The DIRT on PATH400

Denise Starling, executive director of Livable Buckhead, gives us the dirt on PATH400 progress. This vibrant, 5.2-mile greenway runs along the heart of Buckhead, connecting people, places and possibilities. 

Construction Updates

Wieuca to Loridans – Sloooow Burn

Honestly? Things are kinda boring over here right now. Eddie the welder is doing his thing on the handrails—and there are a lot of them. These beauties are manufactured off-site, then welded on-site one stick at a time. Once the posts and rails are all in place, the galvanized cables will be threaded through. It’s a labor of love (and sparks).

Hot topic from the crew this week:

“How long should the cables be?”

My answer: “Uhh… ask David M.”

Opening date? Still TBD. BUT—good news. We’ve identified a less disruptive, much faster safety enhancement: a fancy new enhanced guardrail. It’s safer, cheaper, faster… and might even bring the ribbon cutting back onto my to-do list.

Sandy Springs to Glenridge – The Formal Dispatch We’re coordinating closely with the City of Sandy Springs, and while their updates come in a more diplomatic tone than mine, here’s the scoop: “Tree clearing, grading and erosion control installation continues from the City Limits to Windsor Parkway and from Ridgeview Middle School to south of Johnson Ferry Road. Pile driving for wall foundations begins soon south of Windsor Parkway.” Pile driving = progress.

Loridans to Sandy Springs – The Chainsaw Chapter Yep, the tree clearing is done—and yes, we all hate this part. We’ve been getting the question a lot: “Why so many trees for just a trail?” Short answer: walls. Longer answer: walls need footers. Big walls need big footers. Big footers need space. And that, unfortunately, means trees go down. I may have squeaked through GA Tech structures class (shoutout to my fellow D=P folks), but the real experts—our engineers at Heath & Lineback—are the best in the biz. Trust them. I do.

Park Development News – Let’s Build Some Parks!

With PATH400 nearing the finish line in this area, the City of Atlanta is finally shifting gears on Mountain Way Common and Loridans Park. Concept plans have been around for a while, but now it’s time to flip those plans into construction documents so we can break ground. Survey crews are already out and about.

Thanks to the Moving Atlanta Forward Bond, we’ve got real dollars in play: $1M for

• $500K Loridans Park
• $500K for Mountain Way Common

Introducing Weekend Wanderings with Denise Starling

If you know me, you know I love PATH400 — but I also love getting out to explore the incredible greenspaces beyond our Buckhead backyard. That’s why I’m kicking off a new series I’m calling Weekend Wanderings — a little journal of the trails, parks, and hidden natural gems I discover on weekends, and a way to hopefully inspire you to lace up your shoes and do the same.

This past weekend, my son and I found a new favorite.

Springway @ Morgan Falls

ICYMI: World Cup Is Coming

Next summer, Buckhead will be buzzing with fans, fútbol, and festivities. We’re working on plans to make sure PATH400 is part of the experience—and we want your ideas. Got thoughts on trail-based activations, events, or fan experiences?

Hit us up. Let’s make it awesome.

Contact Us

That’s your PATH400 gossip for the month. Until next time, keep calm and mulch on!

Professional Barrier Beggar | Grass Whisperer | Trail Nerd Extraordinaire