Medlock Park (Decatur)

The approximate location of Medlock Park is 874 Galemont Circle, Decatur GA 30033. This entrance is best for some of the ball fields and the pool. We use the entrance on Scott Circle for the larger parking lot near the playground and access to the PATH trail.

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Overview:  Medlock Park is a definitely a park for baseball and softball – it features many well lit, fenced in fields that take up a vast majority of this park. The fields are well taken care of and the grounds are quite shady.  There are picnic tables scattered around the park, two large parking areas, a pool and a PATH trail connection to the Mason Mill Park. You can find more information on the PATH South Peachtree Creek trail here.

The playground is a little on the older side with a large focus on slides.  There is play equipment for younger children (basically just slides) and play equipment for older children with more slides, a bouncy bridge and some fireman style poles. There is a tire swing, a set of traditional belt swings and 2 infant swings.

Please note that when it rains a lot here, this area floods. After a rainstorm, this area remains muddy for a few days also.

The Medlock Pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. More information and photos will be available after the pool opens.

Parking: Dedicated lot

Surrounding Area: Residential

Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible: Yes, with many ramps

Ground Cover: Wood Chips (newly added a few months ago)

Seating: Park benches, picnic tables and a small wall that many parents sit on

Pavilion: Yes

Restroom: Yes, near the baseball fields

Direct Sun or Shade : In the playground area, it is direct sun.

Fenced in? :  No, and close to the parking lot.

Infant Swings: Yes, 2

Quality of Playground Equipment: Older but safe.

Ball Fields: Yes, many.

Overall: This park is great for those playing baseball or those looking for a slower style playground as it isn’t very crowded. My son is a runner and he loves to run along the many ramps that form a large triangle. We often walk the PATH trail to this park, play and then walk the PATH trail back to our car. The playground is pretty basic without many bells and whistles. The picnic areas are shaded and in very lush grass.

McKoy Park (Decatur)

McKoy Park is located at 534 McKoy Street, Decatur, GA 30030.  There is an entrance on McKoy Street with a parking lot that has direct access to the pool and the baseball field. There is also an entrance on Adams Street on the dead end with closer access to the playground and pavilion.

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Overview:

There is playground equipment for younger children (2-5) as well as older children (5+) featuring small and large slides, music instruments like drums, monkey bars and many climbing/balance beams and activities. There are two infant swings, two belt swings and two accessible swings.  This park also features water fountains, restrooms and tall trees which provide ample shade.

The baseball field is fenced in, lighted and features a concession stand. This park also features an outdoor seating area for classes or impromptu meetings. This area is located near the skate park and basketball court.

McKoy Pool is open Memorial Day through Labor Day. It is open as early as 9am. There are season passes available for non-Decatur residents. There are picnic tables surrounding the pool area and a very nice shallow end for younger or less experienced swimmers. More information and photos available after the pool season starts.

There is a skate park at McKoy Park which features many ramps, rails and drop-in areas. There is usually a few people skating during the day and it’s much more full on weekends. There is a pergola area near the playground where spectators can watch the skateboarders.

 

According to the City of Decatur website, the park will be undergoing renovations during the second half of 2016. An update after the renovation will follow.

Parking: Dedicated lot

Surrounding Area: Residential, with a school nearby

Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible: Yes, with a ramp into playground

Ground Cover: Wood Chips

Seating: Park benches, picnic tables and a small wall that many parents sit on in the playground area

Pavilion: Yes, with 2 grills.

Restroom: Yes

Direct Sun or Shade : Reasonably shady depending on time of day. Lots of tall, old trees nearby. Infant swings can be in sun.

Fenced in? :  No

Infant Swings: Yes, 2

Quality of Playground Equipment: Ok

Ball Fields: Yes. There is a baseball field with concession stand and a basketball court (that needs a little TLC)

Overall: We visited on a spring morning and there were a few nannies with their charges which were younger than 5. The skatepark had a few visitors and it was generally quiet. My son had a lot of fun exploring all this park had to offer – especially watching the skateboarders. I am happy that the City of Decatur chose this park for a renovation as the playground equipment looked in need of a refresh. We will definitely be returning.

Milam Park (Clarkston)

Milam Park is located at 3867 Norman Road, Clarkston, GA 30021.

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Overview: This park was established in 2012 and it shows. Upon first entry to the park area, you’ll notice the pool to your left, followed by the tennis courts, dog park, soccer field area and finally the playground. There is another soccer field area at the rear of the park. At the time of our visit, it had recently rained and the city of Clarkston was seeding new grass near the playground for the younger children.

The playground is divided into 3 areas – an area for younger children ages 2-5,  an area for children ages 5-12 and swings.

• The playground for the younger children has small slides, wall activities like “Find your Name in the ABCs”, musical instruments like drums and bells, and a large children’s fire engine that can accommodate many children.
• The playground for children ages 5-12 features many large slides, climbing wall, wall activities and metal climbing items like monkey bars.
• There are several kinds of swings including 2 infant swings.

The Milam Park pool boasts the following: zero entry, 4 lap lanes, wading pool and several water features for play. It is open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Residents of Clarkson enjoy a discount while it still remains inexpensive for non-residents. The pool can also be reserved for parties. I will add photos of the pool area when the pool season begins at the end of May.

There is a fenced-in dog park directly next to the playground area.

Parking: Dedicated parking area

Surrounding Area: Residential

Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible: Yes

Ground Cover: Wood Chips

Seating: picnic tables

Pavilion: Yes, six in total with grills.

Restroom: Yes! 2 sets.

Direct Sun or Shade : Park is for the most part, very shady. Swings can be in direct sunlight.

Fenced in? :  No, but playground is set back farther from the street

Infant Swings: Yes

Quality of Playground Equipment: Newer. Installed 2012

Ball Fields: Yes, tennis, baseball and soccer.

Overall: This park has quality playground equipment and a very nice layout – especially for parties. This park has all of the ingredients for an excellent party – pool, playground, restrooms, grills and ample seating. There wasn’t enough grass or places to run around near the playground area for my son though.