The Atlanta BeltLine was first an idea that came from a student, Ryan Gravel, who attended Georgia Tech in 1999. Gravel’s proposal was to connect Atlanta’s communities through making transportation available along the old Atlanta BeltLine rail corridors.  It gained support from citizens like Cathy Woolard who was the City Council President and is now a Board member for Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. Woolard and Gravel worked together and began hosting meetings with the Atlanta community to push for a plan so the BeltLine could become a reality instead of just an idea.

“The Trust for Public Land’s Emerald Necklace Study by Alexander Garvin outlined an achievable, connected, park, trail and transit system along the BeltLine”(Atlanta BeltLine). The 23-mile-long Beltline Trail will allow people to do more environmentally friendly and healthy activities. It includes running, biking, walking, etc.

The BeltLine pushes the community to be more connected and involved with political, economic, and social matters. The pathway is an opportunity to give Atlanta residents an outlet to show support towards surrounding businesses, charities, and organizations. The urban design of the sidewalks, pathway, streets, and parks enhance the social activity of people like exercising on the trail, listening and watching performances by street artists, and giving the artists a place to express their selves through art which builds up a following and/or appreciation for their work. The concerns and issues within a community should be primarily addressed by the people who live in it. The BeltLine is like the foundation where people can show support for propositions and laws by donations, signatures, and spreading the word along with assisting in the economic and social well being of the community.  It is beneficial to the Atlanta community by providing opportunities for citizens to improve individually with their health and as a whole by creating more ways to network and become more invested in what goes on in Atlanta.