Old Atlanta Recreation Center: What to Know Before You Go

If you’re searching for “Old Atlanta Rec Center” from Atlanta, you’re most likely looking for one of two things:

1. The Old Atlanta Recreation Center & Park in Forsyth County (near Cumming, just north of metro Atlanta), or
2. A general idea of older or long-established recreation centers in and around the Atlanta area.

This guide focuses first on the Old Atlanta Recreation Center in Forsyth County, then briefly explains how it compares to recreation centers within the City of Atlanta and closer metro counties, so you can decide what best fits your needs.

Where Is the Old Atlanta Rec Center?

Old Atlanta Recreation Center (Forsyth County)
• Address: 810 Nichols Road, Suwanee, GA 30024
• County: Forsyth County (north of the City of Atlanta)
• Driving time from Downtown Atlanta: About 35–55 minutes depending on traffic
• Nearby areas: Johns Creek, Suwanee, Cumming

Even though the address says Suwanee, this facility is run by Forsyth County Parks & Recreation, not the City of Suwanee or City of Atlanta. It’s a popular spot for Atlanta-area families who don’t mind a short drive north for indoor recreation, youth programs, and a large park with a splash pad.

What You’ll Find at Old Atlanta Recreation Center

The Old Atlanta Rec Center is a multi-use indoor facility attached to Old Atlanta Park, which includes outdoor amenities.

Indoor Features

While offerings can change, people typically use the building for:

• Multi-purpose rooms

  • Classes (arts, fitness, kids’ activities)
  • Community meetings and small events
  • Birthday parties and private rentals

• Activity spaces

  • Youth and adult programs
  • After-school and camp activities
  • Senior and adult enrichment programs

• Restrooms and lobby areas

  • Comfortable waiting areas for parents
  • Indoor access when kids are using the park outside

Programs, rentals, and layouts can shift over time, so if you’re coming from Atlanta, it’s best to call ahead or check the latest schedule from Forsyth County Parks & Recreation.

Outdoor Park Features

Right outside the Old Atlanta Rec Center is Old Atlanta Park, which is one of the main reasons Atlanta-area families make the drive:

• Splash pad / sprayground (seasonal) 🌊

  • Popular in late spring and summer
  • Typically requires a small admission fee or pass
  • Great for younger children who prefer shallow, play-focused water features

• Playground

  • Modern play structures
  • Shaded seating areas for adults in many spots
  • Good mix for toddlers and elementary-age kids

• Walking paths / green space

  • Short walks and stroller-friendly paths
  • Open lawn areas for free play, picnics, and casual games

• Parking lot

  • On-site parking, though it can get crowded on sunny weekends and hot days when the splash pad is open

Typical Uses for Atlanta-Area Residents

If you live in Atlanta, Sandy Springs, Dunwoody, Brookhaven, or Johns Creek, you might wonder whether it’s worth driving out to the Old Atlanta Rec Center. Here’s how locals often use it:

For Families with Young Kids

Many Atlanta-area families drive up specifically for:

• Splash pad outings in summer
• Playground time plus a picnic
• Kids’ birthday parties that use both indoor rooms and outdoor play areas

If your neighborhood park in Atlanta doesn’t have a splash pad, this can be a fun “destination park” for a half- or full-day outing.

For Youth & Adult Programs

While most people living inside the City of Atlanta use Atlanta Parks & Recreation centers, some choose Old Atlanta Rec Center if:

• They live closer to the northside (e.g., near GA-400, Peachtree Corners, or Johns Creek)
• They prefer program times or offerings from Forsyth County
• Their child is enrolled in a specific class, camp, or program offered only at this location

For Community Events and Rentals

Old Atlanta Rec Center is frequently used for:

• Community meetings and clubs
• Private rentals, such as small celebrations, showers, or youth events
• Local events organized through Forsyth County Parks & Recreation

If you’re in Atlanta and want to reserve space here, you’ll likely go through Forsyth County’s recreation system, not an Atlanta city office.

Helpful Info for Planning a Visit from Atlanta

Because you’re coming from the Atlanta area, a little planning can save time and frustration.

Getting There

From most parts of Atlanta, your route to Old Atlanta Recreation Center (810 Nichols Rd, Suwanee, GA 30024) will generally involve:

• Taking GA-400 North or I-85 North
• Connecting via local roads through Johns Creek or Suwanee
• Turning onto Old Atlanta Road, then Nichols Road

Traffic can be heavy during weekday rush hours and weekend midday, so expect:

• ~35–45 minutes from Buckhead / Midtown in light traffic
• Up to an hour during peak times

What to Bring

For most families and visitors:

• For the splash pad:

  • Swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, water shoes
  • A change of clothes for kids
  • Small bag for wet items

• For general park use:

  • Water bottles and snacks
  • Hats and sun protection
  • Simple picnic supplies if you plan to stay a while

• For indoor programs:

  • Program confirmation details
  • Any required equipment (for example, for certain youth classes)
  • ID and payment method if needed for drop-in fees or registrations

Old Atlanta Rec Center vs. Rec Centers in the City of Atlanta

If you live inside the city limits or don’t want to drive far, you may want to compare Old Atlanta with facilities run by City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation or nearby counties.

How They Differ

If You Prefer to Stay Inside Atlanta

Within the City of Atlanta, you’ll find many long-standing recreation centers, including:

• MLK Jr. Recreation & Aquatic Center
  110 Hilliard St SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  – Indoor pool, gym, and community programs

• Rosel Fann Recreation Center
  365 Cleveland Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30354
  – Youth activities, sports, and community events

• Adamsville Recreation Center
  3201 Martin Luther King Jr Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30311
  – Fitness, sports, and neighborhood programming

These are usually more convenient for daily use if you live in the city and don’t need a destination-style splash pad.

How to Check Hours, Programs, and Fees

Because hours and programming can change, especially seasonally:

For Old Atlanta Rec Center (Forsyth County)

• Look up Forsyth County Parks & Recreation – Old Atlanta Recreation Center
• Confirm:
  • Facility hours
  • Splash pad season and hours
  • Program schedules (classes, camps, events)
  • Rental rules and rates

When calling or emailing, it helps to mention you’re coming from the Atlanta area and specify whether you’re interested in park use, splash pad access, or indoor facility programs.

For City of Atlanta Recreation Centers

If you realize Old Atlanta is too far and want something closer:

• Search for “Atlanta Parks and Recreation centers” plus your neighborhood (for example, “Grant Park recreation center Atlanta”)
• Check:
  • Membership or drop-in requirements
  • Registration process for youth sports or camps
  • Whether non-residents pay different fees, if you live just outside city limits

Is Old Atlanta Rec Center Worth the Trip from Atlanta?

Many Atlanta-area families and visitors find it worthwhile when:

• They want a large, family-friendly splash pad and playground in one spot
• They live on the north side of the metro and it’s relatively close
• Their child is enrolled in a specific Forsyth County program or camp

If you’re in central or south Atlanta and just need general recreation, sports, or indoor facilities, you may find a closer city or county recreation center more practical.

If you’re planning a day trip, though—especially with younger kids—the combination of the Old Atlanta Recreation Center plus Old Atlanta Park and splash pad can make for a fun outing just outside the Atlanta city core.