After closing in 2012 because of structural concerns, former Mayer Kasim Reed rebuilt a new $23.5…read moremillion, 64,000-square-foot Recreation and Aquatic Center in the Old 4th Ward towards the end of 2017. The new facility is sparkling and definitely worth visiting if you haven't seen it yet and becoming a member if you swim work out regularly. We paid about $250 for the family to join for the year and the bonus is that it gives the whole family access to all Atlanta public pools. The building is very open, bright (lots of natural light come in through the glass), and beautifully built. While ATL isn't the Northeast, winter is still somewhat more of a period of hibernation for a lot of people and the opening of this center provides a very nice public option for continuing to be active. It seems like they offer a wide variety of classes and activities for kids. While I can't speak to the basketball gym, workout facilities, and indoor running track on the second floor, the pool is great. It's helped our toddler develop an appreciation for the water and we haven't even tried their infant swim program yet. Some highlights of the pool are that the water is very warm, they have a beach front walk-in, a separate family changing room, a variety of aquatic toys for kids to enjoy, and a few fun sprinkler type poles in the pool. For parents looking to entertain their kids this could be a great drop-in option too at just $5 a visit I believe. My only complaints are 1) We've waited months to get our membership cards and the machine that prints them is always down or unavailable for some reason. This is obviously not such a big deal but 2) As this "undiscovered" gem is no longer so undiscovered, we've seen more and more swimmers come to the pool and it can be difficult to find a free lane to swim in now (especially around peak hours weeknights after work). This may just be what happens as you become a victim of your own success. The pool is huge but it's unfortunate that the way they built it the lanes cannot be expanded or added easily because the free swim section has a giant physical barrier from the lanes part.

Great pool! A bit crowded. I don't care for lane sharing; that's why the 4 stars. Clean locker…read moreroom. Workout equipment upstairs.

Designed by the same team that built the Highline in Chelsea (Manhattan), the Atlanta Beltline is a…read more22-mile urban walking/jogging/biking trail and park, which encircles central Atlanta. I had the pleasure of walking along a short stretch of it close to Ponce City Market and appreciated the integration of this accessible public space for the community. Aside from the restaurants and retailers directly adjacent to many sections of this path, there are numerous sections dedicated to mural and street art by local artists. There are also tour, fitness and other seasonal activities organized through the Beltline organization, you can sign up on their website (account creation needed).

The Eastside Beltline is an awesome trail system that goes through restaurants, bars, and other…read morebusiness. The trail is paved and very well maintained. It is also very wide, but you have to be careful of bicyclist who think they are in the Tour de France, zooming by. It is an excellant use of the space. It consists of 4.6 miles of multi-use trails and a future light rail transit line. On average, the Beltline attracts 3,000 trail users each weekday and over 10,000 users each weekend day. I actually took a scooter up and down the trail. You will find tons of them from Lime, Bird, and Spin. You will also find a few bicyclist on the trail too. This was the first section that was finished from the old rail corridor. It was was funded by a combination of public and private sources and runs from the tip of Piedmont Park to Reynoldstown. In addition to the businesses, you will find some neat murals and sculpture along the trail. The trail seems to be popular among graffiti artist. It looks as if they will be opening some food trailers along the trail very soon. Some notable places along the trail include Ponce City Market, Illuminarium Atlanta, Historic Old Fourth Ward Skatepark, Yay Beignet, Freedom Park and the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historical Park is located just 3 blocks from the Beltline. The Beltline has lots of personality and flair. You will find locks of love, placed on a chain link fence on a overpass. The entire 22-mile stretch of the Beltline is forecasted to be completed in 2030. I cannot wait to see what they got planned. You can spend a lot of time on the Beltline, walking, biking, or scooting. There are lots of restaurants and bars to check out along the way too. I really enjoyed the Beltline and I am sure that you will do.

