Hurt Park (Atlanta) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hurt Park |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
| Created | 1940 |
| Owned by | Georgia State University (GSU) and City of Atlanta |
| Operated by | GSU |
| Public transit access | Atlanta Streetcar - Hurt Park Station MARTA - Bus 99 |
Hurt Park is a small, green space located in downtown Atlanta, Georgia. It sits in a unique triangle shape between Edgewood Avenue, Courtland Street, and Gilmer Street. The park is named after Joel Hurt, a successful businessman who worked in banking, real estate, and helped develop the city's streetcar system.
Hurt Park first opened its gates in 1940. It was the first new public park in downtown Atlanta since the 1860s. This park was a big accomplishment for Mayor William B. Hartsfield during his first time in office. The park was part of a larger plan from 1937 to 1942. This plan aimed to turn the old Atlanta Municipal Auditorium and the area around it into a modern "civic center." This new center would help Atlanta become a major city for large meetings and events, known as a convention center.
The park and its special fountain were partly paid for by the Woodruff Foundation. A famous landscape architect named William C. Pauley designed the park. During the 1940s and 1950s, Hurt Park was one of the most popular spots in downtown Atlanta.
The Fountain of Light
One of the main attractions in Hurt Park is the "Fountain of Light." This fountain used to put on amazing shows with water and colorful lights.
Imagine a fountain with 78 light bulbs, ranging from 100 to 1500 watts! It would play for 20 minutes at a time. During this show, the water patterns and colors would change many times. It was like a "rainbow symphony" before the show repeated itself. The fountain cost $1,700 to build. An Atlanta artist named Julian Harris designed it. The Emily and Ernest Woodruff Foundation gave the fountain to the city.
Today, the fountain is still a beautiful part of the park. However, it no longer has its famous light show.
Getting to Hurt Park
Hurt Park is easy to reach using public transportation. The Atlanta Streetcar has a stop right at Hurt Park Station. The streetcar started running around late 2014. You can also get there by taking MARTA Bus 99.
Gallery
-
Around the fountain
-
View of fountain
-
Streetcar stop
-
Memoriam
