Glenlake Park (Decatur)

Glenlake Park is located at 1121 Church Street, Decatur GA 30030. When you first enter, the pool and tennis courts will be on the left. If you follow the path on the left, it will lead to the playground and the rest of the park.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Overview:  Glenlake Park is located not far from the heart of Decatur. It is within close walking distance of the Decatur Cemetery, which is a beautiful and popular walking area. When you first enter Glenlake Park you notice the pool on your left which features a lot of covered areas from the sun. Next you’ll notice the tennis courts. You can find a restroom in the pool/tennis court area. If you follow the path and go over the bridge, it’ll lead into the playground and park area. Highlights of this park include – a little library, adult exercise equipment, basketball courts, a nice covered pavilion with grills, and a wonderful playground.

The playground equipment for children 2-5 features slides, climbing areas, music instruments and tubes to climb through. There are infant swings as well as belt swings. There is also a school bus for pretend play with seats, bells, and wheels.

The play equipment for children 5 and up features slides, a climbing wall, monkey bars and other climbing areas, and spinning cups and stands. We visited this park on a weekend morning and it was very crowded. Lots of younger children on the older children’s equipment.

The Glenlake Pool is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Parking: Dedicated lot

Surrounding Area: Residential, city

Wheelchair/Stroller Accessible: Yes

Ground Cover: Wood chips

Seating: Park benches and picnic tables

Pavilion: Yes

Restroom: Yes, near tennis courts

Direct Sun or Shade : Somewhat shady

Fenced in? :  No

Infant Swings: Yes, 2

Quality of Playground Equipment:  Good

Ball Fields: Yes – soccer, tennis, basketball, etc.

Overall:  First impressions of this park were great. There were lots of nice families, grass looked very green and plush, and there seemed to be something for everyone. The playground equipment was in good condition and the park was bustling with people. My son had fun at first but got distracted when he saw a family playing with a basketball on the court. A tantrum ensued and we left but for the most part, we liked this park a lot and will be returning.

Milam Park (Clarkston)

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

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

 

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.