Eagle Scout Projects Improve Zonolite Park

ATLANTA, GA (August 9, 2018) – Since 2014, South Fork Conservancy has been working with community partners to restore the woods and waterways of Zonolite Park, a former industrial site surrounding part of Peachtree Creek. The project has had a long list of successes, including the creation of a thriving meadow, a community garden, and numerous trails throughout the wooded park. Now the Conservancy has helped to bring another addition to the park: three cedar benches that offer views of the creek and meadow.

Built by Eagle Scout Robert Weimar, the benches are located at three key points throughout the park. The first sits by the park entrance, allowing for easy viewing of the meadow and community garden. The other benches overlook Peachtree Creek’s south fork at two idyllic spots further within the park. The benches, said Weimar, “provide an inviting atmosphere for this newly restored area as well as a practical place to sit.” 

Each bench is decorated with South Fork Conservancy’s distinctive chevron, with a color palette intended to reflect the dyes Native Americans made from the clay of Peachtree Creek. South Fork Conservancy hopes that these benches will allow people to sit and enjoy the natural world while also reflecting on the human and natural history that has made the creek what it is today.

Zonolite Park is named after the insulation company that once used the site for manufacturing. Abandoned by the company in 2009, the land was unused until South Fork Conservancy and local property owners contacted the EPA to clean up and preserve the future parkland. Following a $2 million settlement, the polluters paid for the cleanup and Zonolite Park was born. Since the successful restoration of meadow and riverine habitats, South Fork Conservancy has continued to spearhead efforts to support local wildlife and make the park accessible for everyone in the community.

South Fork Conservancy celebrates 10 years, looks to more creekside conservation

By David Pendered for the Saporta Report
June 3, 2018

The South Fork Conservancy has entered its second decade of protecting the natural environment along the South Fork of Peachtree Creek with plans for a new pedestrian bridge over the creek – and money in the bank to pay for building the bridge and other projects.
Confluence Bridge

The concept design for the planned Confluence Bridge shows a bridge covered by planks, with a safety rail to protect visitors. The bridge is to span the place where the North and South Forks of Peachtree Creek come together.

The project is another major step for a grassroots organization that was started in 2008, during the depth of the Great Recession. The SFC’s efforts represent a textbook example of taking many right steps to achieve an objective, despite an uncertain economy and the challenges it presents to non-profit organizations.

See the full story here.

South Fork Conservancy raises $74 k and unveils Buckhead bridge design at Creek Rising

By Evelyn Andrews for the Reporter Newspapers

The South Fork Conservancy unveiled concept designs for the Confluence Bridge planned for Buckhead at its 10th-anniversary celebration and annual fundraiser.

The April 26 event held at Zonolite Park raised $74,000 for the nonprofit, which creates trails along the South Fork of Peachtree Creek. The South Fork runs between Buckhead and Emory University. The conservancy plans to link the trails with PATH400, which has already been completed near Peachtree Creek. It also plans to connect to the Atlanta BeltLine and Brookhaven’s planned Peachtree Creek Greenway.

Read the full story and see SFC's bridge concepts here.