Washington Park in Atlanta: A Local’s Guide to This Historic Westside Gem
Washington Park is one of Atlanta’s most historic neighborhoods and public parks, tucked on the city’s Westside just a few minutes from Downtown. If you’re looking for a spot that blends green space, sports facilities, and deep local history, Washington Park is worth a closer look.
Where Washington Park Is and How to Get There
Washington Park (the park itself) is located in Westside Atlanta, generally centered around:
Washington Park
102 Ollie Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
It sits between Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW and Martin Luther King Jr. Dr NW, near the Ashby MARTA Station on the Blue/Green line.
Getting There
🚆 By MARTA:
- Take the Blue or Green Line to Ashby Station.
- The park is roughly a 5–10 minute walk from the station, depending on which entrance you use.
🚗 By Car:
- From Downtown, head west via Joseph E. Boone Blvd NW or Martin Luther King Jr. Dr NW.
- Street parking is common around the park, especially along Ollie St NW and nearby residential streets. Always check local parking signs.
🚲/🚶 By Trail:
- Washington Park is directly connected to the Westside BeltLine Trail (Westside Trail – North segment), making it easy to access via bike or on foot from nearby neighborhoods like Vine City, English Avenue, or Bankhead.
Why Washington Park Matters in Atlanta
Washington Park is significant for a few reasons:
- It is recognized as Atlanta’s first public park for African Americans, opened in the early 20th century.
- The surrounding Washington Park neighborhood is part of the city’s historic fabric, closely tied to the development of Atlanta University Center communities and Westside neighborhoods.
- The area is a focal point for Westside revitalization, with trail connections, community programming, and investment in recreation facilities.
For residents and visitors, that history shows up in the layout of the park, its mature trees, long-standing facilities, and the community culture you’ll notice at ball games, swim meets, and neighborhood events.
What You’ll Find Inside Washington Park
Washington Park is a multi-purpose recreation area rather than a single-purpose green space. You can expect:
1. Open Green Space & Walking Areas
- Grassy fields suitable for casual picnics, tossing a ball, or relaxing in the shade.
- Walking paths that connect different sections of the park and link to surrounding streets and the BeltLine.
- Mature oak and other shade trees, offering a cooler retreat during Atlanta’s hot months.
This makes Washington Park a good option if you’re on the Westside and want a quick outdoor break without heading all the way to larger destinations like Piedmont Park.
2. Sports and Recreation Facilities
Washington Park is designed for active use, especially for families and community sports.
Common facilities include:
- Tennis courts – popular for casual play and community programs.
- Basketball courts – often active in the afternoons and on weekends.
- Baseball/softball fields or multipurpose fields – used for youth leagues and pick-up games.
- Playground areas – typically geared toward younger children, with slides and climbing structures.
Facility availability can shift as the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation performs upgrades, so it’s smart to verify specifics if you’re planning something structured, like a league or tournament.
Washington Park Tennis Center
One of the most notable features is the Washington Park Tennis Center, a long-standing tennis hub on Atlanta’s Westside.
Washington Park Tennis Center
102 Ollie Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: (404) 658-1436 (through City of Atlanta Parks & Recreation/Tennis program offices)
What to Know About the Tennis Center
- Offers outdoor courts used for open play, lessons, and community programs.
- Often participates in city tennis initiatives, youth instruction, and league play.
- Patrons may need to reserve courts or follow posted usage rules, especially during peak times.
If you’re an Atlanta resident looking for affordable, neighborhood-based tennis, Washington Park is one of the more historically significant options in the city.
Washington Park Natatorium (Indoor Pool)
Right next to the park is the Washington Park Natatorium, an indoor swimming facility managed by the City of Atlanta.
Washington Park Natatorium
102 Ollie Street NW
Atlanta, GA 30314
Phone: (404) 658-1436 (or the general City of Atlanta aquatics line, depending on routing)
Typical Features
- Indoor pool suitable for:
- Lap swimming
- Water exercise
- Swim lessons and youth programs
- Locker rooms and showers, subject to city facility hours and access rules.
City-run natatoriums often have seasonal schedules, holiday closures, and specific hours for open swim, family swim, and lap swim. It’s a good idea to call ahead or check posted information at the facility for current details.
