ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – A huge undertaking got underway Monday morning in Atlanta following the popular three-day festival Music Midtown at Piedmont Park.
Crews are already beginning to remove the lighting and sound equipment. But the areas of the park where the crowds gathered to watch the concerts are going to take some special care because it got pretty muddy with all the rain that came down over the weekend.
The rain didn’t stop music lovers from coming out to enjoy performances by Pink, Pitbull, and Billie Eilish.
The rain was gone by Sunday when Guns N’ Roses, Lil Baby, and others performed. But the damage was already done to the lawn of the park. And if it’s like years past, we could see certain areas of the park closed off for a while once they do some turf repairs.
The Piedmont Park Conversancy released the following statement on restoring the greenspace:
“Piedmont Park Conservancy is actively monitoring conditions in the festival footprint as moveout and cleanup continue, and our organization will collaborate with the city and event organizers at the post-event conference to initiate the restoration plan. The Conservancy’s role is to advise on best management practices to expedite the recovery of muddy turf areas. As always, repair efforts are paid for by event organizers as determined by the experts at the Conservancy and the City of Atlanta.
Initial assessments indicate the impact on the park is consistent with anticipated mud based on the amount of rainfall and will be restored in the coming weeks. The Piedmont Park Conservancy is committed to its partnership with the City of Atlanta and its role as stewards of this cultural landmark — and we look forward to helping Piedmont Park host upcoming events this fall, including Atlanta Pride and One Music Fest.”
Parkgoers have mixed feelings.
“You usually see people and dogs green everywhere. It’s never been this muddy or beat up or destroyed,” said Shawn Cokpo.
“I think it’s cool to have bands and people enjoy, and if that makes it a little muddy for a few days I think that it’s a small price to pay,” said Dan Rogo who lives nearby.
On Monday, organizers said Music Midtown has maintained Piedmont Park, even when not “required by contract.”
Organizers said that has included “adding improvements including irrigation, and drainage and that was true again this year when organizers repaired dangerous tree limbs and placed mulch in necessary areas in advance of this year’s event.”
Organizers said following the festival, cleanup work will be done with the Department of Parks and Recreation. This work includes restoring the grounds, regrading the areas near the Beltline and cleaning pathways and asphalt.
“Atlanta is Music Midtown’s home, and organizers are committed to keeping Piedmont Park and surrounding areas clean, safe and beautiful for many years to come,” organizers said in a statement.
A meeting to discuss the restoration plan is set for Thursday.
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