Exploring Atlanta’s Westside Park: What Locals and Visitors Need to Know

Atlanta’s Westside Park is one of the city’s newest and largest green spaces, transforming former industrial land into a major outdoor destination. If you live in Atlanta or are visiting the city, it’s quickly becoming a go-to spot for walking, jogging, family outings, and skyline views.

This guide walks through what Westside Park offers, how to get there, when to go, and what to expect once you arrive.

Where Westside Park Is and How It Fits Into Atlanta

Westside Park is located in northwest Atlanta, not far from Bankhead, Grove Park, and the Westside BeltLine areas.

• Address (main entrance):
  1660 Johnson Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30318

The park sits around the converted Bellwood Quarry, now a massive reservoir that plays a key role in Atlanta’s drinking water supply. Because of this, you get impressive quarry and water views that feel very different from other city parks.

For anyone trying to understand Atlanta’s park system, Westside Park is important because:

• It’s one of the largest parks in the city by acreage.
• It’s designed as a major connector to future and existing sections of the Atlanta BeltLine.
• It serves nearby neighborhoods that historically had less access to large green spaces.

Getting to Westside Park

Driving and Parking

Most visitors currently reach Westside Park by car.

• Main vehicular entrance:
  Off Johnson Rd NW, near the posted address.
• Parking is in designated lots inside the park.
• There is no parking along neighborhood streets immediately surrounding the park; enforcement can be strict in nearby residential areas.

Tip: On sunny weekends and evenings, lots can fill quickly. Arrive earlier in the day if you prefer a quieter visit or easier parking.

MARTA and Transit Options

Westside Park does not yet have a rail station at its doorstep, but there are MARTA bus routes that run in the general area. Because routes and schedules can change, it’s best to:

• Check current MARTA bus routes that serve Johnson Rd NW, Bankhead, or Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy.
• Plan for a short walk from the nearest stop into the park, and factor in hills—some paths into and around the park are moderately steep.

Walking and Biking Access

As more BeltLine segments are built out, pedestrian and bike connectivity to Westside Park is expected to improve.

For now:

• Local residents in Grove Park, Howell Station, and surrounding neighborhoods can walk in via the main entrance.
• Cyclists often reach the area using local streets from the Westside BeltLine Connector or Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy, then secure bikes near parking areas or walk them along paths where riding may be discouraged.

If you’re biking from other neighborhoods (like Midtown, West Midtown, or Downtown), map your route carefully to avoid heavy-traffic corridors when possible.

Park Hours, Rules, and Safety Basics

Typical Hours

Westside Park generally follows standard Atlanta park hours:

• Open: Around sunrise
• Close: Around sunset

Hours can change seasonally, and gates usually close at or just after dark. If you’re planning a late-afternoon or evening visit, keep an eye on the sunset time so you’re not rushed out.

Common Park Rules to Expect

As part of the City of Atlanta park system, Westside Park is subject to citywide rules. These commonly include:

• No swimming in the reservoir or quarry area.
• No unauthorized vehicles beyond designated parking.
• Dogs must be on a leash, and owners must pick up after pets.
• No open fires or grills outside designated areas.
• Alcohol restrictions typically apply; assume public drinking is not allowed unless clearly posted for an event.

Look for posted signs at the entrance and near the reservoir overlook for the most current rules.

Safety Tips

Westside Park is designed as a family-friendly public space, with wide paths and good sightlines, but as with any urban park:

• Visit with a friend or group when possible, especially near dusk.
• Keep valuables out of sight in your car.
• Stay on marked paths and away from any fenced-off areas near the reservoir and quarry.
• Bring water and sun protection in warmer months—many paths are exposed, and Atlanta heat and humidity can be intense.

For emergencies in the park, call 911. For non-emergency park issues, Atlantans often contact the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation department or use local non-emergency lines.

What You’ll Find Inside Westside Park

Trails and Walking Paths

One of the main draws of Westside Park is its network of paved and unpaved multiuse paths.

You can expect:

• Paved walking and jogging loops suitable for strollers and wheelchairs on many sections.
• Rolling hills and some steeper segments, especially around the quarry overlooks.
• Routes that work well for:
  • Short, casual walks
  • Jogging or interval runs
  • Weekend strolls with kids or visitors

While it’s less wooded than some older parks, you’ll find mixes of open fields, tree plantings, and landscaped areas that will mature over time.

