverside neighborhood along the Chattahoochee River. Separated from the river by infrequently used railroad tracks and power lines, the initial park includes approximately 9 acres. Since 2014, community members have stewarded natural surface trails which wind through utility easements and city-owned land providing much-needed public access to the river in a rapidly developing urban area. As part of the larger Chattahoochee RiverLands initiative, Lower Paul Park will serve as a vibrant community hub, offering natural areas, trail connections, and gathering spaces that foster outdoor recreation and environmental education.
In 2022, Park Pride completed a park visioning plan for this park and thereafter a Park Pride Legacy Grant was awarded to the community to build the park pavilion shown in the visioning plan. In 2025, the City acquired an additional 17 acres that provides direct access to the river over the railroad tracks. Currently, TPL along with Groundwork Atlanta are working toward getting the park shovel-ready in 2026 so fundraising can begin on the next phase of construction.
Currently in development, Lower Paul Park will feature multi-use trails connecting to the regional greenway network, including the nearby Whetstone Creek PATH, Trails ATL, the Atlanta Riverwalk, and Chattahoochee RiverLands Greenway. These connections will enhance access and provide seamless routes for walking, biking, and running throughout Northwest Atlanta. Visitors can expect amenities such as picnic areas, open greenspaces for passive recreation, and community gathering spots designed for events and programs. The park’s proximity to residential neighborhoods and commercial areas makes it an accessible destination for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and river lovers alike.
The land that will become Lower Paul Park was once part of a brownfield site, undergoing environmental remediation through the Georgia Brownfield Program to ensure long-term safety and sustainability. Historically, this area along the Chattahoochee River experienced severe and repeated flooding, particularly during major storm events in the late 20th century. These floods damaged dozens of homes in the surrounding neighborhood, ultimately leading to the removal of residential structures and the relocation of families as part of FEMA-supported buyouts and floodplain restoration efforts.
In 2022, the City of Atlanta acquired the property with the intention of transforming it into public greenspace—a direct result of recommendations outlined in the 2020 Chattahoochee RiverLands Greenway Study and the 2022 Park Pride Visioning Plan for Lower Paul Park. This plan, shaped by extensive community input, calls for a park that restores the river’s floodplain, preserves habitat for native species, and provides safe, equitable river access for the surrounding Riverside neighborhood.
While not Atlanta’s first public access point to the river, Lower Paul Park marks a significant step forward in expanding greenspace and riverfront connectivity in Northwest Atlanta. A community-led design process will continue to guide the park’s development, emphasizing environmental restoration, cultural storytelling, and inclusive recreational opportunities that reflect the community’s values and the river’s ecological significance.
