Fostering a Dynamic Community: The Evolution of Decatur's Legacy Park
This Jane’s Walk, taking place in Decatur, focuses on themes of Environment, History & Culture.
What can a park become when a community decides to reimagine it?
Join Joey Goodall for a walk through Legacy Park, a 77-acre property in Decatur with a 140-year history that most Atlantans don't know. The land began as the Decatur Orphan's Home in 1877, operated by the United Methodist Church, and was strategically sold to the City of Decatur in 2017. Since then, a master planning effort has transformed it into a dynamic public space: office space for eighteen local nonprofits, a 400-meter track, new affordable apartments, a forest restoration managed by Trees Atlanta, and a Global Growers Garden, among other things.
The walk traces the park's historical sites and natural features, and looks honestly at the compromises that come with ambitious public planning. Meet below the porch in front of the 500 building; park near the traffic circle.
About the Walk Leader
Joey Goodall is a civil engineer, writer, and naturalist with a decade of experience in Atlanta land development and storytelling. Born in New Zealand and raised in Florida, he has made Atlanta home and believes walking is one of the best ways to build community and develop a love for our neighborhoods and ecosystems. Learn more at jrgoodall.com.
About Jane’s Walk
Jane’s Walk is an annual global festival honoring the legacy of urbanist, activist, and writer Jane Jacobs with free, citizen-led walking tours through the neighborhoods that lend so much character to our cities.
The festival promotes civic engagement and encourages leaders and participants to share stories about their communities and use walking as a means of connecting with their neighbors.
The Details:
Arrive Early to check-in with your walk leader or MODA volunteer.
Walk Starting Point & Ending Point: 500 S Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA (park near the traffic circle, meet below the porch in front of the 500 building).
Distance of Route: 1.3 miles
Duration of Walk: 90 minutes
Walk Language: English
Accessibility: Combination of paved and unpaved. The majority of the route is along accessible paved sidewalks; the final section accessing the Global Growers Garden is unpaved but relatively even. A shaded patio is available from which the garden can be viewed as an alternative. Please contact the walk leader in advance if you have specific accessibility needs.
What to Bring: Hat, sunscreen, water, walking shoes.
In light rain, a shorter route with covered stops will be used. Bring an umbrella or jacket if rain is in the forecast.
Know Before You Go Details will be included in your confirmation email.
Registration: FREE
Become a MODA Member
Click here to learn more about MODA Membership!
Questions? Contact Public Programming & Membership: felicia@museumofdesign.org
Accessibility: Designers with different styles of learning or special needs are welcome in MODA public programs. We will be able to most effectively help everyone learn and enjoy this experience if we know about those needs in advance of the program. Please email the primary walk leader with questions or information.
Cancellation Policy: MODA reserves the right to cancel a program if the minimum enrollment requirements are not met. If you need to cancel your plans for any reason, we kindly request that you notify us 48 hours prior to the event start. By doing so, we can release your seat to another individual interested in joining us for this Jane’s Walk!
Photo Disclaimer: Pictures and videos will be captured during MODA public programs and may be published on the official website, social media, and newsletters of the Museum of Design Atlanta. If you do not wish to appear on these platforms, please write to felicia@museumofdesign.org.
