Chosewood Park in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to the Neighborhood Park and Greenway
Chosewood Park is a hidden-gem neighborhood park on Atlanta’s south side, sitting in the historic Chosewood Park community just a few minutes from Downtown. For locals, it’s a go-to spot for everyday recreation; for visitors, it offers a quieter, more residential snapshot of Atlanta life, plus direct access to the Southside Atlanta BeltLine Trail.
Whether you’re looking for a place to walk the dog, let kids play, shoot hoops, or connect your run to the BeltLine, here’s what to know about Chosewood Park in Atlanta, GA.
Where Chosewood Park Is and How to Get There
Location:
Chosewood Park
Address: 401 McDonough Blvd SE, Atlanta, GA 30315
The park sits in the Chosewood Park neighborhood, just southeast of Grant Park and roughly a 10-minute drive from Downtown (traffic depending).
Getting There by Car
- From Downtown Atlanta:
Take I-75/85 south, exit at Fulton St or Boulevard SE, then head east/southeast toward McDonough Blvd SE and follow signs/GPS to the park. - From Grant Park / Zoo Atlanta:
Head south on Boulevard SE, turn left onto McDonough Blvd SE.
Street parking is usually available along the park perimeter and nearby residential streets; obey any posted signs and avoid blocking driveways.
Getting There Without a Car
Public transit options can change, but in general:
- Bus: Routes that run along Boulevard SE, McDonough Blvd SE, or nearby corridors may place you within walking distance.
- BeltLine / On Foot / Bike: The neighborhood connects to the Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail, so experienced cyclists and walkers often combine a BeltLine trip with a stop at Chosewood Park.
For door-to-door directions, check the latest MARTA bus and rail routes and the current BeltLine trail map.
What You’ll Find at Chosewood Park
Chosewood Park is a community-focused, multi-use park. While it’s smaller and quieter than destination parks like Piedmont Park or Grant Park, it covers the core amenities many Atlanta residents look for in a neighborhood green space.
Core Amenities
Amenities can be updated over time, but park visitors commonly find:
- Open green space for casual play, picnics, or relaxing
- Playground equipment suited for younger children
- Basketball courts for pickup games
- Walking paths around and through the park
- Baseball/softball field or multi-use field (varies by season and maintenance)
- Benches and shade trees, especially useful in Atlanta’s summer heat
Because this is a neighborhood park, you won’t see large-scale attractions, but you will see everyday use by local families, dog walkers, and joggers.
Quick Snapshot: Is Chosewood Park Right for You?
| Need / Interest | How Chosewood Park Fits |
|---|---|
| Kid-friendly playground | ✅ Yes – neighborhood-scale equipment |
| Quiet, residential vibe | ✅ Yes – mostly locals, less tourist traffic |
| Sports (basketball, field play) | ✅ Yes – basketball courts and open fields |
| Scenic, “iconic Atlanta” views | ⚪ Limited – more local than landmark |
| BeltLine and trail connection | ✅ Yes – near BeltLine Southside corridor |
| Large events or festivals | ⚪ Not typically – more suited to small gatherings |
Chosewood Park and the Atlanta BeltLine
One of the most interesting features of the Chosewood Park area is its relationship to the Atlanta BeltLine, particularly the Southside Trail and the emerging Southside Industrial Corridor.
Why This Matters if You Live or Stay Nearby
- The Chosewood Park neighborhood is positioned along a transitioning industrial area that’s being converted into greenway and trail space.
- This gives residents and visitors easier non-car access to other parts of Atlanta, including connections toward Grant Park, Ormewood Park, and eventually Westside and Eastside BeltLine segments.
- Runners, cyclists, and walkers can often combine:
- A loop in Chosewood Park
- Plus a segment on the BeltLine Southside Trail
- For a longer workout without having to drive to a major park.
Because BeltLine segments open in phases, it’s a good idea to look up the current status of the Southside Trail before planning a longer outing.
What It’s Like to Visit Chosewood Park
Atmosphere and Crowd
Chosewood Park feels distinctly local and residential:
- Expect neighbors walking dogs, kids on the playground, and informal sports games, especially during late afternoons and weekends.
- Weekdays, especially mornings, are often quieter and better for a peaceful walk or solo workout.
