Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Hosts “Party for the Park” Fundraiser, Recognizes Sally Bethea

Press Release


[March 1st, 2024 - Atlanta, GA] – Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) is thrilled to announce its annual fundraising event, "Party for the Park," taking place at 6:00 PM on Tuesday, March 26th, at SweetWater Brewing Company in Atlanta. This conservation-focused evening will feature live music, food, drinks, paddle raise, and more. Additionally, CNPC is excited to offer a virtual silent auction and 50/50 raffle open to the public, allowing participation for those unable to attend the event in person. All proceeds from the event will directly benefit CNPC and its mission to support and preserve the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA).



CRNRA spans a 48-mile stretch from the Buford Dam at Lake Lanier to Peachtree Creek within the city of Atlanta. Encompassing nearly 7,000 acres of parkland across fifteen land units, the park stands as a testament to the natural beauty and cultural significance of the Chattahoochee River. With over 3.1 million visits in 2023, it ranks as the 29th most-visited national park in the United States out of 429, thanks to the enduring legacy of its creation by President Jimmy Carter in 1978.


Established in 2012, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy serves as the official friends group for the CRNRA, dedicated solely to the preservation of this vital natural resource and the enhancement of visitor experience. Contributions to CNPC are often used to help fill critical gaps in federal funding for trail maintenance, educational programs, volunteer management, and more - highlighting the essential role of fundraisers like the Party for the Park in supporting ongoing conservation work.


"CRNRA is a true gem to the Atlanta community and offers many opportunities for people to enjoy the outdoors, which is essential for both mental and physical wellbeing," said CNPC Board Chair, Graham Dorian, who lives on the Chattahoochee River and regularly hikes, bikes, and fishes in the park. "The Party is a great opportunity for our supporters to come together and make a tangible impact on the preservation of our local national park."


"At CNPC, we are deeply committed to stewarding this remarkable natural space well," said Brittany Jones, Executive Director of CNPC who is often spotted hiking in the park. "Party for the Park is not only an enjoyable evening, but it also provides crucial support for our mission of preserving CRNRA so that future generations can make the most of its benefits." 


In addition to the Party’s festivities, CNPC will honor Sally Bethea with the prestigious CNPC Hightower Award for her extensive dedication to restoring the Chattahoochee River. As former board president of CNPC, retired founding director of Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and author of her recent memoir Keeping the Chattahoochee, Bethea's efforts have had a profound and lasting impact on the CRNRA and its community.


Don't miss this opportunity to support the preservation of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area while enjoying an evening of fun and entertainment. Join CNPC at SweetWater Brewing Company on March 26th at 6:00 PM for Party for the Park to help ensure CRNRA remains a cherished natural treasure for generations to come. Tickets are required - for more information and to purchase a seat, please visit chattahoocheeparks.org/CNPC2024.


About Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy


Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) is a non-profit organization and friends group dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA). Established in 2012, CNPC serves as the official friends group for the CRNRA, working in close partnership with the National Park Service to support conservation efforts, improve visitor experiences, and ensure the long-term sustainability of this cherished natural resource. Through advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement, CNPC strives to safeguard the CRNRA for future generations to enjoy. For more information, visit www.chattahoocheeparks.org.


About Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area


Designated as a unit of the National Park System in 1978, Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area preserves and protects the natural and cultural resources of the 48-mile Chattahoochee River corridor from Buford Dam to Peachtree Creek. The park annually welcomes over 3,000,000 visitors.


 

Support Your Local National Park

If you enjoy CRNRA, consider supporting the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC). Your donation helps maintain and improve our beautiful trails and river, ensuring they remain a top destination and escape for metro Atlanta. Every contribution makes a difference in preserving this natural treasure for future generations.

Support CRNRA

Related Posts

Building Community and Access on the Trail

February 2, 2026
At Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC), our mission is to build community, enrich lives, and catalyze support to ensure a sustainable national park for future generations. A core part of that work is helping increase access to Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), so that everyone feels welcome, represented, and connected to this incredible public space! This Black History Month, we’re reflecting on the deep and often overlooked connections between Black history and the outdoors, while also uplifting local organizations that are actively expanding access, building community, and enriching lives through outdoor experiences today. Exploring Access and Visibility: Who Gets to Feel Welcomed in Outdoor Spaces? For generations, the outdoors has been a place of freedom, healing, resistance, and joy for all. Yet systemic barriers like segregation, exclusion from public lands, and ongoing inequities have limited access and visibility in outdoor spaces for people of color. Today, Black-led and BIPOC-centered outdoor organizations are helping change that reality. Through intentional programming, shared experiences, and community-led leadership, these groups are creating entry points into nature that feel welcoming and safe. Their work aligns closely with CNPC’s belief that access to the outdoors strengthens not only individuals, but the community as a whole.

World Wetlands Day: Why Wetlands Matter Along the Chattahoochee

January 28, 2026
Cover image by Sebastian Hagan Each year on World Wetlands Day (February 2), we pause to celebrate some of the hardest-working ecosystems on the planet. Wetlands may not always get the spotlight like mountaintops or waterfalls, but here at Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), they quietly (and powerfully!) do it all. From filtering our water to protecting wildlife and people alike, wetlands are essential to the health of the river and the communities that surround it.

What Are Park Units in CRNRA?

January 8, 2026
Whitewater Creek, Island Ford, Gold Branch… why do they all have different names? Aren’t they all part of CRNRA? Yep, they are! It’s a common question! Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA) is made up of 15 separate park "units," or individual greenspaces, scattered along 48 miles of the Chattahoochee River. Unlike many national parks that are one big, connected space, CRNRA is made up of individual pieces of land, like a string of pearls scattered along the river. Each unit is its own distinct park area, with its own trailheads, river access points, and natural features. So when someone says they visited “CRNRA,” that could mean they went to: Island Ford (home to the Visitor Center) Palisades (popular for hiking and views) Paces Mill, Vickery Creek, Bowmans Island, Cochran Shoals... and many more! This setup can be confusing because the park isn’t one continuous space — you might drive 10 or 20 minutes between units. But together, they make up the full and beautiful Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area! Want to explore them all? Check out our interactive map and full list of park units on our website to discover a new favorite spot along the river!