Piedmont Park or Chastain Park? (Atlanta, Lenox: landscaping, theater, private school)

[Craziaskowboi]

Which is the crown jewel of Atlanta's parks? Those are the two I hear the most about, so I figure it's one of them, but correct me if I'm wrong. I've been thinking about visiting both of them later in the year when the weather simmers down a bit, so what makes them stand out? For that matter, what other parks are there in the city that I don't hear as much about? Inquiring minds want to know.

[jsvh]

Piedmont Park

Some other prominent parks: Centennial Park, Woodruff Park, Grant Park, Westside Reservoir Park (Coming Soon)

[ATLTJL]

Depends what you like. Piedmont Park is definitely the main park, the "Central Park" of Atlanta, but if you also enjoy quieter, smaller affairs, there are some real gems in the metro area.

Chastain Park is a good example. I think Lenox Park is my favorite in the city (shhh, not many people even know it's there).

I'm sure there are many others, but I'm more familiar with great parks in the suburbs these days. For people watching and action, Piedmont Park is definitely the best. For relaxation and beauty, there are plenty of options.

[cwkimbro]

Undoubtedly Piedmont.

It has the history, the design, and the integration.

If there is a runner up, it should be Centennial. It is 26th most visited city park in the US. It just performs a very different roll than a park like Piedmont.

[primaltech]

Chastain is nice, but it's not really a park. It's a golf course, ampitheater, walking trails, tennis courts, horse park, an arts center, a diving pool, sports fields, a private school, and some other stuff, all near each other. But unlike Piedmont, it doesn't feel like one thing. And I think it's mainly because of the golf course. If that huge area was just a big meadow area with a small lake and nice landscaping, Chastain would be more like Piedmont.

[AnsleyPark]

Lullwater Park on Emory's campus is extremely pretty with a lake, beautiful stream and the Emory president's home.

[arjay57]

Originally Posted by primaltech

Chastain is nice, but it's not really a park. It's a golf course, ampitheater, walking trails, tennis courts, horse park, an arts center, a diving pool, sports fields, a private school, and some other stuff, all near each other. But unlike Piedmont, it doesn't feel like one thing. And I think it's mainly because of the golf course. If that huge area was just a big meadow area with a small lake and nice landscaping, Chastain would be more like Piedmont.

I wouldn't mind seeing them bring back that little course at Piedmont park. It was great if you wanted to play a few holes at lunch or slip out the office a little early.

When did they shut that down, around 1980 or so?

[fieldm]

You should go check them out now because the parks have enough trees to protect you from direct sunlight

[lorilove]

I agree that Piedmont definitely wins this round.

But in a future we may be asking Piedmont vs. Bellwood Quarry

Bellwood Quarry Will Eventually Be Atlanta

[ThreeSides]

Originally Posted by AnsleyPark

Lullwater Park on Emory's campus is extremely pretty with a lake, beautiful stream and the Emory president's home.

How do you access Lullwater Park? That is, where do you park? Do you park at the parking garage on campus, or at a friend's house, perhaps? I agree that it is lovely, and a great place to meditate. It doesn't seem very accessible.

The Botanical Gardens is my only experience at Piedmont Park. I've never been to Chastain Park. Therefore, I won't vote.

Dresden Park in Brookhaven is my favorite.