Piedmont Park Conservancy’s 29th Landmark Luncheon
Last month’s Landmark Luncheon brought together civic leaders, neighbors, and supporters to celebrate the future of Piedmont Park—and the strong Ansley Park connections helping shape it.
Celebrating the 29th Landmark Luncheon with Co-Chairs Judy Doug Hamilton and Stephanie Jerome Russell
On April 23, the Promenade at Piedmont Park welcomed more than 500 civic leaders, supporters, and neighbors for one of Atlanta’s most meaningful annual gatherings—the 29th Landmark Luncheon hosted by the Piedmont Park Conservancy.
Set against the backdrop of the city’s most iconic green space, the afternoon was both a celebration and a clear signal of momentum. For many in attendance—especially those from Ansley Park—it felt personal.
Just steps from home, Piedmont Park is more than a destination. It’s where daily life unfolds—morning walks, weekend gatherings, and spontaneous moments that bring neighbors together. And this year’s luncheon served as a powerful reminder that the Park’s future is being shaped not only by city leadership, but by the very community that surrounds it.
A Message from the Mayor
Featured speaker Andre Dickens delivered a message that resonated throughout the audience, describing Piedmont Park as Atlanta’s “green heart.”
It’s a place, he noted, that belongs to everyone—regardless of where they live in the city.
But his message went further. A park of this scale and significance doesn’t maintain itself. It requires ongoing investment, thoughtful planning, and dedicated stewardship. For decades, the Conservancy has served as that connector—bringing together public and private support to ensure the Park remains vibrant, accessible, and enduring.
A Record-Setting Show of Support
That collective commitment was evident in the results. This year’s luncheon raised more than $700,000, setting a new fundraising record and reinforcing just how deeply Atlantans value this shared space.
Those funds directly support the work that residents experience every day—maintenance, capital improvements, environmental stewardship, and community programming—the essential elements that keep the Park thriving.
From Vision to Visible Progress
This year’s theme, “Putting the Plan in Motion,” highlighted the Park’s first Comprehensive Plan in more than 25 years—and, importantly, the progress already taking shape.
Over the past year, that progress has become visible across the Park, including:
- Renovation of the Pool and Aquatic Center
- Resurfacing of the Active Oval
- Restoration of the Legacy Fountain
- A new garden at the 10th Street entrance
- The unveiling of Myriad, a new public art installation
These enhancements reflect a broader commitment: preserving what makes Piedmont Park special while ensuring it continues to serve a growing and evolving city.
Ansley Park’s Role Behind the Scenes
What makes this story especially meaningful for readers here is the level of Ansley Park involvement behind the scenes.
The Conservancy’s leadership includes a number of local residents who are helping guide the Park’s future—not simply enjoying it, but actively shaping it. Lisa Cannon Taylor, who serves as Board Chair, along with board members such as Erik LaValle and Sheryl Meddin, reflects the deep connection many Ansley Park residents feel to Piedmont Park as both a shared space and a long-term responsibility.
That leadership was also evident throughout the luncheon itself. Lisa spoke during the program, referencing Piedmont Park as “Atlanta’s Green Heart,” a theme that resonated throughout the afternoon and echoed Mayor Andre Dickens’ remarks about the Park’s importance to the city.
The neighborhood’s involvement extended even further, with Ansley Park residents Stephanie and Jerome Russell, along with Judy and Doug Hamilton, serving as Co-Chairs of this year’s Landmark Luncheon and helping bring together one of the Conservancy’s most impactful events of the year.
It’s a reminder that stewardship of Piedmont Park isn’t happening somewhere else—it’s happening right here in the neighborhood.
More Than a Park—A Place of Connection
Beyond physical improvements, the Conservancy continues to expand its impact through programming and operations that strengthen the Park’s role as a gathering place.
Educational initiatives like EnviroVentures Camp, expanded volunteer opportunities, and seasonal events continue to bring people together in meaningful ways. At the same time, enhanced operations—including seven-day-a-week Park coverage—help ensure a consistently clean, safe, and welcoming environment for all visitors.
These efforts reinforce something residents already know: Piedmont Park is more than a landmark—it’s a connection point, where the rhythms of city life unfold outdoors.
Why It Matters to Ansley Park
For Ansley Park residents, the Landmark Luncheon isn’t just a citywide event—it’s a reflection of a relationship.
This is where neighbors gather, where traditions take shape, and where everyday moments become part of a shared experience. Maintaining a space like Piedmont Park requires more than proximity—it requires participation, leadership, and community support.
Last month’s luncheon made one thing clear: that support remains strong.
Looking Ahead
With momentum building around the Comprehensive Plan, the Conservancy is entering a new chapter—one focused on thoughtful growth, preservation, and long-term sustainability.
If the Landmark Luncheon was any indication, the future of Piedmont Park is in capable hands—supported not only by city leadership, but by a community that continues to invest in something that truly belongs to everyone.
And for Ansley Park, that connection runs deeper than most.
Editor’s Note: Correction & Clarification
Following our April feature on the Piedmont Park Conservancy, we would like to clarify a detail regarding board representation and neighborhood affiliations.
While we strive for complete accuracy in highlighting Ansley Park involvement, Shannon Johnston is a resident of Druid Hills, not Ansley Park. Additionally, Sheryl Meddin was inadvertently omitted and also serves as a Board Member.
To clarify current roles, Whit Friese serves on the Executive Committee, while Mike Messner, Judy Hamilton, Tom Callaway, Charles Abney, and Sheryl Meddin (all Ansley Park residents) serve as Board Members. We also recognize that Ansley Park residents Stephanie and Jerome Russell, along with Judy and Doug Hamilton, served as Co-Chairs of this year’s Landmark Luncheon.
We appreciate the Conservancy’s partnership and their continued leadership in preserving one of Atlanta’s most treasured spaces.