John, we believe that well-designed outdoor spaces can transform communities and help them thrive in the face of severe weather. The New York Times just featured a story that highlights just how impactful this work can be.
The spotlight? Cook Park in Atlanta’s Vine City neighborhood—a 16-acre green space developed in partnership with the City of Atlanta and Trust for Public Land. It's designed to serve as both a vibrant community park and a powerful tool for climate resilience.
Once a flood-ravaged area of West Atlanta, Cook Park is now a beloved gathering place with playgrounds, sports courts, walking paths, and space for community celebrations. But beneath the surface lies something just as remarkable: the park is engineered to hold up to 10 million gallons of stormwater, protecting surrounding homes and reducing pollution in local waterways.
When Hurricane Helene hit one year ago this week, the park flooded—exactly as designed—while nearby streets and houses stayed safe.
“It’s everything,” said a longtime Vine City resident, marveling at what the community helped create.
Cook Park is part of a growing movement of “sponge-y” parks and community schoolyards—green infrastructure projects that don’t just provide much-needed access to nature, but also help communities adapt to a changing climate.
