Southeast Clarke Park

Room to Roam

Sprawling across 135 acres on Athens-Clarke County's east side, Southeast Clarke Park gives you plenty of space to breathe. As one of the largest green spaces managed by the local Leisure Services Department, this park offers extensive outdoor recreation options in the area.

The grounds blend sports facilities with natural areas, all kept surprisingly tidy considering its size and popularity. If you're looking to break a sweat or just find a peaceful spot to unwind, there's a corner of these 135 acres with your name on it.

For the Sports Crowd

If you're itching to get active, you'll find multiple athletic fields here, including lighted multi-use fields and baseball diamonds ready for action. Tennis enthusiasts appreciate the well-lit, maintained courts that let matches continue after sunset. The newer pickleball courts have quickly become a hotspot - maybe too popular for their own good, as you might find yourself waiting for a turn, especially since they lack lighting for evening play.

The fields occasionally transform for soccer tournaments, where the well-kept grass really shines (but don't worry, the park stays open for regular visitors even during events).

Trails That Take You Away

The walking paths here offer a little something for everyone - smooth paved tracks for joggers and natural trails that wind through wooded sections. It's one of those rare places where you can feel surprisingly isolated despite being in the suburbs. Just a heads-up: after a good rain, expect some puddles on the paved sections where drainage isn't perfect.

Kid-Friendly Zones

For families, the real star is the World of Wonder (WOW) Playground. This isn't your average swing set situation - there's a three-story Slide Tower, elaborate climbing structures, and swings designed for kids of different ages and abilities. The rubber padding underneath means fewer scraped knees when enthusiasm exceeds coordination.

Parents will appreciate the gated setup that helps contain energetic explorers, plus there are shaded spots to sit while you supervise. The water bottle filling station is a thoughtful touch that saves you from lugging extra drinks from home.

Something for Everyone

Dog parents, rejoice - Wiggley Field Dog Park features three separate fenced areas where your four-legged friends can run free, including a dedicated space for smaller pups. One section even offers a covered pavilion for shade, and there are water buckets available to keep your dogs hydrated.

Skateboarders have their own haven in the Skate Park of Athens, a 14,000 square foot playground of bowls and ramps designed by none other than Tony Hawk. Regardless of whether you're just starting out or landing complex tricks, the thoughtfully designed space accommodates various skill levels.

The Practical Stuff

The park comes equipped with the essentials - restrooms (air-conditioned, but cleanliness can be hit-or-miss during busy times), ample parking, and a concession stand for when hunger strikes. You'll find picnic tables scattered throughout, though on sunny days, you might wish for more shaded eating areas, especially if you're planning any kind of gathering.

Water fountains and benches appear at convenient intervals throughout the grounds, making it easy to take a breather when needed.

With its mix of athletic facilities, natural areas, and specialized recreation spaces, Southeast Clarke Park has earned its place as a go-to outdoor destination in Athens - somewhere you can spend an hour or easily lose a whole day.