Outdoors in the city
Oases for Atlanta urbanites
By Koye Berry
“Going green” should apply to more than just your appliances. With spring weather on the horizon, it’s a great time to head outside and see what natural splendor Atlanta has to offer. Here are a few suggestions to get you started.
Grant Park
What better place to get acquainted with Atlanta’s green scene than its oldest city park? Animal lovers can visit the wildlife at Zoo Atlanta. History buffs can view the Atlanta Cyclorama – a depiction of the Battle of Atlanta and the world’s largest oil painting – or take one of the park’s regular guided tours of Ft. Walker. Everyone can enjoy the picnic areas, athletic fields and playgrounds.
When to visit: Grant Park celebrates its 125th birthday this year; special events are scheduled for May 17 and 26. Grant Park is also the home of Atlanta’s 6th annual Summer Shade festival, taking place Aug. 30 and 31. For more details, check out gpconservancy.org.
Piedmont Park
Loosen the leash on your favorite Fido this spring at Piedmont Park’s special off-leash dog park. Bring your fishing pole for a relaxing day on the dock at Lake Clara Meer. Lace up your jogging shoes or take a leisurely stroll on any one of the park’s four walking paths. Peek through your binoculars and see how many of the 175 identified bird species you can find flying around the grounds. Whatever you decide to do, Piedmont Park has you covered.
When to visit: Beginning May 3, Piedmont Park will be home to the Green Market, an outdoor farmer’s market open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The park also hosts bird walks through different areas of the park the first Saturday of every month, as well as free guided walking tours Saturday mornings at 11 a.m. April through November. For more details, visit piedmontpark.org.
Chastain Park
An Atlanta landmark unto itself, Chastain Park is the largest public park in the city. It boasts 268 acres of ball fields, playgrounds and walking trails, not to mention the arts center, golf course, recreation center and swimming pool. The park is also home to Atlanta’s most popular outdoor music venue, the Chastain Park Amphitheatre. The Chastain Horse Park offers riding lessons and pony parties for kids.
When to visit: Jazz great George Benson will be collaborating with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Chastain Park Amphitheatre June 21. Package tickets are currently available through woodruffcentertickets.org, with individual single tickets going on sale May 12. For more info, check out classicchastain.com. To learn more about the Chastain Horse Park, visit chastainhorsepark.org.
Silver Comet Trail
For the outdoor athlete, the Silver Comet Trail is an incredible asset. Originally an abandoned railroad line, this completely non-motorized trail begins just 13 miles northwest of Atlanta in the city of Smyrna and travels on for 61 miles until it reaches the Alabama state line. There the trail connects to Alabama’s Chief Ladiga Trail for another 33 miles of uninterrupted natural wonder.
When to visit: As long as the weather is sunny, the Silver Comet Trail is perfect for walking, biking, dog walking or rollerblading. The trail is also wheelchair accessible, and free of charge. For more information, visit silvercometga.com.%0
