The park's central detention pond was engineered to hold 760,000 cubic feet of stormwater to alleviate flooding in the surrounding neighborhoods.
The site was once part of the massive Sears, Roebuck & Co. regional distribution center complex.
The skate park was designed to incorporate elements suitable for both novice and experienced skaters.
The project won the 2012 ULI Atlanta Awards for Excellence for its innovative use of civil engineering in public design.
The park features an outdoor stage constructed from repurposed materials found on-site.
Historic Fourth Ward Park serves as a critical 17-acre stormwater management facility designed to mitigate regional flooding through a two-acre detention pond. The landscape features a prominent splash fountain, a concrete skate park, and extensive paved walking trails. It functions as a central connector to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail. The park's topography includes a natural amphitheater often used for community gatherings. Lush green spaces provide structural relief from the surrounding urban density. It was developed on land formerly occupied by industrial warehouses and a significant brownfield site. The park infrastructure integrates modern environmental engineering with public recreational space.
From the elevated walking paths overlooking the detention pond with the Atlanta skyline in the background.
Bring a towel and change of clothes if you plan to use the splash fountain area.
The park has limited shade in the central pond area, so apply sunscreen before walking the trails.
Connect your visit to the adjacent BeltLine trail to extend your walk toward nearby food halls.
Do not attempt to swim in the retention pond, as it is strictly designed for water management and is not a recreational swimming area.
Keep pets on leashes at all times and carry out any trash; skate park users are advised to wear safety gear.