Connecting to the Atlanta BeltLine and Westside
Washington Park is strategically placed for exploring the Westside BeltLine Trail and adjacent neighborhoods.
BeltLine Access
- The park lies along the Westside BeltLine corridor, which provides:
- A paved multi-use path for walking, running, and biking.
- Direct connections to nearby residential streets and community spaces.
- A link in the longer-term BeltLine loop around the city.
This makes Washington Park a strong option if you want to:
- Start a run or bike ride on the BeltLine from the Westside.
- Combine a playground or park visit with a neighborhood walk.
- Explore historic areas like Vine City, Ashview Heights, and the broader Westside redevelopment zone.
Typical Activities at Washington Park
People use Washington Park for a wide range of everyday purposes:
- Family outings – playground use, picnics, and casual sports.
- Exercise – jogging on paths, fitness routines on open lawns, or using the courts and fields.
- Tennis and swimming – thanks to the Tennis Center and Natatorium.
- Community sports – youth teams, informal games, and neighborhood gatherings.
- Quiet time outdoors – reading on a bench, walking the dog (where allowed), or just getting some fresh air close to home.
If you live nearby, it’s a convenient, neighborhood-scale park; if you’re visiting Atlanta and staying Downtown or near the Mercedes-Benz Stadium area, it’s an easy Westside stop to see a different side of the city.
Practical Information: Hours, Rules, and Amenities
Because Washington Park is part of the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation system, it generally follows the city’s standard park guidelines.
Typical Park Details (Subject to Change)
| Topic | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Park Hours | Often sunrise to sunset for general outdoor areas. |
| Facilities Hours | Tennis Center and Natatorium have separate, posted schedules. |
| Restrooms | Usually available near key facilities; may be locked outside staffed hours. |
| Parking | Mainly street parking around the park; always observe posted signs. |
| Pets | Leashed pets generally allowed on grounds, but not on courts, fields, or pool. |
| Alcohol/Grilling | Subject to city rules; permits may be required for certain activities. |
For events like family reunions, team practices, or community gatherings, you may need to:
- Request field or facility reservations through the City of Atlanta Parks and Recreation office.
- Check whether permits are needed for amplified sound, organized sports, or large groups.
Washington Park as a Neighborhood Anchor
Beyond the park itself, the Washington Park neighborhood surrounding it is an important part of how Westside Atlanta developed.
Local Context
- The area is near the Atlanta University Center (Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Spelman College).
- It has historically been a center of Black culture and community life in the city.
- You’ll see a mix of:
- Long-term residents
- New investment and renovation
- Proximity to larger redevelopment efforts around the BeltLine and Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For someone new to Atlanta or visiting from out of town, walking or biking through Washington Park and nearby streets can give a ground-level view of Westside history and current changes.
Who Washington Park Is Best For
Washington Park can be a good fit if you:
- Live in Westside neighborhoods and want an everyday park with courts, fields, and a pool.
- Are a tennis player or swimmer looking for city-run facilities.
- Want to explore the BeltLine’s Westside segment without the heavier crowds of more central sections.
- Are interested in Atlanta history, particularly the development of Black neighborhoods and recreation spaces.
- Need a family-friendly destination not far from Downtown, Vine City, or Bankhead.
Helpful Contacts and Next Steps
If you’re planning a visit, event, or regular use of Washington Park’s facilities, these contacts are useful starting points:
City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation
- Main line (information, reservations, and program details): (404) 546-6813 (central parks and rec contact, routing may vary).
Washington Park Tennis Center & Natatorium
- Address: 102 Ollie Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30314
- Phone (programming and hours, typically managed by city staff): (404) 658-1436
When you call, you can ask about:
- Current hours of operation for the Tennis Center and Natatorium
- Court reservations, lessons, or league play
- Swim schedules, including open swim and lessons
- Requirements for field or shelter reservations for group events
Washington Park offers a blend of history, recreation, and community that’s distinctively Westside Atlanta. If you’re trying to understand how parks fit into city life here—or just want a new place to get outside—it’s one of the key spots to know.
