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Grant Park sign at Grant Park – By Brooke Novak –

Top 10 Amazing Facts about Grant Park, Atlanta

Grant Park is the oldest city park in Atlanta, Georgia. This large park is a diverse destination, home to a zoo, several markets, and other outdoor recreation centers.

It is the perfect location for tourists and visitors to explore the modern hustle and bustle of Atlanta while simultaneously immersing themselves in its history.

Grant Park’s lush, leafy surroundings provide plenty of trees and gently sloping slopes for a relaxing getaway. Additionally, there are swings, a basketball court, and a free-swimming pool that opens for Memorial Day weekend.

Below are some facts about the infamous Grant Park in Atlanta.

1. The Fourth Largest Park in Atlanta

The Grant Park covers 131 acres of green space and recreational areas. In terms of size, Grant park is the fourth-largest park in the city.

It ranks so behind only Chastain Park, Freedom Park, and Piedmont Park. Chastain Park is the largest Parkin Atlanta covering 268 acres (over twice Grant’s size).

2. Grant Park Was Established In 1883

Lemuel P. Grant, a successful Engineer, and businessman gave Atlanta City 100 acres of land in 1883. This is where Grant Park was established, in a newly developed suburb.

7 years later, in 1890, the city acquired 44 more acres of land to expand the park.

3. The Park’s First Commissioner Was Sidney Root

Sidney Root in 1892 – By Col. I.A. Avery –

In 1890, after acquiring more land to expand the park, a commissioner was appointed. The commissioner was known as Sidney Root. Root was an American businessman and a great lover of nature.

He was appointed by then Atlanta Mayor John B. Goodwin. He played a large role in the planning of the park and its development.

4. Zoo Atlanta Is Found in The Park

Zoo Atlanta panda – By Tim –

Originally called Grant Park Zoo, the Zoo Atlanta is located inside Grant Park. It was established in 1889 from what remained of a failed circus. Yes, you read that right!

In 1889, George Gress a local lumber merchant in Atlanta bought animals from a failed circus. He proceeded to donate them to the city and thus space was curved out for a zoo in the park.

Today, the zoo is home to over 1500 animals. This includes pandas, gorillas, crocodiles, snakes, several bird species, and zebras among other animals.

There are programs such as ‘wild encounters’ at the zoo that allow guests to interact with the animals. The zookeepers also present detailed talks enabling one to learn more about the animals.

5. The Parks Original Design Was Different

Following the appointment of the first commissioner, designs and plans for the park were made. The Olmsted brothers were hired to create a plan for the park.

The Olmstead brothers were the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted. The original plan for the park, despite being the building block for today’s park, is very different from the current park.

This plan was necessary due to the city growing rapidly which meant increased usage of the park. Therefore, the Park’s landscape needed to be revamped.

Olmstead’s plan included reshaping and expanding Lake Abana, adding new vegetation, and revising the existing circulation system. Today, the lake has been significantly reduced to accommodate park additions.

In 1996, the City of Atlanta Parks Bureau commissioned a new master plan for the park. A citizen advisory group that would later become the Grant Park Conservancy met with the consultants developing the proposal.

The Conservancy works to generate money to improve and safeguard the park so that all of its visitors can enjoy it. They are responsible for keeping the park up to code.

6. The Park Is Home to One of the City’s Best Farmers Markets

People at a farmers market by Gerhard Bögner from

Grant Park is always busy, particularly on Sundays due to the buzzing Farmer’s market. The hugely popular Grant Park Farmers Market, a favorite of local chefs and foodies, draws more than 50 vendors.

Along Cherokee Avenue, there are fresh produce, and specialty groceries including sauces, bread, vegetables, and fruits. Other items in the market include ready-to-eat items such as Pizza and pastries as well as ornaments and other handmade goods.

The market runs from April through mid-December, with vendors rotating during different seasons. Events also include chef demonstrations, with occasional appearances from hometown stars like Hugh Acheson or Kevin Gillespie.

7. The Park Avails Several Recreational Activities

Joggers in a park by wal_172619 from

Grant Park, while preserving Atlanta’s history and offering a very educative experience, it is also a recreation center. There are walking and jogging paths, basketball and tennis courts, playgrounds for children, and even a swimming pool.

If all one wants is to relax and just stroll around, then Grant Park is definitely the place. The green space combined with the shrubs and trees presents a very calming environment for one to just relax and think, or not think.

8. Contains the Largest Collection of Victorian Architecture

Victorian Architecture refers to architectural styles that were developed and applied in the mid-to-late 19th century. This is during the reign of Queen Victoria.

Together with Inman Park, Grant Park contains the largest remaining area covered by Victorian architecture in all of Atlanta. Inman Park is found in an in-town neighborhood on Atlanta’s east side.

During the restoration of the park that took place in the 1970s, several buildings were demolished and replaced by new ones. However, these demolitions were halted and the remaining buildings were put on the national register of historic places.

9. The Cyclorama Was Exhibited in 1892

In 1892, a circular painting depicting the Battle of Atlanta was exhibited at Grant Park. This painting was known as the Cyclorama.

In 1921, a building was constructed to house the Cyclorama painting. In 2017, the Cyclorama was moved to the Atlanta History Center where it is exhibited to the public as it was at Grant Park.

10. Part of A City Defense Wall Remains at The Park

In 1863, Confederate forces built a fort system (defensive wall with cannons and other ammunition). The fort, known as Fort Walker, was to protect the entire city. It was originally unnamed but was later named after Major General William H.T. Walker who was killed during the Battle of Atlanta.

After the establishment of Grant Park, two bronze lions, four cannons, and a granite pedestal served as memorials for the fort’s location. However, due to vandalism, only a state historic marker remains.