<P> Grant Park refers to the oldest city park in Atlanta, Georgia, United States, as well as the Victorian neighborhood surrounding it . </P> <P> Grant Park is a 131 - acre green space and recreational area and is the fourth - largest park in the city, behind Chastain Park, Freedom Park and Piedmont Park . Zoo Atlanta, established in 1889 and originally known as the Grant Park Zoo, is located in the park and attracts more than 1 million visitors annually . </P> <P> Grant Park was established in 1883 when Lemuel P. Grant, a successful engineer and businessman, gave the city of Atlanta 100 acres (40 ha) in the newly developed "suburb" where he lived . In 1890, the city acquired another 44 acres (18 ha) for the park and appointed its first park commissioner, Sidney Root . In 1903, the Olmsted Brothers (sons of Frederick Law Olmsted) were hired to create a plan for the park . The original park included a lake, named Lake Abana, to handle storm - water runoff . </P> <P> A failed circus gave birth to the eventual Zoo Atlanta when local lumber merchant George Gress purchased animals from the circus and donated them to the city in 1889 . The city decided Grant Park was the best location for the zoo and carved space out for the attraction . Later zoo expansions and parking requirements caused the removal of a portion of the lake . In 1892, the circular painting of the Battle of Atlanta was exhibited in the park . The cyclorama would eventually gain its own dedicated building in the park in 1921 . </P>

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