Riverside Park is already one of those places that makes Roswell feel like Roswell. The river. The trails. The playground energy. The concerts. The kind of spot where a Saturday can be simple and perfect.
Now it is about to get a major upgrade.
In December 2025, Roswell City Council approved a bond funded construction contract with MAPP for a full renovation of Riverside Park, with a total project budget of about $13.8 million.
Why this project matters
Riverside Park is not a small neighborhood pocket park. It is about 21 acres along the Chattahoochee and welcomes more than 130,000 visitors a year. It also hosts signature community events like Riverside Sounds, so improvements here ripple out into the city’s everyday lifestyle and event calendar.
This project also supports Roswell’s longer term vision of a connected River Park System, tying together recreation, natural areas, trails, and destinations along the river.
What’s coming to Riverside Park
The published concept plan highlights improvements across safety, daily use, events, and environmental performance. Here are some of the biggest planned updates:
A better day to day experience
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A nature based playground inspired by the Chattahoochee River
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A new open sprayground that is free to use, replacing the prior fenced model
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A new open air pavilion for programs, rentals, and casual gatherings
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Expanded, updated ADA accessible restrooms
Safety upgrades
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Improved sightlines
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Expanded camera coverage
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Additional lighting for evening visibility
Event and performance improvements
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Green room space and better logistics support
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Upgrades for stage lighting and sound
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Improved load in and load out access
Environmental and green infrastructure wins
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Removal of about 12,000 square feet of impervious surface to improve stormwater performance
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307 new trees planned, resulting in a net gain of 86 trees
Timeline to know
If you are the kind of person who plans spring and summer weekends early, here is the timeframe Roswell has shared:
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Contract signing expected January 2026
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Construction start expected February 2026
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Substantial completion expected July 2027
What it means for homebuyers and relocating families
One of the biggest questions relocating families ask is, “What do we actually do on weekends?” River parks are one of Roswell’s strongest answers, and this renovation is designed to make Riverside Park more functional, more comfortable, and easier to use for everyday life, not just big events.
If you are relocating and want to live close to the river parks and trails, tell me what your ideal weekend looks like, and I will help you narrow neighborhoods that match your lifestyle.
