South Bend Park

South Bend Park is a 76.6-acre public park located in the Lakewood Heights neighborhood of Southeast Atlanta, Georgia. The park is notable for its diverse landscape, which includes both developed recreational areas and natural forest habitats.

A prominent feature of South Bend Park is the South River tributary stream that flows through its center. This waterway adds to the park's scenic beauty, featuring cascades that are a rare find within the city limits of Atlanta. These natural water features provide a pleasant backdrop for hikers exploring the park's trails.

The park's western portion, which serves as a main access point for many visitors, has undergone significant restoration efforts in recent years. Trees Atlanta, in collaboration with the Friends of South Bend Park and the City of Atlanta, has worked to remove invasive plant species like kudzu and replace them with native flora. This ongoing project aims to improve the park's ecology, enhance urban tree canopy cover, and create a more enjoyable environment for park users.

South Bend Park is part of the Southtowne PATH trail, a 2.7-mile trail system in South Atlanta. This connection provides extended recreational opportunities for walkers, joggers, and cyclists. The park's location and features make it a valuable green space for the Lakewood Heights community and surrounding areas, offering a mix of recreational facilities and natural areas for various outdoor activities.