Historic Fourth Ward Park: Atlanta’s Urban Oasis off the BeltLine

Historic Fourth Ward Park is one of Atlanta’s most popular in-town green spaces, especially for people who live, work, or stay near the Eastside BeltLine. If you’re looking for a spot to walk the dog, let kids play, take photos, or just relax by the water, this park is likely already on your radar—or it should be.

Located just east of downtown Atlanta, next to Ponce City Market, Historic Fourth Ward Park blends a stormwater retention lake, playgrounds, trails, and open lawns into a neighborhood hub that feels both urban and surprisingly calm.

Where Historic Fourth Ward Park Is and How to Get There

Address:
Historic Fourth Ward Park
667 N Angier Ave NE
Atlanta, GA 30308

The park sits between the Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, and Poncey-Highland neighborhoods, with several access points.

Getting There by Car

Parking can be tight during peak times, but you have options:

• Street parking on nearby roads (Angier Ave NE, Garden Park Dr NE, Rankin St NE) where allowed
• Garages and paid parking at Ponce City Market (short walk via the BeltLine)
• Limited spots near the skatepark and playground areas

Tip: On weekends and nice-weather evenings, plan to arrive a bit earlier or be prepared to walk a block or two.

Getting There via the BeltLine

The park is directly connected to the Atlanta BeltLine Eastside Trail:

• Walk, run, or bike down the BeltLine and follow signs to Historic Fourth Ward Park
• The skatepark and adjoining green space sit right off the trail and act as a main entrance

This is often the easiest way to access the park if you’re already staying or living in neighborhoods like Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, Midtown, or Reynoldstown.

MARTA Access

Historic Fourth Ward Park doesn’t sit directly on a MARTA rail line, but it’s accessible with a short transfer:

• From North Avenue or Inman Park/Reynoldstown stations, you can use bus routes that travel along major nearby streets, then walk to the park.
• Rideshare from a rail station is a common choice if you don’t want to deal with parking.

What Makes Historic Fourth Ward Park Special

Historic Fourth Ward Park is more than just a nice place to walk. It’s known for a few standout features that locals regularly use.

The Stormwater Lake and Scenic Views

At the heart of the park is a large man-made lake designed for stormwater management. For everyday visitors, it feels like:

• A calm, reflective water feature with walking paths and bridges
• A backdrop for photoshoots, engagement pictures, and casual portraits
• A peaceful place to sit on a bench and look back at the Atlanta skyline

While it might look like a decorative pond, it plays a real role in controlling flooding in the area, especially during heavy Atlanta rainstorms.

The Playground and Family Areas

On the north side of the park, you’ll find a popular playground that attracts families from across the city. Highlights often include:

• Climbing structures and slides
• Swings and open space for kids to run
• Nearby seating for parents and caregivers

This playground tends to be busiest after school, on weekend mornings, and on mild-weather days.

Atlanta BeltLine Connection and Open Lawns

Because the park is tied into the BeltLine, it works well for:

• Joggers and walkers who want to add a scenic loop off the main trail
• People meeting up for group workouts, yoga, or bootcamps on the open lawns
• Picnics, casual frisbee games, or just stretching out on the grass

If you live nearby, the park quickly becomes part of a regular walking route or dog-walk loop.

The Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark

Adjacent to the park, on the BeltLine side, is the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark—a major draw for skaters and BMX riders.

What to Expect

The skatepark is a concrete park designed with a mix of:

• Bowls and ramps
• Rails and ledges
• Open flat areas for beginners to practice

You’ll see a mix of ages and skill levels, from kids on scooters to experienced skaters. It’s free and open to the public.

Tips if You’re Visiting the Skatepark

• 🛹 Bring safety gear like helmets and pads, especially for kids.
• 👀 If you’re a beginner, try to visit earlier in the day when it’s less crowded.
• 💧 Bring water—Atlanta heat plus concrete can feel intense in summer.

Even if you’re not skating, this part of the park is fun to walk through, watch, and take photos from.

Things to Do in and Around Historic Fourth Ward Park

If you’re planning a visit, you can easily spend a few hours between the park and its surrounding attractions.

At the Park Itself

Popular activities include:

• Walking or jogging the loop paths around the lake
• Picnicking on the lawns (bring a blanket; shade can be limited in some spots)
• Dog walking (many locals bring their dogs, but use a leash and clean up)
• Photography (lake views, skyline shots, bridges, and landscaped areas)
• Relaxing with a book or podcast on a bench or hillside

On some days, you may see small fitness groups, yoga sessions, or informal meetups using the open space.

