Growing up in Atlanta, I must say Turner Field was an attraction in my life. Many years ago I took weekly trips to turner field to attend the Braves games. As a kid, I actually hated the trips to turner field and baseball was one of the worst sports to watch back then.

During my most recent trip it became quite bittersweet. How did a simple project for ENGL 1102 become bittersweet; my roommates asked. Well I’m not sure if many realized but you won’t be able to walk or take the shuttle to see the Atlanta Braves play. To be more precise, they technically won’t even be considered the “Atlanta” because they will be located in Cobb County.

Even though I attend Georgia State University and it is now their property, I feel as if a major key from Atlanta has been taking away. Even though I may be jumping the gun while saying this; Turner Field will never be Turner Field again. Also, what about all the famous and legendary baseball players that are named on pretty much every street around Turner Field?

Overall, spending at the Braveless Turner Field was not the same as it normally is. Only due to the major change coming. Change is not necessarily a bad thing, However when you’ve been living in Atlanta almost all your life and they take a major element of it away you begin to feel different.

Signage & Infrastructure

Literally about 12 seconds away from Grant Park, which is still located in the Grant Park neighborhood; you find a mini plaza. Not an ordinary plaza. I say this because this plaza isn’t filled with shopping arenas. This plaza is filled with two churches and lots of beautiful artwork.

No Space in this church; don’t worry Grant Park’s got you. If you turn 180 degrees you find another huge church. I’m sure we have all encountered an experience of being annoyed that here isn’t enough space. Well if you go to church in Grant Park you have nothing to be worried about.

The most interesting thing of this Grant Park infrastructure is the parking. Attending Georgia State means you agree to dealing with horrible parking. Grant Park however; has parking lot style parking but on the street. Sounds crazy? Yeah I know; its not normal; however its amazing.

The signage of this community is also very creative. All around building are painted with psychedelic like art. Lots of businesses promote around this area.

In fact; as I was taking pictures of the art. I noticed they were kinda subjective towards my little Infinti with a “We buy Junk Cars sign”. Just kidding; however you never know what trash people want or need to get rid of which is also amazing.

How introducing? Before I even get to sit for 5 minutes I feel completely comfortable. I say this because I visited my site around 7am last Sunday. I figured it would be a great experience to see how the community interacts with me after a long Saturday night for most.

Before I could even take pictures of the Welcome to Grant Park sign; I was reminded by someone who lives on the street to lock my car doors. I’m not sure how they saw me from inside there home; or how they know my doors were unlocked but it was definitely a life saver.

This completely made the energy of this environment way more safer.

“Thank You Yellow House”

A beautiful home on the street caught my eye. Unlike most; If something appears interesting I try my best to find information about it. However; this was quite easy due to the warming energy of this environment. A young lady by the name of Ashley stopped and gave me a lot of information about the home. Turns out they are apartments that are rented out to college students. How ironic right?

As I walked downed the street I noticed a garage sale sign, I have lived in a home on Ponce De Leon for about 2 years and I’m yet to see a single garage sale sign. Some may ask; why is a garage sale sign so important anyway? I am a firm believer in another mans trash is another mans treasure. I got a flow of energy that this community definitely looks out for each other.

At this point; I’m not even at Grant Park for a project; I’m here because its a wonderful and safe environment to hangout it. As stated earlier I’ve been living on Ponce De Leon for about 2 years now with 3 of my friends. I’ve only remembered my neighbors speaking to me maybe about 2 times total. When I visited Grant Park I engaged in about 5 different conversations with people. Literally everybody spoke to me despite skin color and any other unapproachable aspects.

This environment was completely warming. I would expect to have to pay to hang out here and most definitely will be visiting soon.