Arthur Blank Family Foundation

By Daniella Aird

The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation awarded more than $6.5 million in grants to keep Atlanta green inside I-285.

Funds were distributed to 11 nonprofit groups as part of the foundation's initiative to help preserve green space and parks by providing up to $30 million during the next three years, said Elise Eplan, foundation co-director.

"Almost every inch of property [in Atlanta] is being developed, but we need to preserve green space for future generations." PATH Foundation Executive Director Ed McBrayer said. His organization received $500,000 to enhance walking and cycling trails.

Atlanta ranks last among similar-sized cities in per capita park and open space with 7.6 acres per 1,000 residents. It would need an additional 12,000 acres of space to reach the national average.

The first round of projects will preserve 430 acres of green space, Eplan said, adding that it's "a drop in the bucket" in comparison with other cities.

"We consider ourselves a catalyst in this process," she said. "It's a huge priority that needs to be resolved, and we want to be a part of that effort. It's exciting to think what this project can do."

Blank, retired Home Depot chief executive officer and owner of the Atlanta Falcons, has also spoken to Gov. Roy Barnes and Mayor Shirley Franklin in hopes of creating public-private partnerships.

The foundation received 41 project proposals, which were reviewed by an advisory council of local and national environmental experts.

PATH will use its grant to connect parts of Atlanta's existing walking and cycling trails inside I-285, McBrayer said.

"We want to link some of the neighborhoods with business centers, allowing people to ride their bikes and walk to work," he said.

The biggest grant --- $2.15 million --- went to the Conservation Fund to develop a revolving loan for land acquisition within I-285.

"Arthur Blank's leadership regarding open space will dramatically improve the quality of life for everyone in the region," foundation Vice President Rex Boner said in a statement. "We're very proud to be working with Arthur and his foundation to implement his bold vision."

©2002 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Reprinted with permission from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Further reproduction, retransmission or distribution of these materials without the prior written consent of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, and any copyright holder identified in the material's copyright notice, is prohibited.

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THE ARTHUR M. BLANK FAMILY FOUNDATION

History: Established in 1995 by Arthur M. Blank, co-founder of Home Depot.

Purpose and areas of support: The foundation supports programs that create opportunities for young people, enhance their self-esteem, and increase their awareness of cultural and community issues. Most grants go to youth-development projects that involve arts, athletics, the environment, after-school activities, or promoting tolerance. It also makes grants to improve the organizational effectiveness of such groups and to preserve green space in the Atlanta metropolitan area, as well as some discretionary grants.