‘The Hill’ offering spectacular views after reopening for the first time in 25 years

ATLANTA — One of the best views in all of Atlanta is open to the public after being closed for 25 years.

Fences around “The Hill” in northwest Atlanta at Howell Mill Road and 17th Street came down Tuesday.

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Channel 2′s Kristen Holloway found out how neighbors and business owners worked together to make this happen.

Residents here in northwest Atlanta told mayor Andre Dickens that they’ve been wanting more parks for years.

Now they’re getting two acres of green space that come with some really amazing views of midtown and downtown Atlanta.

George Koulouris, a resident and business owner in northwest Atlanta, help created a coalition with other neighbors and businesses to open The Hill at Atlanta Waterworks.

“It’s amazing, I can’t believe we’re finally here,” he said. “We were looking for park space, just like a place to go and hang out, and we saw this area, but it was fenced off. That’s when we started the initiative of asking, ‘how do we move these fences?’”

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After a five-year effort, the chain-link fence at the corner of Howell Mill Road and 17th Street were moved by the Upper Westside Improvement District to allow for people to visit the large park. It’s one of the highest points in the city.

The Hill has a great view of Buckhead, midtown and downtown skylines. The area was closed to the public for more than 25 years.

Mayor Dickens says they also plan to add benches, sidewalks and plant more trees

“This area is thriving, and it’s also gonna remain safe for our water and our drinking, but at the same time, it’s gonna be a place of recreation and a place for people to come enjoy,” Dickens said.

After the ceremony, city leaders planted a tree on the hill.

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Koulouris, his husband and their pup are already frequent visitors, but they’re looking forward to enjoying more amenities.

“There’s running trails on the other side of the park. We’re hoping to develop this even further just make it a great destination park for people in Atlanta. It’s nothing like this in the city,” Koulouris said.

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