Clifton Community Partnership

Burbanck Park Project article:
Emory Keeps it Green
June 6, 2008
Source: Community Partnership Update/September 2006

Emory University recently announced plans to purchase a key parcel of residential property near the point where Emory University, Emory Village and the Druid Hills community converge. Plans will be developed to preserve the strategically-located lot as greenspace. To signify a community partnership, Emory invited the Druid Hills Civic Association to partner in this purchase and conversion into public space.

The 1.2-acre site is located at 1164 Clifton Road, at the corner of Oxford and Clifton roads and was the longtime home of Drs.William and Madeline Burbanck. The Burbancks, both prominent aquatic biologists, cared deeply for both Druid Hills and Emory University. Emory plans to work collaboratively with the Druid Hills Civic Association, the Clifton Community Partnership and DeKalb County on the best use of the site as a park-like area. Plans for the site should be finalized early next year.

The hope is that maintaining the property in its natural state will provide a suitable transition between the homes in Druid Hills and nearby shops and restaurants.

The land sits on Peavine Creek and overlooks the Druid Hills Golf Course.

"A natural site will significantly enhance the Emory Village experience and preserve greenspace for a key gateway into the Village and Emory," said Bryan Cooke, executive director, Clifton Community Partnership.

"This is a unique opportunity to work with our neighborhood partners as we honor longtime residents, add to our greenspace and provide a beautiful buffer between residential and commercial land uses."

According to Bruce MacGregor, president of the Druid Hills Civic Association, "The greenspace use is consistent with the desires and lifelong practices of Bill and Madeline Burbanck and acknowledges their contributions to both Emory and to Druid Hills. The planning and development likewise acknowledge and further the contributions of Emory and the Druid Hills Civic Association to our common home in Druid Hills."