Abernathy Greenway Park

A Fresh Community Oasis

Nestled along Abernathy Road in Sandy Springs, Georgia, Abernathy Greenway Park stretches across 6.6 acres of thoughtfully designed space. Since opening in 2014, this linear park offers a peaceful retreat for locals looking to escape the urban hustle - notable considering it sits right next to a busy road. With its well-kept grounds and inviting atmosphere, it's a pleasant green space where you might want to linger for a while.

Not Just Any Playground: Award-Winning Playable Art

What really sets this park apart is its Playable Art Park - a collection of six massive sculptural play structures that function as unique playground equipment. Created by artists from around the world, these installations blend creativity with playability, allowing kids to climb, explore, and engage with art in an interactive way.

Among these artistic wonders, you can find "It's You & Me, Kid," a laser-cut granite boulder that's both beautiful and climbable; "Spider Walk," which is exactly what it sounds like (and just as fun); and "Wonder Wall," a stunning mosaic of kiln-dried glass that captivates curious little minds. Unlike your typical playground where everything looks the same, these artistic elements are thoughtfully spaced within the park, creating a truly unique play experience.

Beyond the Art: Classic Play Spaces

If your kids are traditionalists at heart, don't worry - the park hasn't forgotten the classics. Several swing sets dot the landscape, including toddler swings for the little ones, while a wheelchair-accessible concrete slide ensures everyone can join in the fun. The play areas are primarily designed with school-aged children (5-9 years) in mind, but younger siblings won't feel left out.

Safety was clearly a priority in the design, with fencing separating the playground from the nearby road and rubber matting cushioning potential tumbles beneath the equipment.

More Than Just Play

When you're not watching the kids conquer artistic playscapes, the park offers plenty for grown-ups too. Paved walking paths wind through open green spaces, great for morning strolls or afternoon wanderings. The linear layout makes it easy to use the park as a scenic shortcut between neighborhoods.

Need a break? Head to the pavilion where shaded picnic tables and ceiling fans create an ideal spot for an impromptu lunch or small gathering. And yes, there are clean restrooms with water fountains (including a water bottle filling station) - a small but mighty detail that any park regular will appreciate.

A Touch of Nature

Despite its modern design, the park hasn't forgotten its natural roots. Beautiful landscaping features flowering plants, including fragrant gardenias near the restrooms. A small creek gurgles peacefully through parts of the park, while birds, chipmunks, and squirrels make regular appearances, delighting wildlife watchers of all ages.

One heads-up: while there are some trees around the perimeter, most of the play structures sit under open sky. During Georgia's famous summer heat, the equipment can get pretty toasty - making early morning or evening visits your best bet during warmer months.

Getting There

The park's multiple entry points and flat, paved pathways make it accessible for everyone from stroller-pushing parents to visitors with mobility considerations. Just be aware that parking, while available, can fill up during popular times - so you might want to have a backup plan if you're visiting during peak hours.