Great park for a walk, run, or bike road. Wide trails and great river views. Parking is available…read moreand you need to pay or have a pass. Great addition to the area.

beautiful river side park…read more parking is no problem here for sure. the park goes along a river where people can fish and some people excessive here as well. for the more adventurers there are trails for hiking with some pretty flowers and ridges to see some amazing views. come here with time as the park closes at sun down. perfect for an lay back walk and excessive day.

McDaniel Farm Park is not an ordinary Georgia park. This park is filled with charm, bridges,…read morecreeks, forests, meadows, picnic areas, and historical farm buildings. This park is by far my favorite in Gwinnett County because of the mixed use paved versus non-paved pathways, well-maintained, and overall cozy vibes. Like an outdoor museum. Even the restrooms are the best that I've seen in local parks. The location is very conveniently located with a Duluth entrance and Suwanee entrance. Plenty of parking. Even a public garden. Busiest times are after 11am on weekdays and after 10am on weekends. The best entrance is on the Duluth side off of Old Norcross Road. Great for taking a morning walk and then visiting the local cafes afterwards.

Such a spacious and cute park. Bonus: There are various critters like deer, dragon flies,…read morebutterflies, critters like a large brown millipede looking thing (see my photo). The park itself had ample parking spaces. And the facilities there were clean and well maintained. There were various trails that's away from the main paved path. These side trails were nicely shaded and eventually leads back on the main path. The historic farm structures like the main house, farmhouse, side house and its outhouse are still erect. That's the charm of this place with the well groomed flower garden that someone upkeeps. The old and new altogether. As you wander the park, you forget you're in the heart of Duluth where shopping and restaurants galore await you. Because while you're talking around (and trying not to sweat to death during the summer), you'll hear the summer insects buzzing. It literally reminded me of my childhood during the summers hearing the loud insects buzz away.

Bowmans Island at the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area is a nice little escape if…read moreyou're looking for a quiet hike with plenty of water views. Parking is easy to find, with enough space for at least 75 cars, including spots near what looks like a boat ramp. It costs $8 for the whole day, which isn't bad if you plan to stay a while. Fishing seems to be the main attraction here. There were plenty of folks (kids and adults alike) either in boats or lined up along the shore, casting their fishing lines off the bank. The trails are mostly easy to moderate, but there are a few steep, narrow spots where you'll need to watch your footing. I walked about 3.5 miles with a hiking group, following a loop that winds through the trees and offers a mix of open views and shaded paths. There are some benches along the way if you need a break. Bathrooms are available, which is always a plus, and there's a lot of green space. But honestly, I wouldn't recommend spreading out a blanket for a picnic as the ground is littered with dog poop, despite the big "no dogs" sign at the entrance. It's about an hour's drive from Atlanta, with the last few miles on Buford Dam Highway being steep and winding. The park wasn't overly crowded when I went, but there were a good number of people fishing or tubing. If you're looking for a peaceful walk by the water and don't mind stepping around a few messes, it's worth checking out.

Plenty of parking. Trails in plenty of places to explore . Replace to take the family for picnic…read moreand grilling.

There could be more large things to break from the jump without additional price. The customer…read moreservice was excellent and safety gear was readily available

Parking: there is ample parking spaces outside of the location…read more Experience: Upon entering we were welcomed and given wavier forms to read over and sign. We were told to grab gloves (optional) and googles (mandatory) and were given the option to use lockers to lock any items up before we began "raging" and instructed to grab a weapon. The weapons ranged from axes to baseball bats to golf clubs etc. It is $30 per person for FIFTEEN minutes of "raging" in a "room" full of already broken items. As time went on the person behind the register brought us a few unbroken items to break but honestly it was weird. I feel like for the price point we should have been given more items to break instead of setting into an already demolished and chaotic room. We were also allowed to select the music to break things to but again something was still missing. Covid: masks are required to enter & you are expected to keep them on throughout thankfully. Staff also wears masks as well.

