FInally - back to my blog
15/04/13 15:43 Filed in: other peoples projects | Zoo Design theory
I knew it would be great, but now, walking on it, I know this is a transformative point in Atlanta history.
We knew the Beltline was a great idea, and solves our terrible traffic problems, but who knew it would create such a social outlet that only was seen at malls. But here, in atlanta, a mile from my house, there is a link to a walking trail that accommodates a variety of opportunities - restaurants, clubs and galleries - and does it without the use of a vehicle! 22 miles of future light-rail transit and parks.
The belt line takes the ring of freight train tracks that are now unnecessary or viable, and turns it into a linear park. The city had grown with their backs to the train tracks - and now their backs are out front! Were these tracks cross the road gives opportunities to connect to neighborhood centers that we all use - but this time, the car doesn't move. We go to movies, restaurants, schools, work, wherever - by foot. These neighborhoods near the Beltline, values have surely improved because of it. I have got to say, the future isn't so bleak.
I had my first ride on the Beltline last weekend. It was the best spring day of the year, then my friend invited me to the Botanical Garden for a tour she was interested in. How can I say no! Her house is near the Beltline, so she recommended that we walk. A minute later we were gabbing up a storm and setting a vigorous pace (anything above my usual mozy..). With fresh spring air and 3 miles to go, time was scrambled and we entered a new world. One where the car was only used for special occasions and trips, and all your lifestyle travel is easily accommodated walking along the Beltline. The world is inside out and whole. The pace changed 10 different times before you find that we've walked from the Carter Center to Piedmont Park and that in the future, that path will continue another 20 miles, back to its beginning.
The great human ability to walk and to converse without blaring, numbing music is here. Go off and meet people, see new places - take your dog for a real walk. This is that place. Not that I've been, but the Hi-line in Manhattan, has the same feel. Come out and participate in the world. On foot, on bike, jogging, walking, on skateboard - this is the place to be and be with your fellow townspeople. When I was in Sao Paulo earlier this spring, I saw the same thing in Ibirapuera Park - everyone out doing something outside - even in the rain. These are the kinds of places that give me hope to a sustainable future for us.
This project has begun for real. The future is very livable, unless we loose the honey bees, but that's another story entirely.
The belt line takes the ring of freight train tracks that are now unnecessary or viable, and turns it into a linear park. The city had grown with their backs to the train tracks - and now their backs are out front! Were these tracks cross the road gives opportunities to connect to neighborhood centers that we all use - but this time, the car doesn't move. We go to movies, restaurants, schools, work, wherever - by foot. These neighborhoods near the Beltline, values have surely improved because of it. I have got to say, the future isn't so bleak.
I had my first ride on the Beltline last weekend. It was the best spring day of the year, then my friend invited me to the Botanical Garden for a tour she was interested in. How can I say no! Her house is near the Beltline, so she recommended that we walk. A minute later we were gabbing up a storm and setting a vigorous pace (anything above my usual mozy..). With fresh spring air and 3 miles to go, time was scrambled and we entered a new world. One where the car was only used for special occasions and trips, and all your lifestyle travel is easily accommodated walking along the Beltline. The world is inside out and whole. The pace changed 10 different times before you find that we've walked from the Carter Center to Piedmont Park and that in the future, that path will continue another 20 miles, back to its beginning.
The great human ability to walk and to converse without blaring, numbing music is here. Go off and meet people, see new places - take your dog for a real walk. This is that place. Not that I've been, but the Hi-line in Manhattan, has the same feel. Come out and participate in the world. On foot, on bike, jogging, walking, on skateboard - this is the place to be and be with your fellow townspeople. When I was in Sao Paulo earlier this spring, I saw the same thing in Ibirapuera Park - everyone out doing something outside - even in the rain. These are the kinds of places that give me hope to a sustainable future for us.
This project has begun for real. The future is very livable, unless we loose the honey bees, but that's another story entirely.