A large stretch of forested land in Southwest Atlanta is on track to become a new public greenspace, as the City of Atlanta moves forward with plans to protect and open the area for community use.
City leaders announced this week that Atlanta has purchased a 50-acre property known as Tatum Lakes, a site officials describe as part of one of the city's most environmentally important landscapes.
What's Planned
The property will be transformed into a public park and nature preserve called Tatum Lakes Nature Preserve. The site sits west of downtown and is generally bounded by Boulder Park Drive, Dollar Mill Road, and Bakers Ferry Road. According to the city, the land includes about four acres of lakes and wetlands surrounded by a mature forest of oak, pine, and hickory trees.
How the Preserve Will Take Shape
City officials say the planning process will be guided by community input. The focus will be on protecting sensitive habitats while adding low-impact trails and amenities that allow residents to enjoy the space without disturbing its natural character. The forest currently provides important environmental benefits, including stormwater management, carbon storage, and wildlife habitat.
Funding and Management
Atlanta used Tree Trust conservation funds to purchase the property. Long-term stewardship will be handled by the Department of Parks and Recreation, and the city plans to pursue federal funding to help with master planning and initial improvements. City representatives have been asked for information about the purchase price — additional details may be released later.
Connected to a Broader Initiative
The Tatum Lakes project aligns with Mayor Andre Dickens' Neighborhood Reinvestment Initiative, which focuses on strengthening historically underserved neighborhoods. In a statement, Mayor Dickens shared that the project is personally meaningful to him, noting that he passed the lakes daily while growing up in Adamsville. He said preserving the site ensures future generations will be able to enjoy the greenspace.
District 10 Councilmember Andrea L. Boone called the property a long-standing source of pride for Adamsville residents. Parks and Recreation Commissioner Justin Cutler described the acquisition as a transformative investment for Southwest Atlanta, saying the preserve will protect important ecological resources and offer safe, sustainable access to nature.
This is exactly the kind of investment Southwest Atlanta deserves. Tatum Lakes is not just an environmental win — it is a statement that the city is serious about quality of life in neighborhoods that have historically been overlooked. The fact that Mayor Dickens grew up walking past these lakes makes this feel personal in the best way. Greenspace is infrastructure too, and Atlanta just made a smart long-term bet on its own community.
