GA Voice

Where to Play in the ATL

- Katie Burkholder

Are you a tyrant for tennis? Or maybe soccer is your game of choice. No matter what your sport, you need a place to play. Whether you’re looking to get some practice in, play a quick game with friends, or just get your heart pumping, here’s where you can do it across the ATL.

Tennis

Grab your racket and master your backhand at any of these courts. Grant Park This beautiful park not only holds the famous Zoo Atlanta but also four lighted tennis courts, along with free wi-fi throughout the park. 800 Cherokee Ave SE. Piedmont Park Nestled in Atlanta’s favorite park are a whopping twelve courts – just make sure you call to reserve a court at 404-853-3461. 400 Park Dr. NE. Central Park Four lighted courts surrounded by trees make this a great reclusive spot to practice or play. 400 Merritts Ave NE. Atlantic Station For those looking for urban views instead of natural ones, these four courts are the perfect choice for you. Go during the day, these courts are not lighted! 270 17th St NW. Candler Park Like Central Park, four lighted courts are surrounded by greenery. 585 Candler Park Dr. NE. Anderson Park West Atlanta, this one’s for you! These three courts are nicely shaded by trees, making Anderson Park a great place to play when the Atlanta heat hits hard. 120 Anderson Ave NW.

Basketball

Channel your inner Lebron, Atlanta-style Grant Park Right next to the tennis courts, this Atlanta Hawks-sponsored court is great for sinking three-pointers. Bonus: it’s right next to free parking. You can also find indoor courts at the Grant Park Rec Center. Piedmont Park Located next to the tennis courts and west of the Bocce courts, here you can play a casual pickup game or pay to make a reservatio­n. If leisure play is more your thing, go on a Friday — no reservatio­ns are allowed. Candler Park One full court and one half court are located next to the large multi-purpose field on the west side of Candler Park. Central Park Practice your shot and enjoy a great view of the city at one of four Atlanta Hawks-sponsored full courts in Central Park. Located right next to the playground, this is a great spot to have a fun day outside with your kids. Shady Valley Park Shoot your shot in North Atlanta! One full court is discreetly hidden in this beautiful secret gem of a park. 2720 Shady Valley Dr. NE.

Field Sports

Soccer, basketball, softball, oh my! Whatever your sport, these multi-purpose fields are sure to cater to any need. Piedmont Park Piedmont Park’s Active Oval hosts two softball fields and two soccer fields. These are available for reservatio­n or leisure play – like the basketball courts, no reservatio­ns can be made on Friday. Looking for a more casual space to play? The park also boasts two large multi-purpose fields. Central Park The park features two multi-use fields – one lighted, the other with a diamond perfect for baseball, softball, or kickball. Boulevard Crossing Park These beautiful five acres of greenspace boast two spacious fields, complete with soccer goals and bleachers. 500 Englewood Ave SE. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark While the name doesn’t scream “greenspace,” this skatepark is actually accompanie­d by a huge multi-purpose field, perfect for a quick pickup game! Bonus: it’s right off the Beltline Eastside trail, making it easily accessible by foot. 830 Willoughby Way NE. Candler Park Right next to the basketball courts is an incredibly spacious greenspace with enough room to easily host six or more games.

Running

Train for your upcoming marathon or just break a sweat! Piedmont Park Surroundin­g the Active Oval is a crushed gravel running track that stretches about half a mile. If tracks aren’t your thing, there are plenty of hilly paved paths around the park perfect for training or just a leisurely stroll. The Beltline In terms of trails, the Beltline is the crown jewel of Atlanta. The miles of walkable, runnable, and rideable paved trails offer numerous access points, great views of the city, and access to some great parks, shops, and local art. Bonus: there are often free fitness classes and events hosted on the Beltline – check out their website for a schedule and a map. Beltline.org. Herbert Taylor Park Located just north of the Virginia Highland neighborho­od, this 1-mile-long trail is great for beginners and experts alike. Enjoy beautiful views of the South Fork Peachtree Creek and Rock Creek while walking or running through the shady forest. 1795 Johnson Rd NE. Zonolite Park 1.5 miles of gravel trails weave through 13 acres of beautiful old-growth forest. Get a great view of the South Fork Peachtree Creek on sandy beach-like banks. 1160 Zonolite Pl NE. South River Walking Trail Head to Southeast Atlanta to run on this 3.3mile paved path. This hilly trail tracks through dense forest and over creeks, making your run a scenic one. 2109 Bouldercre­st Rd NE.

Other

For swimmers, skaters, and even Bocce players! Piedmont Park Find sand volleyball courts in the Active Oval, Bocce courts next to the tennis and basketball courts, and a paid public pool with four lap lanes at the Aquatic Center. Arthur Langford Jr. Park This skatepark, located on the south side of the city, is great for beginner skaters. However, all levels are welcome to utilize the numerous skater amenities available. 1614 Arthur Langford Jr Pl SW. Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark Skateboard­er Tony Hawk praised this park, the first public skate park in Atlanta, saying it offered something for every skater, no matter their skill level. The world-class amenities make this a top choice for skaters across Atlanta.

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