Discover Woodruff Park in Atlanta
Smack dab in the middle of Downtown Atlanta in the Fairlie-Poplar district, Woodruff Park is a six-acre city park originally known as Central City Park. It was formed after a generous donation from none other than Robert W. Woodruff, the former president of The Coca-Cola Company.
Today, the park is surrounded by a mix of modern office towers, historic buildings, and Georgia State University. Its strategic location makes it a natural gathering spot for students, office workers, tourists, and locals. People gather to enjoy the public art, a quiet lunch, a game of chess under the shade, or a front-row seat to some of the city's quirkiest events. There’s even free WiFi for those who want to get some work done with a view.
The History of Woodruff Park
Like any great Atlanta landmark, Woodruff Park has a story worth telling. Established in the early 1970s, it was originally known as Central City Park before being renamed in honor of Robert W. Woodruff in 1985.
Though he kept his philanthropy under wraps at first, it was later revealed that Woodruff had quietly funded the park’s creation. He realized that the concrete nature of downtown needed a little dash of greenery.
When the park first opened in 1973, it was a simple open space designed for office workers, students, and downtown residents to relax and recharge. But as the city evolved, so did the park.
In 1980, a tree-lined central plaza was added. By the mid-90s, the park underwent a major $5 million renovation in preparation for the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. One of the most significant additions during this time was the International Peace Fountain, a water feature meant to symbolize harmony and unity.
Despite its makeover, Woodruff Park faced a period of relative quiet in the early 2000s, as nearby Centennial Olympic Park stole some of its thunder. (That was until the Atlanta Downtown Improvement District (ADID) stepped in.)
In 2006, the ADID partnered with the City of Atlanta to develop a revitalization plan, inspired by the success of New York City’s park programme. The next big wave of transformation came in 2016, with support from Southwest Airlines’ Heart of the Community program and the Project for Public Spaces.
Since then, Woodruff Park has become more popular, thanks to new amenities like the Game Cart (with board games and sports equipment for visitors), colorful furniture, umbrellas, banners, and a team of social workers dedicated to helping those in need within the park.
Inside Woodruff Park: What Makes this Atlanta Park Special?
Woodruff Park has many eye-catching elements and quirky details. Let’s take a look at some of its features:
Water Features
The star of the show is the International Peace Fountain, built in 1995, a nod to Atlanta’s role in the Civil Rights movement. Alongside this park centerpiece, you’ll also find a geyser fountain and a water wall.
These splashy features create a memorable gateway leading east toward Auburn Avenue and the historic Martin Luther King, Jr. National Park Site.
Monuments and Memorials with a Message
In 1980, the "Give Our Police A Hand" monument was unveiled as a tribute to the dedication and bravery of Atlanta’s law enforcement—a tradition that continues each National Police Week with heartfelt ceremonies.
Nearby, symbolic tributes like the Shining Light Award (celebrating inclusive leadership) and the West African Adinkra symbol, sankofa ("learn from the past"), are a reminder to look confidently to the future whilst honoring the city’s history.
The Olympic Gazebo
Crafted by landscape architects for the Summer Olympic Games, the park’s gazebo is more than just a pretty structure—it’s a performance stage! With its openwork design and a robust, glass dome, this feature hosts performances by students from the Georgia State University School of Music.
Sculptures and Art Installations
Art installations at Woodruff Park change with the seasons. Past art exhibits have included light displays like Eddie Farr’s “Radiant,” playful and colorful sculptures like “Los Trompos” (giant spinning tops inspired by traditional Mexican fabric), the glow of “Taino Night Glow” celebrating Caribbean heritage, and even massive inflatables like “Millennial Pink.”
Here are some of the current art installations and sculptures that feature in Woodruff Park:
- Phoenix Rising: A bronze sculpture, designed by Gamba Quirino. It captures Atlanta rising from adversity—just like a phoenix emerging from the ashes. Originally gifted by the Rich Foundation it is now proudly stationed at the park’s entrance.
- ArtSwap ATL & Tiny Doors: In 2019, the park, in collaboration with ArtSwap ATL, began asking visitors to “take art and leave art” through quirky, mailbox-style installations crafted by local artists.
And if these weren’t enough, keep an eye out for Tiny Door #17, a miniature door tucked into the water wall near the International Peace Fountain.
Art in the Park
As part of the park’s most recent “Art in the Park” installation, which is running from February 13 to March 14, 2025, Woodruff Park has been transformed with adorable inflatable creatures, complete with digital doe-eyes and overflowing bouquets. The name of the exhibit is “Stem by Stem – Alien Boy Gives Me Flowers” and was commissioned by Mirvac for the foyer of the Telstra building.
The Playground
For those with little adventurers in tow, the Woodruff Park playground has climbing walls, monkey bars, and a slide that promises endless hours of fun. Ingeniously designed with an “ATL” flair, this space was the result of a collaborative international contest.
The Daffodil Project & Remembrance Garden
Woodruff Park also blooms with purpose—literally. In support of the global Daffodil Project, the park kicked off its own initiative by planting thousands of daffodils to honor the memory of children lost during historical tragedies.
By 2017, the park had not only hosted its inaugural Downtown Daffodil Dash 5K race but also unveiled a new Remembrance Garden.
The Mural Bike Rack
Last but not least, keep an eye out for the quirky Mural Bike Rack—a project that transformed functional bike racks into canvases of community art. Installed in 2016 near the intersection of Peachtree Street and Edgewood Avenue, these bike racks showcase designs by local artists. They’re colorful, creative, and unusual aspects of Woodruff Park.
Festivals and Events
There are many quirky events held at Woodruff Park throughout the year including live performances, movie screenings, and pop-up markets, which keep its 5 million annual visitors entertained. There are also festivals like Doggy Con (not to be confused with San Fran’s Corgi Con) and the German Bierfest! At Doggy Con, officially named the WoodRUFF Bark Dog Parade, you’ll see pups dressed as pop culture icons.
Visiting Woodruff Park
Woodruff Park sits at the crossroads of Edgewood Avenue, Peachtree Street, Auburn Avenue, and Park Place. It is easily accessed via MARTA buses and trains, with stops at Five Points and Peachtree Center.
You’ll also find two Atlanta Streetcar stops—one named Woodruff Park and another called Park Place—plus a Relay Bike Share hub for a bit of two-wheeled fun. While there isn’t dedicated parking at the park, plenty of paid options are available nearby.
To keep the park a safe place for visitors, the Atlanta Police Department and GSU Police operate daily patrols from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm. And to ensure its upkeep the Downtown Clean Team operates regularly.
Explore Beyond Woodruff Park with CityDays
After exploring Woodruff Park, why not continue the adventure? At CityDays we offer scavenger and treasure hunt tours across Atlanta and around the world.
These tours are interactive experiences ideal for team-building exercises or just a fun day out with friends and family. They’ll challenge your problem-solving skills and take you on an exciting journey through Atlanta’s hidden gems.
Imagine unraveling clues, discovering secret spots, and building unforgettable memories—all while enjoying a spirited scavenger hunt designed to bring people together.
With CityDays, the adventure never stops, and every corner of the city has a story to tell.
