Atlanta, Georgia
Client: Georgia State University
Size: 1.87 acres
Status: Completed 2022
Awards:
2023 Award of Excellence: Parks & Landscape Design
City of Atlanta Urban Design Commission
Collaborators: Fountain People Inc.; Barnett Consulting Engineers; Brookwood Tree Consulting; Flippo Civil Design; Irrigation Consultant Services Inc.; Shear Structural; TerraMark Land Surveying
Revitalizing Atlanta’s first public park for a new generation of users.
Originally established in 1940 as Atlanta’s first public park since the 1860s, Hurt Park has long served as a civic gathering space at the heart of downtown. HGOR led the park’s revitalization to restore its historic character while transforming it into a safer, more accessible, and more active environment for Georgia State University students, residents, and visitors. The design blends preservation with contemporary interventions by enhancing circulation, introducing flexible gathering spaces, and improving visibility, resulting in a renewed public space that supports daily use and campus life.
Restoring a Civic Legacy
Central to the project was the restoration of the park’s historic identity, including the iconic Fountain of Light, an electronic water feature known for its dynamic display of light and movement. These efforts reinforce the park’s legacy while reestablishing it as a recognizable and valued landmark within downtown Atlanta.
Designed for Safety and Visibility
Improving safety was a central driver of the redesign. HGOR worked with arborists to selectively open sightlines across the park, reducing visual barriers and increasing visibility. New lighting systems and infrastructure for security integration further enhance the sense of safety, making the park more welcoming for users throughout the day and evening.
Flexible Campus Space
A new elevated concrete stage, positioned 30 inches above the lawn, provides a focal point for events, performances, and student programming. Enhanced seating areas, improved pedestrian circulation, and ADA-compliant pathways support both organized activities and informal daily use, reinforcing the park’s role as a central campus and community hub.
Positioned for Future Connectivity
Completed in 2022, the design anticipated future expansion of the campus greenway through planned connections extending to the southwest edge of the park. This forward-looking approach ensures Hurt Park will continue to evolve as part of a larger network of public spaces within Georgia State University and downtown Atlanta.
