The Old Decatur Water Works' Ruins

The Decatur Water Works were built in 1906.
On March 15, 2006, the Decatur Water Works was designated by the State of Georgia as a historical site, due to its former industrial significance.
The Decatur Water Works was nominated as a historic location by the Georgia state government based on engineering and its significance in landscape architecture and politics. (Wikipedia)


The growth of Decatur, Georgia, in the 1940's, caused a need for a larger / newer water treatment source. The Water Works went through some restricted use of the area in the 40s, later to be abandoned in the 1950s.
The roads grew over . . . the forest reclaimed the area and it soon became the neighborhood's best kept secret.

The crumbling structures have served as a neat canvas for some of our areas Grafitti Artists.

Recently a controversial path has connected one end of the site to another park a mile or so away. It has brought more people to this space and so far, they seem to be respectful of it.

Though the developers of the 'park' area have planted many new, young trees deforesting of the woods has been a heartbreaker.
Several creeks run throughout this site and, now, the erosion of their banks are being addressed by more than a band of friends. Large boulders are retaining them . . . large dry creek beds are in place to slow the rapid flow of rain water.

It seems that much of the project has been well thought out and redesigned.

Of course, with this size repurposing project there are now 'rules.' We aren't crazy about that.

Here is a photo taken from an ADA approved bridge that crosses above the railroad tracks that border one side of the area.

When we were running the dogs there yesterday, it was good to see that the ruins still have their artwork.

We love this area ! ! !