- Compared to higher-profile parks, you’re less likely to encounter large tour groups or major events.
This makes Chosewood Park appealing if you:
- Prefer a park that feels like a neighborhood backyard
- Are looking for a place to unwind away from the city’s busier hotspots
- Want to see a part of Atlanta that’s in the middle of growth and reinvestment
Safety and Practical Considerations
Like any in-town park:
- Go during daylight hours when possible.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and keep valuables minimal and out of sight.
- Stay on established paths and in active, visible areas.
- If you’re unfamiliar with the area at night, many locals prefer to keep visits to daytime or early evening.
For emergencies in or around the park, dial 911.
For general questions or non-emergency police matters in Atlanta:
Atlanta Police Department Non-Emergency: 404-658-6666
Activities to Enjoy at Chosewood Park
For Families and Kids
Chosewood Park’s size and layout work well for short, manageable outings with children:
- Playground time for younger kids
- Open grass for tag, frisbee, or kicking a soccer ball
- Short walks that don’t feel overwhelming for small children
Parents often appreciate that the park is not overly crowded, which can make it easier to keep an eye on kids.
For Runners, Walkers, and Cyclists
If you live nearby or are staying in an Airbnb or short-term rental around Chosewood Park:
- Use the park for warm-ups, cool-downs, and bodyweight workouts.
- Combine the park with nearby streets or the BeltLine Southside corridor for:
- 2–5 mile running loops
- Urban walks that mix residential streets, small businesses, and green space
Just remember:
- Atlanta’s summers are hot and humid—early morning or late evening is usually most comfortable.
- Bring water, especially if you don’t know where the nearest fountain or shop is.
For Casual Sports and Pick-Up Games
The basketball courts and field space make Chosewood Park a small but useful hub for:
- Pickup basketball
- Small-group soccer or football practice
- Casual throwing and catching
If you’re organizing a larger group event (like a league or tournament), you may need to coordinate with City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation for permits, just as you would at other city parks.
Park Management and Contacts
Chosewood Park is part of the City of Atlanta public park system.
For general questions about parks, programming, or permits:
City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
Headquarters: 233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
Main Phone: 404-546-6813
You can contact the department to ask about:
- Park hours and maintenance issues
- Reservations or permits for organized events
- Recreation programs that might include or affect Chosewood Park
Because park hours or rules can be updated, checking with the city is helpful if you’re planning anything beyond a simple visit.
Living Near Chosewood Park: What Locals Care About
If you’re considering moving to Atlanta or relocating within the city, the Chosewood Park area may catch your eye because:
- It offers proximity to Downtown and Midtown without being in the middle of the highest-price zones.
- It’s close to Grant Park, Zoo Atlanta, and the BeltLine, which many residents value for daily quality of life.
- The neighborhood is in a period of transition and reinvestment, with new construction and renovated homes appearing alongside older housing.
From a lifestyle perspective:
- The park functions as a community anchor, giving residents:
- A nearby spot for morning or evening walks
- A free place for kids to play outside
- A central, familiar green space for neighbors to meet
If you’re visiting Atlanta and exploring potential neighborhoods to live in, a quick walk through both Chosewood Park and the surrounding streets can give you a better feel for the area than just driving by.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
A few simple pointers to enjoy Chosewood Park as an Atlantan or visitor:
- ☀️ Time your visit: Early mornings and late afternoons are usually more comfortable, especially in summer.
- 🥤 Bring your own water and snacks: Amenities can be more basic than at larger destination parks.
- 🚶 Explore beyond the park boundary: Walk a few blocks to get a sense of the Chosewood Park neighborhood and its connection to nearby areas.
- 📸 Think “local,” not “landmark”: This is more about everyday Atlanta life than postcard views.
- 🐶 Be a good neighbor: If you bring a dog, use a leash where required and clean up after your pet to keep the park pleasant for everyone.
Chosewood Park may not be the most famous green space in Atlanta, but for those who live on the south side—or anyone curious about how the city is growing around the BeltLine—it’s an important and useful neighborhood park. Whether you’re in town for a few days or putting down roots, it offers a quieter, more residential way to experience Atlanta’s southside neighborhoods.