Livable Buckhead Bringing Wild Things to PATH400
Public invited to help select life-size animal sculptures for new installation
ATLANTA – January 27, 2025 – It’s about to get wild on PATH400 as Livable Buckhead announces plans for a safari-themed sculpture garden beneath the trail’s Mountain Way Common bridge. Dubbed Wild Things, the life-sized animal sculptures sway with the breeze, blending the beauty of nature with the joy of public art. The sculptures are designed to spark creativity, boost mental well-being and foster community connections, captivating visitors of all ages.
From now until January 31, the public is invited to vote for which three animals will be featured among the Wild Things. Options include an elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, crocodile or tiger. The community will have several additional opportunities to help shape the Wild Things sculpture garden, beginning with an art contest for young artists. In February, students in grades K-8 across Atlanta will be invited to submit their designs for colorful decorative patterns to bring the safari sculptures to life. Following the art contest, the public will also have the chance to help name the sculptures.
“The Wild Things are a perfect capstone for this section of PATH400 ,” said Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead. “They add a fun element to the trail, and it’s a great way to engage the community and give everyone a chance to get involved. We can’t wait to see how these interactive art pieces bring people together.”
The Wild Things will be installed beneath the soaring bridge that carries PATH400 through Mountain Way Common. Construction is progressing on this section, which is the final major segment of PATH400’s 5.2-mile route through Buckhead and is expected to be completed in 2025. To learn more about the Wild Things, vote for animals or donate to support the project, visit https://www.livablebuckhead.org/zoo/.
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About PATH400
PATH400 is a 5.2-mile walkable, bikeable greenway being constructed on public land adjacent to GA400 extending from the bank of Peachtree Creek northward toward the northern edge of Atlanta. It is the centerpiece of a broader greenspace plan, the Buckhead Collection, initiated by Atlanta Councilman Howard Shook. Livable Buckhead is spearheading the PATH400 project in partnership with the Buckhead Community Improvement District (Buckhead CID) and the PATH Foundation. Several other agencies and organizations are involved in the development of PATH400, including Georgia Department of Transportation, the City of Atlanta, MARTA, Atlanta Neighborhood Planning Unit B, and Atlanta Public
About Livable Buckhead
Livable Buckhead is a nonprofit organization that strives to ensure the long-term viability and prosperity of the Buckhead community. The organization achieves its mission by working cooperatively with individuals, public entities and private businesses to integrate sustainable strategies. Livable Buckhead implements programs related to greenspace, recycling, energy efficiency, commute alternatives, arts and culture, real estate development and land use. For more information about Livable Buckhead and its programs, visit livablebuckhead.org.
About PATH Foundation
In just 24 years, PATH has developed over 235 miles of trail throughout Georgia and has become a nationally recognized model for trail-building success. PATH’s linear parks have become part of the landscape in urban and rural areas, in affluent and impoverished communities. PATH trails are bringing people together from all races, ages, income levels and cultural backgrounds. Significant progress toward building Atlanta a network of trails includes: The Silver Comet, Stone Mountain, Lionel Hampton, Westside, Arabia Mountain, Chastain Park, South Decatur Trolley, Northwest Atlanta, and Freedom Park Trails.
