ATLANTA, September 15, 2006 - The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation today announced it is awarding $2.6 million in grants to green space projects along the Atlanta Beltline, a proposed corridor of trails, transit and parks that would connect 45 neighborhoods. Funding will go to the development of trails, park improvements and restoration.

As part of its Inspiring Spaces initiative, the Blank Foundation is making its Beltline related grants as part of a broader strategy aimed at developing a system of great parks in Atlanta through increasing access, park amenities and community mobilization. Working with city and county officials, civic and neighborhood associations and environmental groups, the Foundation has helped preserve more than 800 acres of land within metro Atlanta.

"We view this as an important early investment in the Beltline's green space," Blank Foundation President Penelope McPhee said. "These trails and park improvements are critical to improving access for surrounding communities and neighborhoods."

Organizations receiving grants from the Blank Foundation are:

• PATH Foundation - $1.5 million over three years to support the development of 11 miles of new walking/biking trails that will either intersect or run along the Atlanta Beltline corridor.
• City of Atlanta - $585,000 over two years to support park improvements and restoration at Adair I Park, a 6.3 acre park located in southwest Atlanta near the proposed Beltline route.
• City of Atlanta - $580,000 over two years to support improvements to Daniel Stanton Park in southeast Atlanta by adding landscaping and pedestrian walkways that will eventually link to the Beltline.

Formed in 1995, The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation is focused on improving early childhood development, enhancing education, preserving green space, sustaining the arts and sparking collaboration among its nonprofit partners, primarily in Atlanta.

Arthur M. Blank is owner & CEO of the Atlanta Falcons and Georgia Force. He co-founded The Home Depot, the world’s largest home improvement retailer, in 1978 and retired from the company as co-chairman in 2001. Through his generosity, the foundation, along with Blank and his wife's personal giving, has granted over $220 million to various charitable organizations.