Metro Atlanta parks get a boost from COVID funding

A dog park in Downtown Atlanta. A westside Beltline park that’s packed with amenities. And a cricket field in Marietta.

What's happening: More than $225 million in federal COVID relief funding is going to 142 projects across Georgia aimed at improving parks, rec centers and food access.

Of note: Some of the awarded projects announced last week by Gov. Brian Kemp are still in the process of raising funds.

Details: Projects in Atlanta are slated to receive nearly $20 million. Awards include:

• $2.2 million to help expand Enota Park along the Beltline's Westside Trail with green infrastructure, a splash playground, half-court basketball and a multipurpose play field.
• $1.1 million to add an eastside entrance to Chosewood Park's signature greenspace, an upgrade that would create a new way for pedestrians to cross the neighborhood.
• $6.5 million to build sidewalks in the Atlanta University Center, English Avenue and Washington Park neighborhoods.
• $132,000 to help improv theater Dad's Garage build a health and wellness park offering free yoga and other programs to the public.
• $2.2 million to update Downtown's Woodruff Park with walkways, a dog park, security camera and lighting upgrades, a new playground, mural and cafe.

Decatur: A plan to add restrooms, additional shading and other amenities — possibly a skate park — at Ebster Park is getting a $2.1 million boost.

Dunwoody: A $110,000 grant will help build a 12-foot-wide paved multi-use trail to replace a desire path between Cherry Hill Lane and Eidson Road.

Marietta: The $1.3 million grant to the Cobb County parks department will help develop a 5-acre park in the Fair Oaks neighborhood with an athletic field designed for cricket.

View and download spreadsheets listing federal COVID funding awards