Overlooks and Reservoir Views

The centerpiece of Westside Park is the converted Bellwood Quarry, now a deep blue reservoir surrounded by steep rock faces. Access to the water is restricted, but the viewpoints and overlooks are a highlight:

• Elevated platforms with dramatic views of the quarry and reservoir.
• On clear days, downtown and Midtown Atlanta skyline views in the distance.
• Plenty of photo opportunities without needing to hike far.

These areas can get busy during sunset hours, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter visit.

Open Lawns and Gathering Spaces

Westside Park includes large lawns and open areas suited for:

• Picnics (bring blankets; fixed tables may be limited)
• Throwing a frisbee or soft ball
• Informal meetups or small group workouts

These areas offer a more relaxed version of park use compared to Piedmont Park’s busier feel, though popularity is growing.

Family-Friendly Features

Visiting With Kids

Westside Park is often used by families from Northwest Atlanta and beyond for:

• Short walks and stroller-friendly routes
• Exploring different paths and overlooks
• Simple outdoor playtime on lawns

At this stage, the park may feel more like a large scenic walking park than a traditional playground-heavy park, so if your kids expect playground equipment, consider pairing the trip with another nearby park or planning more exploratory walking.

Accessibility Considerations

Westside Park was built recently, which means many areas were designed with accessibility in mind:

• Paved paths to major overlooks and key areas
• Gentle slopes on some routes, though there are steeper portions that may be challenging for some visitors
• Seating at intervals along certain main paths

If accessibility is a priority, enter via the main gate, follow primary paved paths, and avoid smaller side trails with more elevation change.

Dogs and Westside Park

Many Atlantans bring their dogs to Westside Park for exercise.

Key points:

• Dogs must remain on leash.
• Expect to share paths with runners, kids, and other dogs, so good leash control is important.
• Bring waste bags; stations may be present but are not guaranteed to be stocked at all times.

Currently, Westside Park is not known for having a large, dedicated off-leash dog park like some other Atlanta parks, so if you want fenced, off-leash play, you may need to combine your trip with another dog park in the city.

Westside Park vs. Other Atlanta Parks

If you already know Piedmont Park, Grant Park, or Chastain Park, it helps to understand how Westside Park feels different.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Westside Park is especially appealing if you:

• Live on the Westside and want a large, close-by green space.
• Have already seen the BeltLine and Piedmont and want something less touristy but still impressive.
• Enjoy urban landscapes that still feel in transition and growing.

Events, Crowds, and When to Visit

Typical Crowd Patterns

Based on common use patterns at Atlanta parks:

• Weekday mornings: Often the quietest; good for walks, runs, or remote workers taking a break.
• Late afternoons and weekends: More families, couples, and groups; more cars in the lots.
• Evenings near sunset: Popular for skyline and reservoir views.

If you want solitude, try earlier in the day on weekdays. If you enjoy a more social atmosphere, weekend afternoons can be energizing without being overwhelming (at least for now).

Organized Events

As a newer major park, Westside Park may increasingly host:

• Community events
• Fitness classes or meetups
• Occasional city gatherings or neighborhood celebrations

Event schedules can change, so if you’re planning a quiet walk, it can help to check for large events posted by City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation or local neighborhood associations before heading over.

Practical Tips for Your Visit

A few essentials for Atlanta-specific conditions and this particular park:

• Hydration: Summers in Atlanta are hot and humid; carry water, especially if you plan to walk hills.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for paved walks with some incline.
• Sun + Shade: Some areas lack mature tree cover; bring a hat, sunscreen, or light layers.
• Photos: The reservoir overlook and skyline angles are prime spots if you’re hosting visitors or documenting your trip.
• Time of day: For cooler temperatures and calmer crowds, aim for early mornings in summer and shoulder seasons.

Who Manages Westside Park and Where to Ask Questions

Westside Park is part of the City of Atlanta park system.

For park-related questions, lost items, or concerns, Atlantans typically start with:

• City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
  Commonly reached through the main City of Atlanta information line or through the parks office listing.
• For urgent safety issues, always use 911.
• For non-urgent quality-of-life concerns around the park area (like lighting, general maintenance, or nearby public right-of-way issues), residents sometimes contact Atlanta 311 (the city’s non-emergency service and information line).

Checking official city sources helps confirm:

• Any updated hours or temporary closures
• Amenity changes (new trails, restrooms, or features)
• Event announcements that might affect parking or crowds

Westside Park is quickly becoming a defining outdoor space for Atlanta’s Westside—offering big views, meaningful infrastructure, and room to grow. Whether you’re a nearby resident, a BeltLine regular branching out, or a visitor looking for something beyond the usual Midtown stops, it’s well worth putting on your Atlanta list.