Amused Musings On A Slightly Absurd World

Can you believe that these pictures were taken within the city limits of Atlanta, only 10 minutes away from Atlantic Station in Midtown? You can see it for yourself if you’re feeling adventurous on a Friday or Saturday morning. On those mornings, The Beltline Parterniship provides free bus tours of the Beltline or the 22 mile stretch around the city that will combine walking trails, biking trails, and light rail around the city, fueling the development of jobs, green spaces, retail, and residences in neighborhoods across the city. I was very excited to take the tour on August 8 because I live in Reynoldstown which is a neighborhood directly on the beltline (a connection of used and unused rail lines). [In fact my dog regularly blesses a portion of the beltline that runs through a lot right next to my loft building.] Our guide Heather, having given the tour for the past two years, was a wealth of information and I learned many things I did not know, although I’ve lived in Atlanta most of my life. Some of the neighborhoods I was familiar with such as Grant Park, the Old Fourth Ward, and West End. Some neighborhoods I was learning about for the first time such as Boulevard Heights, Peoplestown, and many areas in Northwest Atlanta.

It is hoped that the Beltline will rejuvenate and foster development in areas like Peoplestown and also fuel and accentuate the already bustling activity in neighborhoods such as Washingtown Park. As our bus drove through Washington Park, there was a baseball game in progress, folks were cooking out, and enjoying everything summer in Atlanta has to offer. All neighboring Beltline communities will have an input as things move along.

The pictures I took are of the 138 acre Bellwood Quarry. Chain gangs used to work in it breaking the rock down to be used as gravel. Thanks to the Beltline project, it will now be maintained as a drinking water reservoir for the city and also developed as a park–Westside Park- for residents. Although the project will not be completed for 20 years, some key elements will be completed sooner rather than later. For instance, there are already biking and walking Beltline trails in the West End. Also, very soon ground will by broken off of Dallas Street in the Old Fourth Ward to build a retention pond and a park.

So, if you are looking to something to do for three hours on a Saturday morning at 9:15, head down to the Inman Park Marta station and board the Beltline bus. You can make reservations here or you can just show up to see if there’s an open seat. It’s a great way to see the city, learn about the project, and even scope out some real estate.