The crown jewel of a neighborhood is often a park. In addition to the benefit of green space, parks are a public gathering place for families, friends, and visitors. I moved to my neighborhood of Peachtree Hills nearly 30 years ago. Our community was established in 1912 and our seven acres, known as Peachtree Hills Park, lie at the heart.
Peachtree Hills Park is known for two things: the community garden and a favorite destination for dogs and their families. We are the first City of Atlanta public park to start a community garden. It continues to thrive, and we donate harvests to a nearby food pantry. Even without a dog park, Peachtree Hills is popular among neighbors, their kids, and their dogs.
As a long-time resident and active member of Friends of Peachtree Park, we decided that public art is what the park needed. What started as a single mural installation on the back of the tennis practice wall, turned into a decade-long labor of love across three murals. The mural project’s culmination was recently celebrated with a meet and greet with the artist, the neighbors, and their pets.
Mary Pratt is the artist who illustrated the pets of Peachtree Hills and installed three murals featuring more than 75 dogs, some cats, and one rescue bunny. She characterized the pets with their favorite toy or hair ornament, while others are depicted with wings or halos to mark their passing. One of our neighbors of more than 50 years, has all five of his dogs featured on the murals. Through donations to Park Pride, neighbors supported the commissioned murals and Mary’s work. The original tennis court mural is among the first in the City of Atlanta Park and the custom pet portraits are uniquely Peachtree Hills.
I asked Mary about this project compared to others. She says, “I have painted murals, and I have painted pet portraits, but I have never created something quite like this. During the process, I met so many neighbors and their pets and their unconditional love is what brought the joy. Collectively, those bonds will shine forever through the murals.”
Editor’s Note: Continuing with its mission to improve the park, The Friends of Peachtree Hills Park have launched a capital campaign to design and build a new playground to replace the 20-year-old one. The new playground will have engaging equipment for all ages and abilities. Included in the project is improved pedestrian, stroller, and bicycle access. The City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation is contributing significant funds from infrastructure bonds, but individual and corporate donations will be essential. PeachtreeHillsPark.org/playground
One of our neighbors of more than 50 years has all five of his dogs featured on the murals. Through donations to Park Pride, neighbors supported the commissioned murals and Mary’s work.