Shirley Clarke Franklin Park transforms a former quarry into a massive Westside green space, giving Atlanta trails, water, dramatic terrain and a new outdoor destination tied directly to the changing landscape of the city's historic Westside. This isn't just another Atlanta park.

And BlkTravel shouldn't write about it like one. What began as one of Atlanta's biggest infrastructure projects transformed an enormous former quarry into the centerpiece of a major new public green space. But the location is what makes this especially interesting to us. This is the Westside.

We're talking about a part of Atlanta deeply connected to Black neighborhoods, Black political power, the Atlanta University Center and generations of Black Atlanta history. Now one of the city's most ambitious outdoor spaces sits right here. That means travelers have another reason to explore this side of Atlanta beyond Mercedes-Benz Stadium or the traditional Civil Rights itinerary.

Come walk. Explore the trails. See the quarry landscape. Take in the water and skyline views. But also understand where you are. BlkTravel would choose Shirley Clarke Franklin Park for: walking, exploring New Atlanta, Westside itineraries, photography, families, casual dates and travelers who want to see how Atlanta itself is changing.