Ben Hill Recreation Center in Atlanta: What to Know Before You Go
The Ben Hill Recreation Center is a popular community hub in Southwest Atlanta, offering space for youth programs, fitness, sports, and neighborhood events. If you live in Atlanta, are visiting family in the Ben Hill area, or are just looking for a new place to be active, this center is worth knowing about.
Where the Ben Hill Recreation Center Is and How to Get There
Address (commonly listed):
Ben Hill Recreation Center
2405 Fairburn Road SW
Atlanta, GA 30331
The center is located in the Ben Hill neighborhood, on Atlanta’s southwest side. It primarily serves residents in and around:
- Ben Hill
- Campbellton Road corridor
- Greenbriar / Fairburn Road area
- Nearby parts of unincorporated Fulton County
Getting There
- By car:
- Easy access via Campbellton Road SW and Fairburn Road SW.
- Street parking and/or on-site lots are typically available around the rec center and park area.
- By MARTA:
- Bus routes serving Campbellton Road and Fairburn Road commonly stop within walking distance of the center.
- You can plan a route from Oakland City Station or Hamilton E. Holmes Station using bus connections that run toward Ben Hill and Greenbriar.
- By foot or bike:
- The recreation center is walkable from nearby residential streets in the Ben Hill community.
- Sidewalk access varies by block, so many residents in close proximity choose to walk or bike, especially in good weather.
Because bus routes and schedules can change, it’s smart to check current MARTA route info before heading over.
What the Ben Hill Recreation Center Offers
The Ben Hill Recreation Center is part of the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation network. While specific programs may change from season to season, the center typically offers a mix of:
- Indoor recreation space for classes, events, and community meetings
- Outdoor athletic fields and courts in the surrounding park area
- Youth and teen programs during the school year and summer
- Fitness and wellness activities for adults and seniors
Typical Facilities You May Find
Exact features can vary by season and renovation schedule, but centers like Ben Hill often include:
- Gymnasium or multi-purpose court
- Multi-purpose rooms for classes or gatherings
- Outdoor play areas or open green space
- Basketball courts or athletic fields nearby
- Restroom facilities during operating hours
If you need to know whether a specific feature is available (for example, a full-court gym vs. a small multi-purpose room), calling ahead is the safest option.
Programs and Activities at Ben Hill Recreation Center
City recreation centers like Ben Hill typically offer a rotating mix of structured programs and open recreation time. Availability changes by season, funding, and staffing, but many Southwest Atlanta residents use the center for:
Youth and Teen Programs
Ben Hill Recreation Center often supports:
- After-school activities – supervised recreation, games, and enrichment
- Youth sports – basketball, flag football, or other league play hosted in partnership with Atlanta Parks & Recreation or local leagues
- Summer camps – day programs when school is out, usually with a mix of sports, arts, and field activities
- Teen-focused activities – social events, open gym times, or workshops depending on demand
Parents in the Ben Hill and Campbellton Road area often look to this center as a local alternative to traveling farther into Midtown or Buckhead for youth programs.
Adult and Senior Activities
Depending on current offerings, you may find:
- Group fitness classes – such as light aerobics, stretching, or dance-based workouts
- Open gym or court time – pick-up basketball or free play hours
- Community meetings or workshops – hosted by neighborhood associations, city partners, or local organizations
- Senior-focused activities – low-impact exercise, social clubs, or information sessions
Activities for adults and seniors can shift with neighborhood demand and city programming priorities, so it’s useful to ask for the current calendar when you call or visit.
Typical Hours, Registration, and Fees
Hours of Operation
Hours can differ by season and staffing, but Atlanta recreation centers commonly operate:
- Weekdays: Morning to early evening
- Weekends: Limited hours, often focused on scheduled events, leagues, or rentals
- Holidays: Often closed or on reduced hours
Because these details change, it’s best to confirm current hours with the center or through Atlanta Parks & Recreation before heading out, especially on weekends or around holidays.
How to Register for Programs
For most structured activities at Ben Hill Recreation Center, Atlanta residents typically:
- Call or visit the center to ask about current programs.
- Complete a registration form, either in person or through the city’s parks and recreation system (when online registration is available).
