Atlanta Parks

Atlanta may be a bustling, cosmopolitan city with a huge economy, but there is another side to this Southern Belle: her amazing wealth of parks! Any Atlanta visitor must take in some of her natural beauty, to find some peace and calm as well as outdoor recreation opportunities.

Centennial Olympic Park

One of Atlanta's most famous parks is Centennial Olympic Park, a 21-acre complex of green space, artwork and rock gardens, built to celebrate the city's hosting of the 1996 Summer Olympic Games. Here, visitors enjoy ambling along the walkway made up of 500,000 commemorative bricks, taking in the light and music display at the Olympic Rings fountain, or watching the flags of the nations dancing in the Atlanta breezes. One favorite at Centennial Park is the Quilt of Remembrance, which pays tribute to those lost in the bombings during the Olympic Games of 1996. Centennial Park is a great place to listen in on a free concert during a summer evening as well.

Piedmont Park

For another park experience within the city, head over to Piedmont Park, Atlanta's largest and most popular city park. Just two miles northeast of downtown, Piedmont Park's 189 acres have become known as 'Atlanta's Common Ground.' Two million visitors every year come to Piedmont Park to enjoy the Atlanta Botanical Gardens, Lake Clara Meer and festivals and concerts, as well as picnicking, swimming, tennis, in-line skating, soccer, football, bird watching, fishing and grilling. Originally established as a horse club, then turned into fairgrounds, and now a modern delight for recreation and outdoor time, Piedmont Park recently celebrated 100 years of delighting her visitors.

Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park

One more park with a rich history is Kennesaw Mountain Battlefield National Park. The site of the last major Civil War victory of the South during its defense of Atlanta in 1864, Kennesaw Mountain is full of battlefield markers and monuments. Other activities at this park include exploring the 16 miles of trails and plenty of picnic sites. Many visitors come here simply to enjoy the majestic views of the city from the mountain.

Atlanta has plenty of green space and parks for visitors of all ages. Whether you're seeking a quick getaway from the urban rush or an outdoor experience with a historical twist, the city of Atlanta has the perfect park for you. So, when in Atlanta, be sure to experience the city's 'other side!'