On December 8, 2025, the Roswell City Council approved a bond-funded construction contract with MAPP for the renovation of Riverside Park. The approval includes $12.3 million for construction and a total project budget of $13.8 million. This project advances the City’s long-term vision of establishing a first-class River Park System, a connected network of recreation spaces, natural areas, trails, and community destinations along the Chattahoochee River.
Riverside Park spans approximately 21 acres along the Chattahoochee River and welcomes more than 130,000 visitors annually. Since opening in 2002, it has served as a central location for outdoor recreation, family use, and home of Roswell’s signature community events, including the Riverside Sounds Concert Series, which draws thousands each year.
The conceptual renderings of Riverside Park highlight improved visibility throughout the site, an updated modern architectural style for buildings and restrooms, and a layout that organizes play areas, gathering spaces, and natural sections into a clear, functional design. All renderings are conceptual and provided for illustrative purposes only.
What’s Coming to Riverside Park
The project includes updates to park facilities, play areas, restrooms, event spaces, circulation routes, and parking. Design work was completed by Starr Whitehouse Landscape Architects.
1. Safety and Security
- Improved sightlines across the park
- Increased security coverage through the City’s camera system
- Additional lighting for evening visibility and safe travel through the park
2. Visitor Experience
- Nature-based playground inspired by the Chattahoochee River
- Open, free-to-use sprayground replacing the previous fenced model
- New open-air pavilion for daily use, programs, rentals, and informal gatherings
- Expanded and updated ADA accessible restrooms
3. Special Events and Performances
- Green room space for performers and event logistics
- Updated stage lighting and sound infrastructure
- Improved stage access for load-in and load-out
4. Green Infrastructure and Environmental Improvements
- Removal of 12,000 sq. ft. of impervious surface to improve stormwater performance
- Reduction in hard surface to expand playground area and increase parking capacity
- Expansion of the playground by 12,000 sq. ft. (a 22% increase)
- Planting of 307 new trees, resulting in a net gain of 86 trees
- Improvements that support water quality throughout the site
“Riverside Park has served this community for more than two decades, and this renovation reflects the priorities residents identified through the River Parks Master Plan process. Every decision—from the layout of the play areas to the evaluation of existing trees—was reviewed carefully to support safety, accessibility, environmental needs, and daily use. This update allows the park to better accommodate the amount of activity we see today and prepares it for the future,” said Steven Malone, Director of Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs Department.
Tree Evaluation and Replanting
Tree evaluation and planning were key components of the Riverside Park renovation. As part of the design and permit review process, all trees within the project area were assessed by a certified arborist with Brookwood Tree Consulting Inc., and the City’s Capital Improvement Project Team. All tree work will comply with ANSI A300 standards, the national best-practice guidelines for tree care.
Their assessment identified a total of 221 trees that will be removed. This number includes trees in declining or hazardous condition, invasive species, and trees located in areas needed for parking improvements, utility work, drainage, or expanded park facilities. Of these, 14 specimen trees must be removed due to their location within essential construction areas including the reconfigured parking lot (7 trees), the new special events pavilion (2 trees), playground expansion (2 trees), ADA upgrades at the bandstand (1 tree), improvements near the lawn (1 tree), and one tree located at the limits of disturbance that is still under review for possible preservation.
To balance these removals and strengthen long-term canopy health, the project includes the planting of 307 new trees, resulting in a net increase of 86 trees within Riverside Park. The new plantings will replace aging and invasive species with healthier, diverse trees that will mature over time and contribute to shade, habitat, and overall forest resilience. The approach ensures that the park’s canopy remains strong while allowing room for improved safety, accessibility, and modernized amenities.
Part of a Bigger Picture: The River Parks Master Plan
The Riverside Park renovation is just one piece of a broader puzzle. The Roswell River Parks Master Plan, first adopted in 2016 and updated in 2022, outlines a bold vision for six interconnected riverfront parks: Willeo, Azalea, River Landing, Riverside, Ace Sand, and Don White.
The Roswell River Parks Master Plan provides long-term guidance for improving more than three miles of interconnected riverfront parks. Community priorities identified through the 2015 three (3) public-input meetings included:
- Expanded recreation opportunities
- Water play features
- Trail improvements and connections
- Protection of natural areas
- Improved parking and access for events
The first major implementation of the River Parks Master Plan was the work at Ace Sand Park (Phase I completed in 2024). The Riverside Park renovation continues this multi-year process.
What to Expect During Construction
With major work happening not only at Riverside Park, but also on Riverside Road and nearby Don White/Ace Sand areas, the City will keep residents informed of impacts on their commute.
Timeline at a Glance
- Contract Signing: Expected January 2026
- Construction Start: Expected February 2026
- Substantial Completion: Expected July 2027
Approved Funding & Source
- Construction Contract: $12,299,308
- Total Project Budget: $13,841,187 (including construction administration, materials testing, and contingency)
Riverside Park construction project is entirely funded through the 2022 Recreation & Parks Bond.
Reference Documentation
- Roswell Regular Agenda Item | December 8, 2025
- VIDEO: Roswell City Council: Regular Meeting (December 8, 2025) – watch this ‘Agenda Item 4’ timestamp 1:42:00
To learn more about the River Parks Master Plan and what’s coming to your favorite parks, visit: www.RoswellGov.com/RiverParks.