Exploring North Atlanta Memorial Park: A Local’s Guide to One of Atlanta’s Quietest Green Spaces

North Atlanta Memorial Park is a large, shaded neighborhood park in Buckhead that follows the banks of Nancy Creek and sits next to Bobby Jones Golf Course. For Atlantans, it’s one of those places that feels tucked away from the city while still being just off busy Peachtree and Northside Drive.

If you live in Atlanta, are visiting, or are just trying to understand how this park fits into the city’s green space network, this guide walks through what to expect, how to get there, and how locals actually use the park day‑to‑day.

Where North Atlanta Memorial Park Is and How It Fits Into the City

Location:
North Atlanta Memorial Park is generally centered around:
3840 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
(near the intersection of Northside Dr NW and West Wesley Rd NW)

It sits in northwest Atlanta, in the Buckhead area, straddling Nancy Creek. The park runs alongside and around:

• Bobby Jones Golf Course
• Atlanta Memorial Park (often used interchangeably in local conversation)
• The neighborhoods of Collier Hills, Memorial Park, and Brandon

Locals often just refer to the entire area as Atlanta Memorial Park, even though maps sometimes label sections as North Atlanta Memorial Park. If you’re navigating, it can help to search for both names or look for the Bobby Jones Golf Course and then explore the surrounding park.

Park Features at a Glance

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in and around North Atlanta Memorial Park:

This park feels more like a neighborhood retreat than a big, built‑out destination like Piedmont Park. People come here to walk, jog, walk their dogs, or just get some quiet time near the creek.

Getting to North Atlanta Memorial Park

Driving and Parking

From within Atlanta, common driving routes include:

• From Midtown/Downtown:
  Take I‑75 North, exit at Moore’s Mill Rd or Howell Mill Rd, then cut across to Northside Dr NW heading north.
• From Buckhead (Peachtree Road area):
  Head west on West Wesley Rd NW until it intersects with Northside Dr NW.

Parking tips:

• Street parking is available along nearby residential streets, but always obey posted signs and be mindful of driveways and fire hydrants.
• Additional parking can sometimes be found near:
  • Bobby Jones Golf Course
    384 Woodward Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  • Bitsy Grant Tennis Center
    2125 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305

On busy weekends or golf/tennis event days, parking can fill up quickly, so building in extra time helps.

Public Transit and Walking Access

For those relying on MARTA:

• The park is not directly on a rail line, but you can use buses that run along Northside Dr NW or nearby corridors.
• A common approach is to:
  • Take MARTA rail to Arts Center Station or Lindbergh Center Station
  • Transfer to a Northside Dr or nearby bus route
  • Walk from the nearest stop (expect a moderate walk in some cases)

Because routes and schedules change, it’s best to check MARTA’s current maps and trip planner before heading out.

If you live in nearby Buckhead or Collier Hills, the park is very walkable or bikeable via neighborhood streets and side paths.

What You Can Do at North Atlanta Memorial Park

1. Walking, Jogging, and Everyday Exercise

The park is ideal if you’re looking for a low-stress place to move without crowds.

Common routines locals use:

• Short loop walks along the creek and nearby roads
• Jogging routes that connect:
  • North Atlanta Memorial Park
  • The Memorial Park neighborhood streets
  • Pathways near Bobby Jones Golf Course

The terrain is relatively gentle, making it a comfortable option for:

• Light jogging
• Brisk walking
• Family strolls with strollers

👟 Tip: After heavy rain, some low areas near Nancy Creek can become muddy or hold standing water. Wear shoes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty if you’re heading close to the banks.

2. Relaxing, Reading, and Quiet Time Outdoors

North Atlanta Memorial Park is often quieter than Atlanta’s larger destination parks, so it works well if you want:

• A calm spot to read or work through ideas
• A shady place to sit under mature trees
• A less crowded green space than Piedmont Park or the BeltLine

Residents in nearby neighborhoods frequently treat it as their “backyard park,” bringing a blanket or portable chair and settling into the grass for an hour or two.

3. Dog Walking and Pet-Friendly Use

You’ll see a steady flow of dog walkers, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Important points:

• This is a leash-only area. Atlanta’s leash laws apply, and there is no designated off‑leash dog park in North Atlanta Memorial Park itself.
• Always clean up after your dog; trash cans are typically available, but it’s wise to bring your own bags.

