Historic Fourth Ward Park
Overview
Expert Summary
Detailed Insights
Historic Fourth Ward Park offers a peaceful, active urban escape with direct access to the vibrant BeltLine. It's a versatile destination for relaxation, exercise (running, skating), and nature appreciation (wildlife pond), surrounded by convenient dining and coffee options.
Key Highlights
- ✓Directly adjacent to the BeltLine, making access easy for walkers/bikers.
- ✓Offers a peaceful and calm atmosphere, a 'perfect escape' despite being in Midtown.
- ✓Features well-maintained paths ideal for running, jogging, or leisurely strolls.
- ✓Large, open green spaces (lawns) suitable for various activities and relaxation.
- ✓Includes a popular skate park area, noted for its friendly users and good atmosphere.
- ✓Pond with opportunities to spot ducks, feed minnows, and observe swans.
- ✓Good for community events and social gatherings, as evidenced by a 'Walk it Off Sis Event'.
- ✓Not generally too crowded, with friendly and respectful people during typical visits.
Standout Features
- ⭐Direct connectivity to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail.
- ⭐Proximity to numerous coffee shops and restaurants within a short walking distance.
- ⭐Dedicated skate park for older kids and adults.
- ⭐Scenic pond with opportunities for wildlife viewing.
- ⭐Extensive network of well-maintained paths for active use.
Perfect For
Ideal For
💡Pro Tips from Reviews
- →Plan to explore the nearby coffee shops and restaurants for post-park refreshments.
- →If interested in wildlife, visit the pond to potentially spot ducks, minnows, or swans.
- →Be aware of your surroundings, especially if visiting late at night; one reviewer advised against females going alone after 11 pm.
- →Consider accessing via the BeltLine if possible, due to reported parking difficulties.
Things to Consider
- ⚠Specific areas, particularly 'under the bridge', were reported to have highly undesirable activity (child running drugs, homeless people engaging in inappropriate acts).
- ⚠Perceived safety risk for females going alone after 11 pm.
- ⚠Reports of 'awful parking situation' in the vicinity.
- ⚠Drunk drivers noted in the surrounding ATL area late at night.
Price & Value
Entry to the park is free as it is a public outdoor space. Value is high for a free amenity offering diverse activities and peaceful environment.
♿Accessibility & Special Needs
- •Located next to the BeltLine, suggesting easy access for walking and biking.
- •Well-maintained paths likely accommodate strollers and wheelchairs for general use.
- •No specific accommodations for sensory-friendly hours or staff training mentioned.
🍎Food & Drink Policy
- •No explicit food policy mentioned for the park itself. Given it's a public park, outside food is generally permitted.
- •Numerous coffee shops and restaurants are within a short walking distance, providing convenient dining options.
🚗Parking Info
- •Parking situation described as 'awful', implying difficulty finding spots or inconvenient options.
- •No specific parking type (street/lot/garage) or cost details provided, only that it is problematic.
👥Crowd Levels
- •Generally 'not too crowded' during typical usage (e.g., for runs).
- •Skate park and lawn areas were described as friendly with everyone 'having a great time', suggesting a lively but positive crowd.
- •No specific times for peak crowds or quiet periods are detailed beyond general observations.
🛡️Safety Features
- •An officer was reportedly present, though their actions regarding specific issues were questioned.
- •Reviewer stated it was 'safe for a male to go alone' even at 1 am, but advised against females going alone after 11 pm.
- •Specific concerns raised about safety and illicit activity 'under the bridge'.
⏰When to Avoid
- • The specific area 'under the bridge' due to reported undesirable and potentially unsafe activities.
- • Late-night visits, especially for females alone, due to perceived safety concerns and drunk drivers in the broader area.
- • If you are highly sensitive to urban social issues, be aware of potential encounters as described in one review.
Pricing/Package/Events
🍎Food Policy
- • Do not feed ducks and geese: Feeding them bread or other human foods can cause significant health problems and reduce their intake of natural foods.
🛡️Safety Policy
- • Do not enter the lake water; it is not suitable for swimming or drinking.
- • The lake is surrounded by 'prickly' landscaped plantings, a barrier, and cable railing to discourage people and pets from entering the water.
- • In case of a heavy rain event, the lower walkway of the detention lake may be covered; visitors should be aware of current conditions and not enter if water is rising.
- • Call 911 immediately in case of emergency. The service address for 911 is 680 Dallas Street, Atlanta, GA 30308.
- • Fishing is prohibited in the park by the City of Atlanta.
- • Park Rules: Refer to City of Atlanta Park Use Rules & Guidelines (external document).
- • Skate Park Rules: Refer to guidelines from the City of Atlanta (external document).
📅Booking Policy
- • For information about reserving the park for weddings or other events, contact City of Atlanta Parks Reservations at: 404-546-6757.
🚗Parking Information
- • No dedicated parking lot is available on-site to maximize green space.
- • On-street parking is available along North Angier Avenue, Morgan Street, Garden Park Drive, Dallas Street, and Rankin Street.
Photos
What People Say
What's Great
- Fun and entertaining activities (mentioned in 3 reviews)
- Spacious play areas (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Areas for Improvement
- Parking can be challenging (mentioned in 3 reviews)
Recent Reviews
Vahid Serpooshan
a week agoThis park has become one of my favorite places to visit in Midtown. It’s located right next to the BeltLine, which makes it super easy to get to, but what I love most is how peaceful it feels. Even though it’s close to all the energy and movement of the city, once you’re inside the park, it’s calm, relaxing, and a perfect escape. I usually come here for my runs. The paths are well-maintained, and there’s a good amount of open space, which makes running feel refreshing. Whether I’m just jogging or stretching after a workout, the atmosphere is always pleasant. It’s not too crowded, and the people around are usually friendly and respectful, which adds to the experience. Another great thing about this spot is the surrounding area. There are tons of amazing coffee shops and restaurants just a short walk away. It’s perfect for grabbing a coffee after a run or meeting up with friends for a bite to eat. The neighborhood has a relaxed, welcoming vibe that perfectly matches the park itself. If you’re looking for a spot in Midtown where you can enjoy nature, stay active, and still be close to everything, this park is definitely worth a visit.
Sylvester Bowens jr
2 weeks agoSunny, lots of different perspectives to see from! Get lucky and spot the ducks, feed the minos in the pond, or witness a swan in flight ✈️ landing on the water... Make your own piece of peace ✌️
Streetninja 0909
7 months agoFun and safe even at 1am. Lots of drunk drivers late but it's ATL. Strangely there were no homeless out begging (I hope they got help). It was safe for a male to go alone. I would not go out alone if I were female without defenses after 11pm. Not bad though. Better than most of ATL.
DrSheirra Marci
a month agoWe were here for the Walk it Off Sis Event with Toya Rushing and it was phenomenal!! A place where women could come and have candid conversations about any and everything was amazing! Looking forward to many more!!
Jennifer Thomas Archer
a week agoThe skate park and lawn were awesome! Everyone in those areas were so friendly and everyone was having a great time. Under the bridge however there was a child running drugs and two homeless people hooking up in an office chair. YIKES! There was an officer present but he did nothing about the awful parking situation.