Decatur Legacy Park grew out of the needs of the city. Previously a home for children who could not be safe with their families, the 77-acre land retains many historic buildings, including an awe-inspiring chapel, an orchard, a community garden, a lake, and wide-ranging trails. This land has been a sacred space for the most vulnerable since 1873, and its nature-focused amenities are inclusive and open to all abilities. Historical preservation and repurposing are ongoing here, and these efforts go hand in hand with environmental conservation, which includes building biodiversity and teaching community water use. Continual development is needed, and the organization seeks to honor the past and maintain each space as recognizable.
Legacy Decatur, the 501(c)(3) foundation that manages the city’s strategic goals through Legacy Park endeavors, seeks to come together and solve problems amidst a culture of community engagement. Several nonprofits are housed here, dedicated to meeting the community’s needs and creating a sense of belonging for all. Paint Love provides trauma-informed art programs. Compassionate Atlanta centers compassion while driving positive action for equitable health outcomes. Global Growers grow fresh produce for families and local marketplaces with barriers to agricultural resources. These are only three examples in a long (and growing) list of nonprofit tenants who reside at Decatur Legacy Park. Its programs and amenities focus on increasing community well-being. Madeleine Henner, Decatur Legacy Park’s Executive Director, has honed in on the importance of public spaces and relationship building.
It is the projects, programs, and partnerships that make Decatur Legacy Park exceptional. Dymond Generette, the Programs Manager, is energized by what she calls “community in-reach” wherein one actively participates in the communities they serve while striving to keep learning. She aims towards the goal of togetherness and believes we can all learn from each other’s differences. By providing neutral public spaces, which will come to include housing, environmental programs, and recreation, Decatur Legacy Park is on a mission to grow together. It could not thrive without the dedication of so many City employees, especially Key Wade and Dorsey Nobles, the Public Works staff who care for the facilities.
There is so much in the works to look forward to. Decatur Legacy Park’s wedding program is in effect, offering affordable spaces for ceremonies and receptions, including two wedding prep rooms. The historical chapel, built in 1906, is ideal for intimate weddings under 80 people. Its stained glass windows and natural acoustics lend a charming air to this historical space in a natural setting. While no longer a Methodist organization, Decatur Legacy Park is dedicated to maintaining this special space. The Hawkins building works well as an indoor reception venue, while additional spaces will be available soon!
The Creative Village is currently in progress. Funded by Congressman Hank Johnson, four cottages will provide affordable studios and housing for artists. In partnership with Decatur Arts Alliance, these dedicated spaces for creation are born of Decatur’s rich history in public art. Decatur Legacy Park is passionate about providing affordable housing and community development as the entire entity strives to be a role model for accessibility. In addition, the land will return to its former roots by making this space a home again.
Do you want to get involved? Decatur Legacy Park is a nonprofit that will be operationally, programmatically, and financially self-sufficient from the city come July 2025. They will be relying more on community members to enact the master plan optimally. There are many ways to join this community and aid in its mission. Volunteering, renting space for your events, donating, and simply visiting are all impactful ways to ensure Legacy Decatur grows more efficiently and continues to serve as many people as possible. Attend the Legacy Park Plant Sale and Festival on April 13 for a springtime treat!
Feel free to reach out to Madeleine and Dymond directly with any inquiries: madeleine.henner@legacydecatur.org / dymond.generette@legacydecatur.org
“Sharing resources creatively can only happen if you know your neighbor.”
”We strive to be role models for accessibility.”
