The 1-mile-long Abernathy Greenway Park in Sandy Springs, opening in the fall, inspired protest at Tuesday’s city council meeting at City Hall.

Wright Road resident Lynda Coffey opposed a proposed 24-space parking area on her street.

She said the current design’s 36-space circular drive, with access from Abernathy Road, should remain the sole solution for visiting motorists.

“I want to voice strong opposition to having a parking lot at the entrance to our beautiful subdivision,” Coffey said. “We’re all very upset. We think there is going to be ample parking under the original plans.”

She downplayed the amenity’s status as a tourist attraction meriting extra storage space for vehicles.

“This is a greenway park, not necessarily a destination,” Coffey said.

Nancy Schisler, a park advisory committee member, counseled caution.

“We would like to slow down with the parking and make sure it’s really necessary,” she said. “We were thinking in a couple years we could expand [a current driveway and garage] rather than building another separate lot and taking away greenspace.”

District 3 City Councilman Chip Collins said during Tuesday’s work session no one wanted to encourage on-street parking in residential neighborhoods.

“We have to make sure people have a place to park,” he said.

Ronnie Young, director of recreation and parks, said Phase IV, during which walking trails and parking will be constructed, may be altered and followed by as many phases as necessary.

“The master plan will be altered to make the park the very best it can be,” he said.

The project is now in Phase III, which includes $750,000 worth of earth moving, fencing, lighting and landscaping.

“We are wrapping up Phase III construction activities,” Garrin Coleman, deputy director of public works, said during a capital improvement projects update Tuesday. “They should be done by March.”

The $1 million Phase IV will be bid out in April and constructed during the summer, he said.

The $500,000 Phase V includes gateway entrances, a pavilion and restrooms, the latter of which District 1 City Councilman John Paulson said must be expedited.

“Those bathrooms have to be in before the park opens,” he said.

Peggy Gardner of the Sandy Springs Conservancy, a partner in the installation of the park’s playable art sculptures, said the opening is highly anticipated.

“We are so excited about what this will add to the city. It will be a fabulous jewel,” she said.