Frankie Allen Park in Atlanta: Tennis, Trails, and Quiet Green Space in Buckhead

Frankie Allen Park is a neighborhood park in Buckhead that locals know best for its tennis courts, baseball fields, and shady walking paths. If you live in Atlanta or you’re visiting and want a low-key place to play, walk, or let kids burn off energy, this park is a practical, centrally located option.

Where Frankie Allen Park Is and How to Get There

Location:
Frankie Allen Park
445 Pharr Road NE
Atlanta, GA 30305

The park sits in Buckhead, tucked between Pharr Road NE, Bagley Street NE, and residential streets off Peachtree Road. It’s surrounded by condos, apartments, and single-family homes, so it feels like a neighborhood park rather than a big regional destination.

Getting there by car

• Close to Peachtree Road NE, Piedmont Road NE, and Roswell Road NE, depending on where you’re coming from.
• From Midtown, many people come up Peachtree Street/Peachtree Road and turn onto Pharr Road.
• Street parking is the main option; it can get tight at popular times, especially near the tennis courts and ball fields.

Transit and rideshare

• Several MARTA bus routes run along Peachtree Road in Buckhead; from there it’s a short walk into the neighborhood to reach the park.
• Rideshare drop-off along Pharr Road NE is common; just be mindful of residential driveways and posted parking restrictions.

What to Expect at Frankie Allen Park

Frankie Allen Park is not a huge destination like Piedmont Park, but it offers a good mix of active and quiet spaces:

• Multiple tennis courts
• Baseball/softball fields
• Open grassy areas
• Wooded walking paths and small hills
• Benches and casual seating areas

The park has a somewhat split personality:

• The upper areas near the courts and fields are busier and more structured.
• The lower, wooded areas feel quieter and more natural, with shady spots for walking or sitting.

It’s a popular spot for Buckhead residents, local leagues, dog walkers, and people looking for a smaller, less touristy park than some of the city’s larger greenspaces.

Tennis at Frankie Allen Park

For many Atlantans, tennis is the main draw at Frankie Allen Park.

Courts and general use

• Multiple outdoor hard courts
• Primarily used for recreational play and league matches
• Courts are uncovered and exposed to the weather, so early mornings and evenings are usually more comfortable in summer

Tennis players in Atlanta often rotate between parks like Frankie Allen, Bitsy Grant Tennis Center, and Chastain Park. Frankie Allen tends to be more low-key than a full tennis center, but it still gets heavy use at peak times.

League and organized play

The courts are frequently used by:

• ALTA teams (Atlanta Lawn Tennis Association)
• USTA teams and other community tennis groups
• Informal neighborhood and friend groups

If you’re interested in joining a league team that plays at Frankie Allen Park:

• Many players join through neighborhood associations, condo complexes, or local tennis groups that adopt these courts as their “home” location.
• You’ll often see posted schedules or reserved times when league matches take priority.

Tips for tennis players 🎾

• Check for league play: Late weekday afternoons and weekends can be busy with organized matches.
• Bring your own gear: There’s no pro shop or rental desk; it’s a public park, not a dedicated tennis facility.
• Plan around heat and storms: Summer afternoons in Atlanta can be hot, humid, and stormy; morning or evening play is usually more comfortable.

Baseball and Softball Fields

Frankie Allen Park also has ball fields that support:

• Youth baseball or softball practices and games
• Adult recreational leagues
• Pick-up practices and informal play

These fields are used by local leagues and community organizations. If you’re looking for a place to join or play:

• Many youth leagues in Buckhead and nearby neighborhoods schedule practices and games here.
• Adults often plug into recreational softball leagues or corporate teams that use these fields as a home base.

Fields may be reserved at certain times, especially during organized seasons, but they’re often open for casual practice when not programmed.

Walking, Relaxing, and Casual Use

If you’re not coming for tennis or a game, Frankie Allen Park still works well as a quiet city escape.

Walking paths and green space

• Paved and unpaved paths wind through the park, including shaded areas under mature trees.
• Small elevation changes give parts of the park a more natural, tucked-away feel.
• It’s a good place for:
  • A short walk during lunch if you work in Buckhead
  • A quiet stroll with a friend or partner
  • Light exercise without committing to a long trail

Dogs and pet use

You’ll see a lot of neighborhood dogs here:

• Many people walk their dogs along the paths and edges of fields.
• This is not a dedicated off-leash dog park; dogs are generally expected to be on a leash in public parks in Atlanta unless otherwise posted.
• Bring waste bags and water, especially in hot weather.

Typical Visitors and Best Times to Go

Frankie Allen Park feels very much like a local’s park.

Who uses the park

• Nearby residents walking, running, or bringing kids to play
• Tennis and softball leagues using the courts and fields
• Dog owners taking daily walks
• Office workers and visitors in Buckhead looking for a shorter break in green space

When it’s busiest

• Weekday late afternoons and early evenings: After-work tennis, practices, and general exercise
• Weekends: League games, social tennis, and family visits
• Cooler months: Comfortable weather tend to draw more walkers and dog owners

If you want it quieter:

• Try weekday mornings or midday outside of league seasons.
• Rainy or very hot days will be lighter, but the grounds can get muddy in low spots after heavy rain.

Amenities and Facilities

Amenities may evolve over time, but visitors typically find:

• Tennis courts
• Baseball/softball fields
• Benches and informal seating areas
• Walking paths and wooded areas
• Open grassy spaces suitable for casual play or sitting on a blanket

There is no large, central playground like some bigger parks, and the feel is more sports-and-walking oriented than playground-focused.

Quick-Glance Summary of Frankie Allen Park

How Frankie Allen Park Compares to Other Atlanta Parks

If you’re planning your time in Atlanta, it helps to see where this park fits among other options:

• Versus Piedmont Park (Midtown):
  Frankie Allen is smaller, quieter, and more neighborhood-oriented, with far fewer visitors and fewer large-scale amenities. Good if you want to avoid big crowds.

• Versus Chastain Park (North Buckhead):
  Chastain has more extensive trails and facilities, while Frankie Allen is more compact and centered around tennis and ball fields.

• Versus a dedicated tennis center like Bitsy Grant:
  Frankie Allen is a public neighborhood park, not a full-service tennis complex, but it still supports serious and casual players through league and pickup play.

Practical Tips for Visiting Frankie Allen Park

A few Atlanta-specific tips can make your visit easier:

• Heat and humidity:
  Summers in Atlanta are hot and humid. For tennis, running, or ball practice, early morning or evening is usually more comfortable.

• Parking patience:
  Bring a little extra time to find a legal spot during league play hours or weekend afternoons.

• Pack your own supplies:
  There’s no on-site shop, so bring water, snacks, balls, and any sports gear you’ll need.

• Respect neighbors:
  Frankie Allen is surrounded by homes and apartments. Keep noise reasonable late in the evening, and avoid blocking driveways or alleyways when parking.

• Check for programming:
  Many residents learn about league schedules and events through Atlanta Parks & Recreation programming, local leagues, or neighborhood associations tied to Buckhead. If you’re joining a league, ask which nights and times they use Frankie Allen Park.

For Atlantans and visitors who want a less crowded, sports-friendly park in Buckhead, Frankie Allen Park offers a convenient blend of tennis, ball fields, and peaceful walking areas without feeling like a major tourist spot.