This is a nice hiking area along the Chattahoochee River. We use this area primarily for hiking,…read morebut there are other activities on the CNRA website. This area is federal land with parking pass fee or use your annual/lifetime pass. First, the confusing part. Getting there! There is small sign or Akers Mill (see my picture) and it does not refer to it as West Palisades, even though all the markers inside the park say that. The intersections in the park on the trails are indicated as WP1, WP2, WP3, ... So to navigate go from one junction to another. There is handy wooden trail map at every junction. Trail names are non existent. Parking lot off Akers Mill is large and paved, but no bathrooms (WP12). Another large parking lot off Cobb Parkway has bathrooms (WP1). Also the park connects to county parks along Rottenwood Creek, which gives additional options. These are paved and more oriented towards bicycles. We did an 8 mile hike here. Starting at WP12. Hiking trails through the woods and along the river, back and forth with some decent elevation. When we got to WP1 we hiked along the Rottenwood Creek trail back to Akers Mill. At that point we walked along the road back to the parking area. Very nice combo of woods, paved paths, sidewalks. This was after Hurricane Zeta, so a lot of blow down on the trails but we were able to get around it. (See pics). A good workout! This was during covid and midweek, busy but not too bad. Have been here on the weekend and lots of folks, but plenty of parking and with the large size of the area plenty of space between groups hiking. Great area near the metropolitan area.

West Palisades and Palisades Cobb Natural Resource Area, Bob Callan Trail and Rotten Creek are all…read moreconnected and this review is for all 4. These natural parklands are a good place for walking, running, biking, kayaking and fly fishing! Ambiance is a natural park in the edge of a bustling city flanked by urban infrastructures...not manicured, full of bushes, trees, streams and the river with huge concrete overpasses. It's a good location to visit nature ITP. Here's the DL. About 1/3 of the paved trails and 3/4 of the unpaved trails are canopied with rolling elevation (~900 feet). Here, you could stroll a peaceful couple of miles and trail run moderate 5 - 8 miles. The paved trails are well marked and easy to navigate. But, the undeveloped trails are NOT with limited signs /blazes. Most unpaved trails are in the forest and have limited views of the river. Some parts are ridden with roots, loose rocks and boulders so wear proper shoes. When you do go on undeveloped trails, please "leave NO trace". There's a small ruin in the middle of the parklands but is unmarked, very steep with heavy over-growth. Biking is allowed ONLY on paved trails. Fly-fishing, I see when the water level is lower with slower currents. Encounters with trail blocking gumps occur here on weekends. Sunday strollers with NO self-awareness, blocking both sides, leisurewear selfie posers blocking trails and some parking themselves in the middle of an unpaved trail... :-/ Dogs on leash. There is No Maid service here to picks up your duty bag(s). There's a trash bin specifically for pets at the parking lot so pack out your 4 legged kids' mess paw-leash! Self-service...there are a few picnic tables, benches, animal proof trash bins, bathrooms, water fountains at the trail head and a boat ramp adjacent to the parking lot (off Cobb PKY / 41) for boats and kayaks. Next to the bathrooms there's a leveled grass area for Frisbees or other group games. Occasionally, I've seen CCP riding bicycles or electric motorcycles here as 2PDs are nearby. Parking is $3/day or $35/year and has about 60+ spots. Drive slowly...it's not the smoothest lot. Pay at the trailhead next to the boat ramp and the bathrooms. Be sure to display the perforated paper on your dash as rangers regularly check and ticket. These 4 nature areas are great if you are looking to workout with elevation changes in varying terrains...wood, boulders, concrete, mud, loose rocks, dirt...with views of the forest, streams and river at a nearby location. Enjoy!

Such a pretty and relaxing park. Great spot to picnic, walk alone or with pets, kayak or spend time…read morewith kids. The main attractions here are the swings and the lake with a beautiful view. I love visiting it with my husband just before sunset. We saw so many kids playing in the spider web climbing thing and the play area. There was a birthday party going on and the park was filled with folks of all ages. Trails: A little walk on the left leads you to the dam(falls) and it's a very quiet and serene path to walk or jog. There are 2-3 trails around the park but a bit rugged, so I recommend going when there's plenty of daylight. Parking spots are plenty and the park is pet-friendly. Fun fact: Atlanta Astronomy Club conduct star gazing events at this park. Check their website for more information!

