Grant Park

Historic Origins

Located in southeast Atlanta, Grant Park is the city's oldest park, dating back to 1883 when Colonel Lemuel P. Grant gifted 100 acres to the city. Today, this historic green space has grown to an impressive 131.5 acres and is the heart of the charming Grant Park neighborhood that shares its name.

Natural Landscape

The park offers a refreshing escape from urban life with its blend of natural areas and recreational spaces. Gentle rolling hills, majestic mature oaks, and expansive green lawns create perfect spots for spreading out a blanket or simply unwinding with a good book.

As you explore, you'll discover a network of paved walking paths that meander through various sections of the park. The canopy of trees provides welcome shade during Georgia's warm months, and if you pause for a moment, you might notice the symphony of birds that somehow manages to rise above the distant hum of city traffic.

Recreational Amenities

Whether you want to exercise or entertain the kids, Grant Park offers plenty of options. Active visitors appreciate the tennis courts and basketball courts, while open fields invite impromptu games of frisbee or soccer.

During summer, the community swimming pool becomes a hub of activity, with families seeking relief from the heat. Little ones gravitate toward the well-maintained playground, which features climbing structures and equipment that caters to both toddlers and older children alike.

Gathering Spaces

The park functions as a social space with several pavilions scattered throughout the grounds. These covered areas make ideal settings for birthday celebrations, family reunions, or just casual get-togethers with friends. You can reserve these spaces if you're planning something special.

For more spontaneous gatherings, you can find plenty of picnic tables, benches, and designated grilling areas well-suited for cookouts. Of course, the sprawling lawns also offer ample space to throw down a blanket for an old-school picnic experience.

Orangutan mother and baby at Zoo Atlanta

Photo: Eric Kilby (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Major Attractions

A major attraction within Grant Park is Zoo Atlanta, which occupies about 40 acres within the park boundaries. Established in 1889, the zoo welcomes over a million visitors each year who come to see its diverse collection of animals from across the globe.

Historical Significance

History buffs will appreciate the park's connection to Atlanta's past. Take some time to discover the Fort Walker site, which marks a Civil War fortification, or admire the historic Grant Mansion dating back to the 1870s.

During the year, the park buzzes with community events that have become Atlanta traditions. The Summer Shade Festival draws crowds each year, while the weekly farmers market offers local produce and handcrafted goods. If you're into music, don't miss the House in the Park event, which has thousands of house music fans dancing under the trees each summer.

Visitor Information

You can enjoy the park daily from 6AM to 11PM. Recently updated public restrooms are available near the zoo entrance, however you might want to plan accordingly if you're exploring the more remote sections of the park.

Feel free to bring your four-legged friends along - Grant Park is dog-friendly, with many paths ideal for leashed walks. Just remember to come prepared with waste bags to clean up after your pet.

Ongoing Development

Like many urban parks, Grant Park faces the ongoing challenge of balancing preservation with modern needs. Some green areas have been converted to parking lots for zoo visitors over the years - a change that hasn't sat well with community members concerned about preserving natural spaces.

On the positive side, recent years have seen facility updates and continued efforts to maintain the park's historic character while meeting the evolving needs of the diverse community.