Microsoft and East Point to Debut Ben Hill Road Pocket Park

A New Green Space for the Southside: Microsoft-Backed Ben Hill Road Pocket Park Set to Open

Next week, the City of East Point will officially debut a new community greenspace, a three-quarters of an acre pocket park backed by Microsoft and located just west of Atlanta’s Hartsfield–Jackson International Airport, Urbanize Atlanta reported. The ribbon-cutting for the Ben Hill Road Pocket Park is scheduled for November 12, marking the culmination of a collaborative project aimed at boosting recreational opportunities and community connectivity in the area.

This project, situated near the Camp Creek Marketplace at 4165 Ben Hill Road, is being developed in close proximity to Microsoft’s data center complex. The park is designed as a multifaceted recreational asset, and its official debut is being framed by city officials as “another positive step” for the community, directly linking the new space to the larger corporate investment in the region.

A Hub of Activity

Breaking ground in December of last year, the Ben Hill Road Pocket Park is far more than just a patch of grass. The site plans reveal a thoughtful layout designed to cater to a wide range of interests and age groups. Beyond the dedicated pickleball court—a feature increasingly popular across the country—the park will feature a network of walking pathways and a nature trail for those seeking a quieter outdoor experience.

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For community gatherings, the park includes a screen structure, perfect for outdoor movie nights, and open lawns that can host everything from casual picnics to small-scale events. The design also incorporates local art and sculptures, adding a cultural layer to the green space. A STEM-themed interactive wall is planned to engage younger visitors, while a pollinator garden will support local biodiversity. Practical amenities like bike racks are also integrated into the design, ensuring the park is accessible to pedestrians and cyclists alike.

According to East Point officials, the pocket park was specifically designed to boost community engagement, connectivity, and outdoor options. “This collaborative effort,” reads a city announcement, “reflects a shared commitment to strengthening neighborhoods, expanding recreational opportunities, and investing in spaces that bring people together.”

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The Question of Cost

While the vision for the park is clear, the financial details remain murky. The total cost of the greenspace initiative, and specifically how much of that Microsoft is covering, has not been disclosed by the city or the tech giant. A request for this information from a city spokesperson was met with a standard response that the city would update the public should those details become available.

The park’s location is significant. Situated immediately north of Microsoft’s data center campus, it represents a unique form of corporate philanthropy: direct investment in the public amenity of the host community.

A Counterpoint on Corporate Investment

For the residents of East Point, however, the immediate benefit is clear. The park provides a safe, accessible, and free space for recreation right in their own neighborhood. For families, it offers a place for children to play. For older adults, it provides a scenic walk. For the community at large, it’s a new destination that fosters social interaction and a shared sense of pride.

The Nov. 12 ribbon-cutting will be the first real test. It will mark the beginning of the park’s life as a public space, a chapter that is just as important as the story of its construction.