John Howell Park: Spring 2025 Update

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Over the past four years, countless neighbors have helped shape the vision for the much-anticipated renovation of John Howell Park. Thanks to contributions both large and small, we’ve been able to bring on board architects, engineers, and arborists to create a thoughtful and comprehensive plan. We’ve also partnered with the City of Atlanta and local nonprofits for guidance on both planning and fundraising. These collaborative efforts have led to a phased strategy. Phase I will include:

  • A complete playground overhaul with brand-new equipment
  • A new community picnic space overlooking the play area
  • A rain garden to help manage stormwater
  • New ADA-accessible walkways

We’re now kicking off a capital campaign to make this plan a reality. The great news is we’re not starting from scratch—Atlanta has pledged $300,000 from the Moving Atlanta Forward bond program, and Park Pride has awarded a $100,000 grant specifically for new playground equipment. With these contributions and the funds already raised by the community, we’ve passed the halfway mark toward our $900,000 goal.

Now it’s time for us to step up.

A new nonprofit called Friends of John Howell Park has been created to streamline fundraising and management of this large-scale capital project with maximum efficiency and transparency. This new entity is wholly owned by the Virginia-Highland Conservation League, a 501(c)(3) that has successfully stewarded capital projects for Fire Station 19, North Highland Park, Orme Park, and the Todd Memorial over the past sixteen years. The new group is led by Jim Coe, a longtime VHCA Parks Committee volunteer who has poured hundreds of hours into this effort over the past two years.

Nearly four decades ago, a passionate group of residents came together to create John Howell Park. Now, we have the opportunity—and the responsibility—to renew and reimagine it for the next generation. Whether you come for yoga, festivals, dog walks, or the playground, these upgrades will ensure the park continues to be a welcoming, vibrant space for all.

If you have any questions, visit our website at friendsofjohnhowellpark.org or email us at [email protected].

Thank you for your support!

Ready to donate now?
You can make a tax-deductible donation now, with two easy ways to donate. Use PayPal to send directly to @FriendsOfJohnHowellPark. Or you can help us avoid fees by mailing a check payable to Friends of John Howell Park, LLC to: Friends of John Howell Park, P.O. Box 8401, Station F, Atlanta, GA 31106.

Friends of John Howell Park, LLC is a single-member limited liability company wholly owned
by the Virginia-Highland Conservation League, Inc., a tax-exempt organization under
Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (EIN: 26-4175136 ).