Build Details

Neighborhood: Oakland City

Location: Merrill Avenue 

Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026 (Monday, January 19 will be the backup weather date )

Time: 10 AM - 4 PM (there are two sign-up slots of 10 AM - 1 PM and 1 PM - 4 PM )

Project: Walk Lane

Volunteer: Merrill Walk Lane Build Day Sign-up

The newest tactical urbanism project in Atlanta is set to make its appearance in Oakland City. Tactical urbanism, a low-cost, short-term approach designed to change the overall use and feel of streets and public spaces, has gotten a boost from Propel's WALK ATL program, aimed at providing safety training and resources for residents’ capacity to self-advocate for improved pedestrian experiences. 

In May 2023, recruitment for Oakland City’s Tactical Urbanism planning committee began, launching a community-wide effort to seek street infrastructure changes for Merrill Avenue and Oakland Drive. This project would be similar to the newly established two-way bike lane on Virginia Avenue NE in Virginia Highland or the improved pedestrian crossing on Monroe Drive. 

A snippet of the plan for Merrill Avenue's walk lane.

With support from Propel ATL, Oakland City conducted a neighborhood walk audit, participated in stakeholder workshops, approved a safety action plan and design, and submitted a tactical urbanism project application to the Atlanta Department of Transportation. 

The fruit of this labor is set to culminate in a little over two weeks, as Oakland City’s build date for a walk lane at the intersection of Merrill Avenue and Oakland Drive is scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026. 

Right now, they are asking for any and all available volunteers who have a passion or have experience with a tactical urbanism project to come volunteer for the build date. If you are available, we look forward to seeing you on January 17 to support Atlanta’s newest walk lane alongside our community, neighbors, friends, and loved ones.

Want to register as a volunteer? 

Step 1: Sign up on the Merrill Walk Lane Build Day Sign-up Google Form

Step 2: Fill out the COA Volunteer Release and Waiver of Liability Form and email it to [email protected]. Alternatively, you may sign the physical form on the day of the build. 

Step 3: Come to the build day and have fun! 

Contact

Please email Kohl Smith with any questions.