In a few weeks, spring will arrive. Piedmont Park will soon be teeming with activity such as sunbathing, football, swimming, dog-walking – an oasis of green in the dense urban jungle that is Midtown Atlanta. But for now, as we meander through this typically indecisive Southern winter, Piedmont Park offers a unique place of reprieve for the contemplative spirit.
With the Park all but empty, save for a few who brave a mid-day jog, the grounds offer a wonderful place to marvel at the Midtown skyline while enjoying a mild winter day. The numerous tree-lined fields provide a spectacular opportunity to become engrossed in a good book or to feast on a picnic. There is something delightfully shocking to the senses about finding such a calm respite in the midst of one of Atlanta’s busiest areas. Transitioning from the noise and commotion of 10th Street or Piedmont Road to a quiet grove of oak trees should bring a moment of serenity to even the most committed urban soul.
Although the brief Georgia winter makes the park a splendid haven for those seeking tranquility, it is in the warmer months that Piedmont Park comes alive and reflects the bustling nature of the city it inhabits. The expansive fields offer numerous locations for the aforementioned sunbathing and unorganized sporting. For those wanting a more regulated athletic experience, the Active Oval provides fields and organized leagues for soccer, softball, football, rugby and volleyball. Tennis and basketball courts are also located nearby to round out the major competitive sports. The Oval is surrounded by a mile long running/walking track, and the park is overlaid with extensive paved trails for cycling, rollerblading and skateboarding. The pool also provides a place to escape the relentless summer heat of North Georgia. Even with the heat and activity that comes with the warmer seasons, those seeking solitude can still find a quiet spot to think in the shade around the pond.
Beyond being just a hot-spot for the physically active, Piedmont Park also commands a station as one of the best venues for a variety of cultural events. It features a year-round farmer’s market every Saturday morning and plays host to numerous concerts, including the weekend-long Music Midtown in September. The adjacent Piedmont Park Dog Park offers space for dogs both large and small to romp and play with others. Also nearby, the Botanical Gardens provide more green space to enjoy.
Best of all, because it is situated in the heart of Midtown, you are just a short walk from the many bars, restaurants, museums and shops that the area offers. Stop in for a pint at Park Tavern or grab some totchos at the Nook.
Regardless of what you’re looking for, it’s likely that you’ll find it at Piedmont Park.
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