Brook Run Park (Dunwoody)

Brook Run Park is located at 4770 N Peachtree Road, Dunwoody GA 30338.

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Overview:  When most people suggest a really wonderful park or playground that their kids loved LOVED LOVED, Brook Run Park comes to mind. With one of the largest and most diverse playgrounds in the area, Brook Run Park is a standout favorite of ours. There is something here for everyone – swings, climbing walls, huge slides, monkey bars, and our favorite…shade! Other park features include a dog park, a Little Free Library, a skate park, garden and a long and shady PATH trail.

The playground at Brook Run Park is one of the largest in the area.  There is a dedicated area for children 2-5 which features two play structures with slides, blocks to turn, ladders and more. There are also 2 infant swings in this area – with a canopy overhead.  The playground area for children 5+ has many different areas that included an array of slides, climbing walls, monkey bars, and swings. Each area provides shade with a canopy. There are many different seating areas nearby as well.

Brook Run Park features has an area called TreeTop Quest which is an elevated course and zipline adventure. It features many ziplines, climbing obstacles and a net trampoline. This area is for children ages 4+.  You can find out more here

Brook Run Park also boasts a 27,000sqft fully lit skate park that is open from 7am to 9/10pm 7 days a week. Helmets are required. It has all kinds of areas so everyone from the amateur skater to the kid who knows a few tricks will have a blast. My husband ooh-ed and ahh-ed over the other skaters for a very long time. (He’s basically my second child)

Parking: Dedicated lot

Surrounding Area: Residential with a few schools nearby

Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible: Yes

Ground Cover: Padded

Seating: Park benches and picnic tables

Pavilion: Yes. Pavilions in the playground area are on a first come, first serve basis. Pavilions throughout the rest of the park can be rented.

Restroom: Yes. There are bathrooms in the playground area as  well as the skate park area.

Direct Sun or Shade : Shade. There is coverage from trees as well as canopies over the play equipment

Fenced in? :  No

Infant Swings: Yes, 2

Trails: PATH trail. It is a very long, shady, paved trail that’s great for long walks or stroller rides.

Quality of Playground Equipment:  Great

Overall: We have visited this park many times and it never ceases to amuse my 2 year old. I have yet to see the brook in the playground area with water but my son enjoys climbing on the rocks nonetheless. This is a great playground to test his new skills, relax in the swings in the shade or play hide and go seek in the area near the pavilion. This is a popular park and for good reason. We have been on weekdays, weekends and during festivals. This park never disappoints. There are many different festivals here including Food Truck Thursdays.

 

 

 

 

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.