- Provide proof of residency if a program has different rates for city residents vs. non-residents.
- Pay any required fee for classes, camps, or leagues.
Youth programs, especially summer camp and after-school, can fill up quickly in Southwest Atlanta, so early registration is recommended.
Fees and Reduced-Cost Options
Many City of Atlanta recreation programs are designed to be affordable, and in some cases:
- Certain drop-in activities may be low-cost or free
- Youth and teens may qualify for reduced fees based on household circumstances
- Some programs partner with outside organizations that offer scholarships or fee assistance
Center staff can often explain what discount or assistance options might be available for your family.
Quick Reference: Ben Hill Recreation Center at a Glance
| Feature / Topic | What to Expect (Atlanta-Specific) |
|---|---|
| Location | Southwest Atlanta, Ben Hill neighborhood, near Fairburn Rd & Campbellton Rd |
| Typical Users | Local families, youth and teens, adult fitness groups, seniors |
| Common Programs | Youth sports, after-school activities, summer camps, fitness classes |
| Outdoor Amenities | Adjacent park space, fields/courts (varies by season & maintenance) |
| Registration | Through center staff or City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation |
| Cost Level | Generally affordable; some free or reduced-cost options may exist |
| Best First Step | Call or visit the center to confirm hours, current programs, and fees |
Who Runs Ben Hill Recreation Center?
The center is part of the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation network of facilities. That means:
- Programming is guided by city recreation policies and community needs
- Staff are typically city employees or vetted partners
- The center works alongside other nearby facilities, such as
- C.T. Martin Natatorium and Recreation Center (Adamsville)
- William Walker Recreation Center (Adamsville area)
- Perkerson Park areas closer to Southwest Atlanta
If you cannot reach Ben Hill Recreation Center directly, you can often get information through the broader Atlanta Parks & Recreation channels or another nearby center.
How to Contact or Get More Information
Because individual phone extensions and emails can change, the most reliable approaches for updated information include:
- Phone:
- Call the main number for the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation department and ask to be connected to Ben Hill Recreation Center or to get current program details.
- In person:
- Visit the center during normal operating hours and speak with front desk staff about:
- Current classes and sports leagues
- Age ranges for programs
- Registration deadlines
- Fee schedules and possible discounts
- Visit the center during normal operating hours and speak with front desk staff about:
When you call or stop by, it can help to have this information ready:
- The age of each child or teen you’re inquiring about
- Whether you’re looking for after-school, weekends, or summer options
- Any specific interests (basketball, general fitness, arts, etc.)
- Whether you are a City of Atlanta resident
Tips for Atlanta Families Considering Ben Hill Recreation Center
If you’re deciding whether this is the right center for you or your child, consider:
Proximity:
For families in Ben Hill, Fairburn Road, or the Campbellton Road corridor, this center often provides the closest city-run option for structured recreation.Transportation:
If you rely on MARTA or walking, confirm bus routes and sidewalks, especially for kids traveling in the evening.Program fit:
Think about whether you need competitive sports leagues, casual play, or structured supervision (like after-school care) and ask which of these the center is currently emphasizing.Schedule:
Youth and family schedules in Atlanta can be packed; confirm days and times to avoid conflicts with school, church, or other activities.Backup options:
If a particular program at Ben Hill is full, staff can sometimes point you toward other nearby centers or city programs in Southwest Atlanta that still have space.
How Ben Hill Recreation Center Fits Into Atlanta’s Park System
For Southwest Atlanta residents, Ben Hill Recreation Center is one piece of a larger network of parks and facilities that aim to provide:
- Safe, supervised spaces for youth and teens
- Accessible fitness and wellness options for adults and seniors
- Community gathering spaces for neighborhood events, meetings, and celebrations
Many Atlanta families use more than one facility over the course of a year—Ben Hill for youth programs, perhaps C.T. Martin for natatorium (pool) access, and other nearby parks for weekend outings.
If you live in or near Ben Hill and want something close to home, the Ben Hill Recreation Center is typically the starting point for understanding what the City of Atlanta offers in your immediate neighborhood. Calling or visiting the center directly is the most reliable way to get the latest details on hours, programs, and how to sign up.