First time visiting Morgan Falls. It's a fun filled place with trails, a kids playground, porch…read moreswings, a fire pit, and a breathtaking view of the Chattahoochee below. There are also kayak rentals on the river bank below. When we came we hiked the 3/4 mile looped trail behind the playground accessible from the parking lot. There was a bald eagle flying above his beat. Kayakers down below had beached themselves on a sandbar in the middle of the river. A guitarist was jamming and kids were playing in the Sun. Just a picture perfect place to relax and take in the sites.

I'm a 42 year old male traveling for business and visited the Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center at the…read moreJim Huie Recreation Center this past Tuesday. I was looking for a reliable place to swim and work out since I'll be in this area regularly. This place is not it. I called ahead specifically to ask about swimming, and at no point was I told the pool would be unavailable. When I arrived, the pool was completely taken over by a swim class, making lap swimming impossible. That kind of poor communication is unacceptable and shows a lack of basic consideration for patrons' time. The weight room was just as bad. Multiple benches had visible sweat stains, making it obvious the equipment had not been wiped down after previous use. In a fitness facility, basic cleanliness isn't optional, it's the bare minimum. The bathrooms were absolutely filthy. Not "a little messy," but dirty enough to make you question how often they're cleaned at all. Between the unsanitary conditions and the disorganization, the entire facility felt neglected. I was hoping to find a dependable gym for future business trips, but this was a one and done visit for me. If you care about cleanliness, clear communication, or a professional environment, I'd strongly recommend looking elsewhere. This facility needs serious improvements before it should be charging people to use it.

This place is amazing! It is very large and can handle large groups of people. They also have lots…read moreof activities going on at the same time. The staff was very helpful and friendly. Great Aquatic Center which has facilities for a great swim with 3 different swim pools, to play basketball as well as gym area for nice working out. Fees are very nominal. Clayton County residents pay $3, while non-county residents pay $5 for most activities per day. Also, you can take a monthly/yearly memberships. They also offer a variety of classes that folks can participate in from swimming lessons to kickboxing. Plenty of free parking as well. To find out all of the various programs available, please call the center/visit directly because they change very frequently as per the season. Great place to take kids throughout the year. They are open 6 days and week, Monday thru Friday 8 AM to 9 PM, Saturday 9 AM to 6 PM and Sundays closed. At the swimming pool, the water temperature was nice and warm. However, I was really excited to find this place, and on my side of town. The shower area was really clean and adequate number of lockers they had, which I appreciated. It's nice place to swim and practice some backstrokes. I have been here for the first time and love to swim here. Also it's very inexpensive if you live in the area, bring your ID/License for entry. There is another area where the water is much warmer, however it's reserved for adults only, no kids or beginners. I am always in this area for my swim practice. It is never too crowded on any given day. The main pool is sectioned off for those who want to do lap swimming. There is also a smaller pool for senior citizens. Supervision of all swimmers is excellent and the watchful eye of the lifeguards keep the swimming experience safe. Steve Lundquist Aquatic Center at the Jim Huie Recreation Center is worth your visit.

This park is so cute! There's a long winding road to the parking lot and there's two options: a 1…read moremile loop or a 4 (?) mile loop. Super cute lookout point on the river. Didn't go into the bathrooms but there's bathrooms at the trailhead. It wasn't super crowded on MLK day but would highly suggest checking it out. It's like a hidden gem

By far my favorite park so far! After visiting nine parks in a month, this one truly stands out as…read morea gem. The park offers everything--picnic benches, grills, bridge access, a playground, walking trails, and multiple stairways leading right to the river (seven in total!). The water access is perfect for relaxing by the river, and the Canadian geese make the experience even more enjoyable. A must-visit spot for anyone who loves the outdoors.