Washington Park - Atlanta

Washington Park is the name of a green space in a southeast neighborhood of Atlanta also named Washington Park. It lies about two miles from downtown, and offers several types of recreation for humans and their pups, who are welcome on their leashes.

Besides lots of area to explore in this 20-acre park, you'll also find swim and tennis centers, a playground, ballfields, and picnic areas with grills. While the rest of the family plays, you and your pooch can wander the grounds, throw down a blanket for a snooze, or play fetch. A grilled lunch or dinner at a picnic shelter will re-charge the entire family, fur-baby included, for more fun and play. 

Parking for this green space is on the street and is free. The tennis and swimming centers feature restrooms, but remember to bring your own water to keep you and the doggo hydrated and cool. Atlanta's summers are well-known to be super-hot and humid. 

Washington Park is one of the gems that form the "Emerald Necklace" of parks along the city's Beltline Trail system, which is open to dogs and bicycles. With the trailhead of the Westside Trail adjacent to Washington Park's north end, it's easy to walk with the pup for three miles, encountering Enota Park, Gordon-White Park, Murphy Crossing and Adair Park. The trail has 14 access points along the way for getting on/getting off. 

Rules for the park echo those published by the Parks and Recreation Department for all Atlanta parks, and include leashing all puppers and picking up after them, discarding their waste in appropriate containers. So be sure to bring poop bags and remember to use them! 

Whether you're a resident of the historic Washington Park neighborhood where Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr was raised, or a visitor, an excursion to Washington Park will bring a spring to your step and tail-wagging fun for Fido!