By Pamela Henman
The city of Atlanta’s Historic Oakland Cemetery was named the 2014 Great Place winner by the Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) at their 16th annual Developments of Excellence Awards. The winners were announced on Friday, November 8 at the ARC’s annual state of the region breakfast.
“I am thrilled that for the third straight year, a city of Atlanta park has been honored by the Atlanta Regional Commission with a Development of Excellence Award,” said Amy Phuong, Commissioner, Department of Parks and Recreation.
“The partnership between the city of Atlanta and the Historic Oakland Foundation demonstrates how long-standing partnerships and innovative leadership can positively impact the quality of life for the people of Atlanta. Under Mayor Reed’s leadership, the Department of Parks and Recreation will continue to transform lives and revitalize neighborhoods by creating and maintaining beautiful green spaces and parks.”
Through its annual Developments of Excellence (DOE) Awards, the Atlanta Regional Commission honors trend-setting private and public development projects that advance the goals and policies of ARC’s Regional Development Plan, PLAN 2040. The Great Place category allows nominations for places, streets, communities, neighborhoods, civic spaces, or parks that contribute to the Atlanta region’s character and provide choices for where and how people work and live. The Great Place designation is given to a place in Metropolitan Atlanta that represents livability and sustainability and serves as regional models for future growth.
“The Historic Oakland Foundation is grateful for the support it receives from so many individuals, foundations, and corporations, as we continue to care for this irreplaceable Atlanta landmark,” said David S. Moore, Executive Director of the Historic Oakland Foundation. “We are so appreciative of this Great Place award and assure the Atlanta Regional Commission that we will continue to work hard in partnership with the city of Atlanta to preserve one of Atlanta’s greatest places, Oakland Cemetery.”
Today, Oakland Cemetery is used as a park for the community and is a valued green space in Atlanta. Oakland Cemetery is much more than an outstanding example of a Victorian garden cemetery. It is also a magnificent public park, sculpture garden, botanical garden, flourishing wildlife habitat, and picturesque setting for quiet reflection. It is truly one of Atlanta’s great places to visit.
Last year, Piedmont Park won the 2013 Great Place award. In 2012, Historic Fourth Ward Park was honored as a Development of Excellence.
Comments are closed.