Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail Opens Monday

Mayor Kasim Reed will lead the official dedication of the Atlanta BeltLine's most significant step forward yet: the opening of the Eastside Trail on Monday.

The ceremony will take place at 10 a.m. at the intersection of the Atlanta BeltLine corridor and the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark at 830 Willoughby Way.

"The opening of the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail will be a revelation for Atlantans who can traverse their city, neighborhood-to-neighborhood in unprecedented fashion," said Mayor Reed in a press release.

"This world-class public space is the result of great public-private partnerships. It creates new mobility options, lays the foundation for transit along the Atlanta BeltLine, promises improved health and enhanced neighborhoods, and is already spurring sustainable economic growth and development."

The 2.25-mile section of the BeltLine, running from Irwin St. to 10th St. and Monroe Dr., connects the neighborhoods of Inman Park, Old Fourth Ward, Midtown, Poncey Highland and Virginia Highland. It offers a 14-foot wide concrete trail and 30 acres of landscaped greenspace, including spaces for both public art and exercise stations.

This section of trail also connects Piedmont Park to Freedom Park and Historic Fourth Ward Park and Skatepark - and connects to the PATH Foundation trail running from Stone Mountain to downtown. The completion of the Eastside Trail combined with the first two trails on the Atlanta BeltLine - the West End Trail and the Northside Trail - brings the total of permanent trails to nearly six miles along and near the corridor.

Since 2006, there has been more than $775 million in new private development either completed or under way within a half mile of this section of the Atlanta BeltLine.

The Eastside Trail is currently being featured as part of the Art on the Atlanta BeltLine exhibit which runs until Nov. 11. In addition, the trail will be part of the route for the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside 10K on December 1.

During October, crews will still be putting finishing touches on sections of the trail, including intersection improvements, hand rails, retaining walls and slope containment. Landscaping will begin in mid-fall with the planting of new trees. Landscaping will continue into the spring with the planting of native species of flora.

More than 100,000 people live within half a mile of the Atlanta BeltLine, which connects 45 of the city's neighborhoods. The redevelopment will give 11,000 residents direct access for the first time to a park, and it will connect an additional 127,000 people to transit.

Related articles:

The 2012 Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade in Pictures

Sneak Peek: Art on the BeltLine Exhibit

Scenic 10K Planned on New Eastside Trail