Public Space Entrepreneurs - MLK National Historic Site, The Chattahoochee & the Atlanta BeltLine

George Dusenbury serves as Georgia State Director for The Trust for Public Land, where he oversees the organization’s work on urban parks, green infrastructure and the Chattahoochee River.  This summer, in partnership with the City of Atlanta, The Trust for Public Land will begin construction of Cook Park in Vine City.  In addition to providing diverse recreational amenities and being at the forefront of efforts to revitalize Atlanta’s Westside, the will use green infrastructure to eliminate flooding in 150 acres and vastly reduce it downstream.

Before coming to TPL, George served as Commissioner of the Atlanta Parks & Recreation Department from 2010 through 2014. During his tenure, he helped expand park acreage in the city while increasing the percentage of local residents living within ½-mile of a park. He also was tasked by Mayor Reed to reopen 16 closed recreation centers and implement the Mayor’s vision for transforming them into Centers of Hope.

Prior to his appointment as Commissioner, George was Executive Director of Park Pride, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building civic and corporate support for Atlanta parks. During his six years at Park Pride, the organization significantly increased its capacity while launching its Friends of the Park, Park Visioning, Community Garden, Micro Grant and Community Grant programs.  Park Pride also expanded into DeKalb County and partnered with The Atlanta BeltLine Partnership to engage community and corporate groups to support the greenway.

George first became active in Atlanta’s environmental community while serving as Legislative Director and District Director for Congressman John Lewis.  In these roles, he was responsible for the Congressman’s work on transportation, clean air, clean water and smart growth issues.