Vision

new experiences

Over the last 3 years, collaborative Aerotropolis plans have taken off, attracting new development and redevelopment in the Atlanta airport area. What if we integrated the Flint into that vision? What if this area was defined not only by the airport, but also by its natural assets?

Finding the Flint illustrates what that could look like on several sites where the river and Aerotropolis come together. The goal is to create new experiences at the water's edge, reveal these hidden headwaters, and to connect communities as we restore the river. The headwaters can provide the centerpiece for public spaces and connected trails. Meanwhile, green infrastructure can address flooding while protecting Atlanta’s most valuable infrastructure investment, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

With these initial concepts, we started a conversation with local stakeholders about what's possible in several key areas...

Headwaters Walk

Follow the headwaters along Willingham Drive from the East Point and College Park MARTA stations to the airport edge, following a chain of pocket parks that daylight the creek.

Green Gathering Space

Imagine a signature public park where the Flint enters the airport. Featuring state of the art stormwater infrastructure, this park could be the centerpiece of Delta’s corporate campus, highlighting the company’s environmental stewardship role.

The Promenade

Finally, an observation deck deserving of the world’s busiest airport. This expansive promenade intersects the Flint headwaters, creating a wide public interface where visitors and locals can meet, stroll, play, dine, see the headwaters, and watch airplanes up close.

Flint River Trail

Cyclists and pedestrians can enjoy dramatic views on the southern edge of the Fifth Runway where the Flint emerges from the airport’s culverts. This is the Clayton County trailhead of a statewide Flint River Trail network.

Corporate Backyard

The Flint River Trail winds through this office park, creating not just a green amenity for office workers, but a new identity for this otherwise nondescript collection of commercial spaces.

Confluence Park

As these quarries transition into greenspace, they could be converted into reservoirs at the confluence of the Flint River and Mud Creek, eliminating the threat of flooding downstream and opening up this area for recreational use. Trails through this lush landscape connect Riverdale’s hospital and K-12 schools with nature and learning opportunities.

State Farmers Market

Upstream from the headwaters is not just an airport, but an industrial district that includes the State Farmers Market and nearly 2,000 acres of impervious surfaces. Retrofitting segments of the market with green infrastructure and pedestrian-friendly stalls would benefit the Flint River and the community, and serve as a model for the entire district.

HEADWATERS DEVELOPMENT PRINCIPLES

Finding the Flint is a big vision for a healthier river and better quality of life in the airport area, comprised of project concepts that meaningfully incorporate the urban headwaters into the plans and identity of the Aerotropolis. During our first three meetings, the Finding the Flint Working Group defined our vision for the area in these terms:

Inspire the next generation of river advocates.