The City of Atlanta has agreed to purchase almost three acres of land to expand Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, according to a City of Atlanta press release.

Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms announced today that the city will purchase 2.94 acres of land located at the corner of Piedmont Avenue and Monroe Drive. The acquisition of the property was overwhelmingly approved by the Atlanta City Council on May 21.

“I am delighted to announce that we are, once again, committing to enhancing world-class greenspace that will provide residents, families and visitors with access to healthy recreation and spectacular natural beauty in the heart of our City,” Bottoms said. “The expansion of Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden will resonate for decades to come as they serve more visitors through enhanced spaces and a new connection to the Atlanta BeltLine. 

Throughout the expansion, the Department of Parks and Recreation will host a series of community meetings to gain public feedback about the design of the pedestrian trails, the trail connections and access to the Atlanta BeltLine, as well as the expanded Piedmont Park and Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Additionally, the city will pay up to $20.4 million for the property with a majority of funds coming from the TSPLOST, Atlanta BeltLine,Inc. and the Department of Parks and Recreation, the release said. 

The property is currently operated as a retail development subject to commercial lease. The lease income will be used to offset costs until each lease expires or terminates and the expansion of Piedmont Park and the Atlanta Botanical Garden begins.