Atlanta Memorial Park

A Glimpse Into History

Situated in Atlanta's Buckhead district, Atlanta Memorial Park stretches across roughly 200 acres, making it the third-largest public park in the city. Pretty impressive, right?

What's notable about this green space is its deep connection to the Civil War. The park stands as a solemn tribute to those who lost their lives during the Battle of Peachtree Creek, which unfolded on these very grounds and in nearby Tanyard Creek Park. Back in 1929, former Georgia Governor M. Hoke Smith and a group of individuals donated this land to Atlanta, providing a space that residents have enjoyed for nearly a century.

Natural Beauty All Around

The park straddles both sides of Northside Drive just north of Collier Road, with Peachtree Creek (a Chattahoochee River tributary) flowing through it. This proximity to water means the park occasionally deals with flooding - it's built on a floodplain, after all - but ongoing improvements are making the space more resilient.

If you're someone who finds peace in nature, you'll appreciate the park's mix of wooded areas and open spaces. There are quiet corners good for meditation or simply catching your breath away from city life. And if you're a fan of cityscapes, parts of the park, especially near the golf course, offer beautiful glimpses of Atlanta's skyline.

Play a Round or Hit Some Balls

At the heart of the park sits the Bobby Jones Golf Course, established in 1931 and named after the legendary amateur golfer. What was once a modest public course has evolved into a well-equipped facility that honors Bobby Jones' legacy while offering amenities for golf instruction and recreation.

Not into golf? No problem. The park is also home to the Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, Atlanta's largest tennis facility. You can work on your serve while enjoying those skyline views I mentioned earlier. It's a nice backdrop for a tennis match, if you ask us.

Family Fun Central

The park features a modern playground. Parents will appreciate how the play area is thoughtfully designed with separate sections for toddlers and older kids. There are multiple swings for the little ones, a harnessed swing for extra safety, and plenty of structures for climbing and sliding adventures.

The playground area feels cozy and contained, making it easier to keep an eye on energetic youngsters. And when hunger strikes, you can find several picnic areas nearby - well-suited for a family lunch or snack break.

Note that there's no dedicated parking lot, but street parking is available around the park. Also worth mentioning: there are no public restrooms within the park, so you might want to plan accordingly, especially if you're bringing kids along.

Paths to Explore

Walking through the park is a breeze thanks to well-maintained paved sidewalks and trails. If you're pushing a stroller or using a wheelchair, you'll discover these paths accessible as they wind along the river and through wooded sections.

There's an underbridge connection linking the park to the Atlanta BeltLine. This connection integrates the park into Atlanta's growing network of green spaces, making it more accessible than ever.

Looking to the Future

In recent years, the Atlanta Memorial Park Conservancy has taken an active role in managing and improving this green space. They've organized massive cleanups, planted new trees, and overseen various renovation projects.

Between 2017 and 2019, the park received several significant upgrades - a new playground, improvements to the sewage system, nature trails, and new sidewalks among them.

Beyond providing recreational opportunities for locals, the park plays an important role in environmental conservation. Parts of it have been designated as a wildlife sanctuary by the Georgia Audubon Society, highlighting its ecological significance in the urban landscape.