Education. Recognition. Reward. These are the foundation of Park Pride's Park of the Year program, which recognizes outstanding maintenance by Atlanta’s Office of Parks personnel.

Launched in 2005 at the request of the Office of Parks, Park Pride staff use the City's own standards to provide both recognition of good work and constructive criticism in park maintenance.  We meet with Office of Parks employees at the beginning of each season to review best practices in maintenance and addressing challenges such as drought.  Six times a year we take a first-hand look at five Atlanta parks and report our findings to the entire Parks Department staff.

Each fall after the six monthly awards have been given, Park Pride recognizes one Park of the Year—the best maintained park in Atlanta.

2009 Monthly Winners
May - Oakland Cemetery
June - Center Hill, NW District
July - Freedom Park, NE District
August - Barbara McCoy, SW District
September - John Calhoun, NE District
October - Home Park, NE District

Over the past five years, Park Pride has seen marked improvement in park maintenance, in no small part due to this program. We are proud to be able to partner with the Office of Parks on such an effective and impactful program.

Congratulations to Home Park, the 2009 Park of the Year!