Nearby Attractions and Food Options

Historic Fourth Ward Park is surrounded by several walkable destinations:

• Ponce City Market – A short walk via the BeltLine for food hall dining, shopping, and rooftop activities.
• Krog Street Market – Further along the BeltLine Eastside Trail, known for its restaurants and casual bites.
• Old Fourth Ward neighborhood – Coffee shops, casual bars, and local restaurants tucked into residential streets.

Many people pair a stroll or workout in the park with:

• Breakfast or coffee at nearby cafés
• Lunch or dinner at Ponce City Market
• An extended BeltLine walk toward Midtown or Reynoldstown

Is Historic Fourth Ward Park Good for Kids and Families?

For families in Atlanta, the park works especially well for short, flexible outings.

Why Families Like It

• Playground + open space offers options for different ages
• Paths are stroller-friendly in most areas
• Easy add-on to a Ponce City Market visit or BeltLine stroll
• Typically a mix of families, dog walkers, and local residents creates a relaxed atmosphere

Consider bringing:

• Sunscreen and hats (some areas are sunny)
• A change of clothes or towels for kids who get messy at the playground
• Snacks and water, especially on hot days

Restroom access can vary depending on time of day and which section you’re in, so planning ahead is helpful.

Safety, Hours, and Practical Tips

Typical Hours and Use

Historic Fourth Ward Park functions like most Atlanta city parks:

• Generally open from early morning to evening
• Most people visit during daylight—early morning joggers, daytime families, and early evening dog walkers and picnickers

If you’re planning an early-morning run or evening visit, sticking to the more active, well-lit areas and main paths is a common choice.

Safety and Awareness

Like other in-town parks in Atlanta:

• Be mindful of your belongings; don’t leave bags or valuables unattended.
• Lock your car and avoid leaving items visible on seats.
• If you’re visiting alone, many people prefer daytime or early-evening hours when the park is more active.

For emergencies, call 911. For non-emergency city concerns involving the park, residents often reach out to:

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

Events, Photoshoots, and Group Gatherings

Historic Fourth Ward Park is commonly used for:

• Engagement and family photos
• Small picnics or birthday gatherings
• Fitness classes or community meetups
• Occasional larger events on the lawns or near the amphitheater-style areas

If you’re planning a larger organized event, it’s wise to check with the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation about permits, especially for:

• Large groups
• Amplified sound
• Tents or structures
• Commercial photography or filming

This helps avoid conflicts and ensures you’re using the space within city guidelines.

When’s the Best Time to Visit?

You can visit Historic Fourth Ward Park year-round, but your experience will vary by season and time of day.

By Season

• Spring: Mild weather, blooming trees and landscaping, high foot traffic on weekends.
• Summer: Very active but hot—early mornings and evenings are most comfortable.
• Fall: Popular time with comfortable temperatures and plenty of events nearby.
• Winter: Quieter; still good for walking or running if you’re dressed for the weather.

By Time of Day

• Morning: Joggers, dog walkers, families with young kids; cooler temperatures.
• Midday: Good for picnics and strolls, especially on weekdays; sun can be strong.
• Late afternoon/early evening: One of the busiest and most social times, especially when people head to or from the BeltLine and Ponce City Market.

Historic Fourth Ward Park for Locals vs. Visitors

Both residents and visitors use the park, but they often approach it differently.

If You Live in Atlanta

This park can easily become part of your daily or weekly rhythm:

• Morning dog walks around the lake
• Evening jogs connecting from the Eastside BeltLine
• Quick playground runs with kids after school
• Meeting friends from nearby neighborhoods for casual hangouts

Many in-town residents see it as a “backyard” for nearby apartments, condos, and homes.

If You’re Visiting Atlanta

If you’re staying in Midtown, Old Fourth Ward, Inman Park, or near Ponce City Market, Historic Fourth Ward Park is:

• A low-key break between more structured sightseeing
• A scenic backdrop for photos of your trip
• A chance to experience how locals actually use the BeltLine and green spaces

You can easily fit in a walk through the park before or after visiting Ponce City Market, or as part of a longer BeltLine excursion.

Quick Reference: Historic Fourth Ward Park at a Glance

If you live in Atlanta—or you’re just here for a weekend—Historic Fourth Ward Park offers a convenient, scenic, and very “Atlanta” experience: a mix of skyline views, BeltLine energy, neighborhood feel, and room to breathe in the middle of the city.