Atlanta Beltline schedules January 22 groundbreaking for phase-one bike park near the Westside Trail corridor

Groundbreaking set for January 22 at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park

The Atlanta Beltline has scheduled a Jan. 22, 2026 groundbreaking for the first construction phase of a planned bike park at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park, the city’s former Westside Park site near the Westside Trail corridor. The event is set for 3–4 p.m. at Parking Lot I, 1621 Johnson Road NW.

The project is designed to add a dedicated, skill-building riding destination in northwest Atlanta anchored by mountain bike trails and a pump track. Plans call for 2.25 miles of mountain bike trails for multiple skill levels, along with a pump track, a bicycle playground, jump lines and a skills course. The current program also includes 0.75 miles of hiking trails.

Project scope, contracting and permitting status

The Atlanta Beltline Partnership has confirmed $9 million raised for the project to date, including an $8 million donation announced in 2024. Project materials estimate $15 million would be needed to complete all desired elements and phases, meaning additional fundraising is expected to determine the full buildout beyond the initial phase.

Reeves Young has been selected as construction manager at risk for the project. The timeline described by the Beltline indicates permitting activity is expected to proceed as design deliverables advance, with the groundbreaking tied to the start of phase-one work rather than completion of the full park concept.

Trail connectivity and access considerations

The planned bike park is positioned within the broader network of westside parks and trails that have expanded as segments of the Westside Trail have opened. Event details for the groundbreaking highlight transit and bicycle access, including proximity to MARTA bus routes and a connection from the Bankhead MARTA station via the Proctor Creek Trail.

While the bike park is separate from the paved multi-use trail, it is expected to complement the Westside Trail corridor by adding a destination amenity aimed at riders seeking off-road or skills-oriented features not typically available on paved shared-use paths.

What is planned in the first phase

Project information indicates the currently raised funding is intended to cover the first phase of work, with subsequent phases dependent on additional fundraising and final scope decisions. The Beltline’s public materials describe the ultimate concept as a comprehensive riding facility with varied trail difficulty, learning areas and progression features.

• 2.25 miles of planned mountain bike trails (beginner through intermediate/expert components)
• Pump track and skill-development areas
• Additional planned elements including a bicycle playground and jump lines
• 0.75 miles of hiking trails included in the program

The Jan. 22 groundbreaking marks the scheduled start of phase-one construction for a bike-focused recreation project that remains only partially funded for its full planned buildout.