Fulton County, Georgia – A lush new green space is officially on the horizon for South Fulton. The Fulton County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a leasing deal allowing the City of College Park to create a botanical garden on County-owned Camp Truitt land on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
Covering over 40 acres at 4300 Herschel Road, the agreement represents a major commitment in urban green space and community enrichment. The College Park City Council confirmed its dedication to realizing the project by approving $5.4 million in financing to assist the development of the garden earlier this week.
A garden for generations
“This is going to be an investment that will be enjoyed by generations to come,” said Fulton Board Chairman Robb Pitts, in a news release. “The botanical garden will be an urban oasis that will add to the quality of life for our residents in the south Fulton region providing them with a wonderful place to get closer to nature close to home.”
Under the agreement, College Park will lease the site for a symbolic $1 annually for an initial term of 50 years, with an additional 50-year option. About 32 acres of the property will be used for the botanical garden, while the remainder will continue to support existing community programs including a 4-H camp, senior center, cooperative education programs, and the GROWL community garden. The commissioners also mandated the appointment of a community liaison to guarantee continuous local participation and control.
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A longtime vision realized
For College Park Ward 4 Councilman Roderick Gay, a horticulturist and longtime proponent of a botanical garden in South Fulton, the agreement represents the realization of a long-held dream.
“On behalf of College Park Mayor Bianca Motley Broom and my fellow city council members, I want to express our community’s appreciation to Fulton County for joining with us in what we believe is an incredible addition to the south Fulton region,” Gay said.
Apart from providing a haven for neighbors, the new botanical garden should draw visitors from around Georgia and beyond. Being close to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, it is an appealing option for those looking for a quiet haven just minutes from one of the busiest travel hubs.
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Next steps
With the lease agreement secured and funding allocated, the City of College Park will now begin the planning and design process for the botanical garden. Initial plans call for a friendly facility and an instructional center meant to raise environmental consciousness of value for plant life. City authorities are going to try over the next few months to create a vision combining community involvement with natural beauty.
Momentum is driving excitement about the opportunities the garden will bring for the surroundings. More than just a beautiful location, the area is supposed to be the center for community events, environmental projects, and educational activities, therefore enhancing the cultural and leisure opportunities of the area.
For now, both nature lovers and residents of College Park are enthusiastically awaiting the transformation of Camp Truitt into a thriving botanical paradise—a monument to the strength of teamwork and the common goal of a cleaner, more vibrant future.
