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

Celebrating National Park Week in Your Local National Park

August 12, 2026
Ever driven a winding, elk-lined road in Great Smoky Mountains, stopped to take in the scenery in Grand Teton, paddled in the Everglades, watched Ole Faithful erupt in Yellowstone, or even hiked in Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA)? If so, then you've enjoyed a national park! Every year since 1991, people across the country celebrate the over 430 parks protected by the National Park Service during National Park Week, hosted August 22-30th, 2026. From iconic landscapes like Yosemite to neighborhood escapes in CRNRA, it’s a time to recognize how parks connect, inspire, and restore communities across America, now and for future generations. It’s also a reminder that places like CRNRA rely on community support. With nearly 3 million visits each year, CRNRA is consistently ranked among the top 30 most visited national parks. As a well-loved park, it faces ongoing challenges including limited federal funding, staffing, and maintenance needs. Without the support of a national park's community, projects often go without sufficient funding to help them thrive. That's where organizations like Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy come in! Many national parks across the country have a "friends group," or a philanthropic partner, to raise awareness, rally support, and fill in the gaps in funding, volunteerism, education, wildlife habitat restoration, and more. As CRNRA's official friends group and nonprofit partner, we at CNPC work alongside the National Park Service to help fill critical gaps through community support, volunteer engagement, and projects that enhance the park experience.

Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy Launches Campaign to Preserve Historic Sope Creek Paper Mill Ruins

July 24, 2026
Conservancy will begin first phase of multi-year restoration project at one of metro Atlanta's most beloved historic landmarks 

East Palisades: A Guide to One of Atlanta's Favorite Hikes, from the Dog Beach to the Bamboo Forest

By Zheer Saeed • July 20, 2026
Whether you're an Atlanta native or just looking for a nice nearby hike during your weekend visit, chances are you've been told to find the "Atlanta bamboo forest" or visit the "dog beach" -- both of which are located at East Palisades and part of your local national park! Just inside I-285 in Sandy Springs, towering bluffs overlook the Chattahoochee River, miles of wooded trails wind through mature forest, and a hidden bamboo grove has become one of the park's most recognizable destinations. East Palisades is one of the most visited sections of Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area (CRNRA), and for good reason! As the official nonprofit partner of CRNRA, Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy (CNPC) works alongside the National Park Service to preserve and support places like East Palisades. Memberships, donations, and volunteer support help fund trail improvements, habitat restoration, visitor programs, and projects that keep the park welcoming for millions of visitors each year. Here's what to know before your visit!