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Atlanta Renames Landmarks to Honor Shirley Franklin

Community enjoying the newly named Shirley Franklin Park.

News Summary

Atlanta City Council has voted to rename Central Avenue and Westside Reservoir Park in honor of former Mayor Shirley Franklin. This decision reflects her impactful legacy and acknowledges her pioneering role as the first Black woman mayor in a major Southern city. The new names of ‘Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard’ and ‘Shirley Clarke Franklin Park’ celebrate her contributions to urban development, infrastructure, and environmental initiatives during her tenure from 2002 to 2010.

Atlanta Honors a Trailblazer: Central Avenue and Westside Reservoir Park to Bear Shirley Franklin’s Name

Atlanta, known for its vibrant culture and rich history, is about to add another feather to its cap. Recently, the city council made a momentous decision to rename Central Avenue and Westside Reservoir Park in recognition of the significant impact that former Mayor Shirley Franklin has had on the city. This is a wonderful gesture that celebrates a truly remarkable legacy.

A Unanimous Decision

On February 3, 2025, the Atlanta City Council voted unanimously to honor Franklin by renaming Central Avenue to “Shirley Clarke Franklin Boulevard” and Westside Reservoir Park to “Shirley Clarke Franklin Park”. This unanimous support showcases how Franklin’s leadership has resonated with the community. The name changes, although taking effect at an undetermined date, are already creating buzz across the city as everyone reflects on her contributions during her time in office.

Shirley Franklin’s Trailblazing Journey

Shirley Franklin served as Atlanta’s mayor from 2002 to 2010, making history as the first Black woman to serve as mayor of a major city in the modern South. Under her astute leadership, she propelled several transformational initiatives that reshaped the city’s landscape. Franklin was a staunch advocate for the Atlanta BeltLine project, an ambitious undertaking aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods through trails and public spaces. Additionally, her efforts greatly improved the renowned Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, influencing both local travelers and international visitors.

Another major milestone during her tenure was her focus on developing city parks and affordable housing. Franklin understood the necessity for green spaces in urban environments and worked diligently to enhance Atlanta’s parks, ensuring they served all residents well. Furthermore, she didn’t shy away from important infrastructure projects; her leadership was pivotal in overseeing extensive improvements to the city’s water infrastructure. One iconic achievement was acquiring the personal papers of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., which emphasizes her commitment to preserving history and acknowledging the city’s roots.

Community Response and Recognition

As the city gears up for the official name changes, community members and council representatives have expressed their enthusiasm for honoring Franklin in such a prominent way. One council member shared that renaming these key locations serves as a testament to Shirley Franklin’s enduring legacy and a nod to her profound impact on the city of Atlanta. It’s a sentiment that resonates widely as people reminisce about the remarkable strides the city has taken during her administration.

Westside Reservoir Park, newly opened in 2021, stands as a perfect site for this tribute. Spanning an impressive 280 acres, it’s the largest park in Atlanta and provides a staggering 2.4 billion gallons of emergency drinking water for the city. This park is not only significant for its size but also for its role in enhancing local ecology and providing recreational space for citizens and visitors alike. By naming it after Shirley Franklin, the city ensures that her vision for Atlanta’s future is celebrated for generations to come.

The Road Ahead

While the exact timing of the name changes remains to be determined, Atlanta residents eagerly await this reflective moment. Recognizing leaders like Shirley Franklin is crucial in maintaining the spirit of community and determination that characterizes this great city. It reminds everyone of the incredible work that can be achieved when passionate individuals lead with courage and foresight.

In the coming months, as preparations gather momentum, Atlanta will not only continue to grow but will also honor those who have paved the way for its prosperity. Whether it’s Central Avenue or Westside Reservoir Park, these new names will echo the legacy of a true visionary, symbolizing hope, progress, and dedication to the people of Atlanta.