Joyland, Atlanta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Joyland
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Neighborhoods of Atlanta
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 Joyland
Location in Atlanta
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| Country | United States |
| State | Georgia |
| County | Fulton County |
| City | City of Atlanta |
| NPU | Y |
| ZIP Code |
30315
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Joyland is a neighborhood in southeast Atlanta, Georgia. It is made up of many small, single-family homes. This area is special because it was once the location of an amusement park. This park, also called Joyland Park, opened in 1921. It was built especially for African Americans.
The neighborhood has clear borders. The Downtown Connector (I-75/I-85) freeway is to the west. High Point is to the north. Pryor Avenue and The Villages at Carver are to the east. Finally, Amal Heights is to the south.
Contents
A Look Back: Joyland's Story
Joyland Park: A Special Place
On May 16, 1921, something exciting happened in this area. Joyland Park, an amusement park, opened its gates. It was a very important place for African Americans. At that time, many public places were segregated. This meant Black people were not allowed in places meant for white people. Joyland Park was advertised as "the only shady park" where African Americans "could enjoy themselves."
Many important people spoke at the park's opening. They included:
- Mayor James L. Key
- Rev. Dr. Richard Henry Singleton, a pastor from Big Bethel AME Church
- Rev. Dr. P. James Bryant, a pastor from Wheat Street Baptist Church
- Jessie O. Thomas, who helped start the Atlanta University School of Social Work. He also directed the Southern Field Division of the National Urban League.
- Dr. William F. Penn, a well-known Black doctor. He was also a founding member of the Atlanta NAACP chapter.
The Joyland Park Neighborhood
A few years later, in 1926, a new neighborhood was built here. It was also called Joyland Park. This neighborhood was created for African American families. The people who lived here often worked as farmers, farmhands, or other laborers. Their home lots were about 4,000 square feet in size.
Later on, a public housing project was built in the area. It was also named Joyland Park.
How Joyland is Governed
The Joyland neighborhood is part of a larger planning group. This group is called NPU Y. These units help different neighborhoods work with the city government.
Parks in Joyland
There is a park right in the middle of the Joyland neighborhood. It was originally called Joyland Park. In 1995, the park was renamed Arthur Langford Park. This was done to honor Arthur Langford, Jr.. He was an important person in Atlanta. He served as a city councilman and a Georgia state senator from 1984 to 1994. He was also a minister. There is also a street in Joyland named after him, called Arthur Langford, Jr. Place.
