Athens Church has always focused on serving families within its community in Athens, GA. Over a decade ago, the church began implementing a facilities strategy with the purchase of an abandoned Walmart just outside of the city’s “loop.” Eventually, the church acquired the entire shopping center of more than 400k sf. — more space than it needed. Church leadership began to consider all gaps in the Athens community where the church could meet needs. After realizing the area lacked a community green space, the church decided to do something about it and “Green Space Project” was born.

After removing nearly 80k sf. of empty building and several months of construction, the park was complete. The new green space includes over 50k sf. of luscious green grass, a covered 2,400 sf. band shell (equipped to support portable AV systems and rigging), restrooms, a paved terrace and an adjacent built-out environment for additional use. Athens Church is “For Athens,” a message boldly proclaimed by the terrace sign that reads “Athens, I love you.”