If you want a dedicated off‑leash dog park, you may consider:

• Piedmont Park Dog Parks (Midtown)
• Brook Run Park Dog Park (Dunwoody, just outside the city)

But for a mellow, shaded leashed walk close to Buckhead, North Atlanta Memorial Park is a convenient option.

4. Golf and Tennis Next Door

While not technically inside North Atlanta Memorial Park, two major recreational facilities sit right beside it and are part of how many Atlantans think about this area:

• Bobby Jones Golf Course
  384 Woodward Way NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  A public golf facility with reversible nine-hole routing, practice areas, and a clubhouse. It’s a go‑to spot for city golfers who want easy access without leaving town.

• Bitsy Grant Tennis Center
  2125 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305
  A well-known public tennis facility with multiple courts and a long local history.

Many people combine a walk in the park with time at one of these facilities or use the park paths for a warm‑up and cool‑down before or after tee times or matches.

Nature, Flooding, and Seasonal Things to Know

Nancy Creek and Flood-Prone Areas

North Atlanta Memorial Park sits in a creek corridor, and parts of it are known to flood during heavy rains. Locals are familiar with seeing:

• Saturated ground or standing water in low-lying areas
• Temporary closures or soggy turf after big storms

This layout is intentional in many creekside parks; they serve as floodplains, helping manage water flow and protect nearby homes and infrastructure.

If you’re planning a visit:

• Check recent weather: if there’s been strong rain, expect muddy or wet sections.
• Stay clear of fast-moving water and avoid walking through flooded areas.

Trees, Wildlife, and Atmosphere

Expect:

• Lots of shade from mature hardwoods
• Common urban wildlife like birds, squirrels, and the occasional deer in quieter sections
• A more natural, less manicured feel than some formal city parks

It’s a good spot if you want a touch of nature without driving to a state park or the Chattahoochee River trails.

Safety and Etiquette in the Park

As with any park in a major city, being aware of your surroundings and following standard etiquette goes a long way.

Basic safety habits:

• Visit during daylight hours when possible.
• If walking alone, stick to visible paths and areas with regular foot traffic.
• Keep valuables out of sight in your car and make sure it’s locked.

Park etiquette:

• Leash and control your dog at all times.
• Pack out or dispose of your trash properly.
• Respect nearby residential areas when you park or walk through neighborhood streets.

For issues like downed trees, broken infrastructure, or other maintenance concerns, residents often contact Atlanta Parks and Recreation or use the City of Atlanta’s general services line:

• City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation (Administrative Offices)
  233 Peachtree St NE, Suite 1700, Atlanta, GA 30303
  Main phone (City information): (404) 330‑6000

How North Atlanta Memorial Park Compares to Other Atlanta Parks

North Atlanta Memorial Park fills a specific niche in Atlanta’s park system:

• Compared with Piedmont Park:
  Less developed, fewer amenities, but much quieter and more residential.
• Compared with Chastain Park:
  Smaller and calmer, with fewer sports complexes and event venues.
• Compared with BeltLine segments:
  Fewer crowds, limited retail or dining nearby, more of a pure green space than a social corridor.

If you’re choosing where to go:

• Pick North Atlanta Memorial Park when you want:
  • Low-key walks or jogs
  • Shaded dog walks on leash
  • A quiet, neighborhood feel
• Pick a larger park (Piedmont, Chastain, Grant Park) when you want:
  • Playgrounds, festivals, or big open lawns
  • Restaurants, markets, or major events

Practical Tips Before You Go

A few quick, local-style pointers:

• 🕒 Best times:
  Mornings and late afternoons are popular; midday in summer can be hot despite the shade.
• 💧 Bring water:
  Don’t count on easily accessible water fountains in all sections; carry your own bottle.
• 👶 With kids:
  Check nearby playground options in the broader Memorial Park and Buckhead area if you want more structured play equipment.
• 🚴 Cycling:
  Light, casual biking is common on surrounding streets and some paths, but this is not a major bike corridor like the BeltLine.
• 📸 Photos:
  Creek overlooks and tree-lined paths make good backdrops for low-key photography or family snapshots.

North Atlanta Memorial Park gives Atlanta residents and visitors a calm, green escape in the middle of Buckhead’s busy corridors. If you’re looking for a place to walk, think, or unwind without the bustle of Atlanta’s more famous parks, this quiet stretch along Nancy Creek is one of the city’s most dependable neighborhood refuges.