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. 

Hot enough for you? If the katydids don’t scream it, the melted sidewalk sure does. On the upside, my pool reached peak temperature early this year, thank you, global warming? Downside: the mosquitoes have unionized, and their only demand is your blood. Let’s dive into the latest from PATH400…

Construction Updates

Wieuca to Loridans

OMG y’all, the end is officially in sight! We did the first punch list walk last week, and guess what… we have a ribbon cutting date.

📅 Mark your calendars: Sept 26, 4 to 6PM

Yep, the Mayor’s coming, so you know we have to make it extra fabulous. What are we doing? TBD. But hey, that’s 60 days away (she writes as she casually sips her wine).

Major shoutout to GDOT for stepping up big time, installing a new, higher-standard guardrail along the stretch north of Wieuca to boost safety. Paul Denard and Chris Woods = Heroes of the Month, maybe the year.

Sandy Springs to Glenridge So… I may or may not have trespassed—ahem, “investigated” the Sandy Springs section for purely journalistic purposes (don’t @ me). But good news: it’s looking amazing. There’s another killer bridge coming your way. See the pics below.

Loridans to Sandy Springs  Things have been… let’s say “diplomatic” lately, as our contractor navigates how to share space with the ongoing 285, 400 mega-construction madness. Why? Because whoever finishes last has to clean up. And we are not raising our hand for that. If you’ve driven by, you’ve seen the slopes being shaped for the big switchback under Loridans. Next up: pile driving and shoring work to support those new walls. Spoiler alert: it’s going to be loud. We only work during approved hours, but go ahead and accept this preemptive apology now.

Mountain Way Common Trail Update

We’ve heard your questions about the internal loop trail in Mountain Way Common and we’re excited to share that we’re working on it!

Livable Buckhead is actively pursuing a grant through Park Pride to create a new trail connection that will link the North Ivy Road entrance to the existing bridge over the creek and continue on to the Phil Proctor Swing under the highway. This proposed route hugs the lower elevation of the park, running closer to the creek for a more scenic and accessible experience.

We’re thrilled to report that we’ve made it to the second round of the grant process and now we need your help! If you support improving trail connectivity in Mountain Way Common, please consider sending a brief letter of support to denise@livablebuckhead.org. Your input can help make this project a reality.

Stay tuned — we’ll keep you posted as the process moves forward!

Weekend Wanderings with Denise Starling

If you know me, you know I love PATH400 — but I also love exploring the incredible greenspaces beyond our Buckhead backyard. That’s why I started Weekend Wanderings, a quick journal of the parks, trails, and hidden gems I visit on weekends.

This time, my son Will and I visited Mason Mill Park to check out its trail design and tree preservation firsthand. From peaceful boardwalks to well-integrated nature trails, it’s a great example of how thoughtful infrastructure can shape future projects — including the Blueway Trail that will connect PATH400 to Blue Heron and Chastain Park.

Mason Mill Park

More fun, more trail, more livability. You know the drill. 😎 Until next time, Your mosquito-bitten, sun-toasted PATH400 insider

Professional Barrier Beggar | Grass Whisperer | Trail Nerd Extraordinaire