The gay City Council member whose district includes a now-damaged Piedmont Park says he's working hard to make sure that the expansive greenspace can still host Atlanta Pride and AIDS Walk Atlanta.

Both LGBT events come in the wake of Music Midtown, which trashed portions of the park thanks to more than 50,000 music fans and heavy downpours. Alex Wan said Monday that his “immediate priority” is assuring that the two upcoming events are successful.

Our office has received numerous calls and emails regarding the impact of Music Midtown on Piedmont Park.  The event's large crowds mixed with the rainy conditions a week ago Saturday, have had an obvious effect on portions of the Meadow and Oak Hill.  I too have been devastated to see the damaged condition of the park, and I have received many complaints about the noise levels from the festival.

Please know that I have been in conversations with the Piedmont Park Conservancy and the City Parks Department. My immediate priority is to ensure that all parties work closely with organizers of the two upcoming important community events – Atlanta Pride and Atlanta AIDS Walk — and enable them to be as successful as possible while we continue to restore and protect the park.

Please also know that once we get past those two events, I remain committed to keeping a critical dialog open between the City, the Conservancy, Music Midtown organizers and the community to make sure we fully address how to best accommodate all interests going forward.  Piedmont Park is an asset that everyone should be able to enjoy, including the adjacent neighborhoods, and clearly some adjustments need to be made.

I welcome your thoughts and suggestions on this matter to better inform me as these conversations continue.

Also, no smoking during either event. Wan helped ban that in 2012.