Brookhaven's Favorite Parks

Talk to Brookhaven locals, and you’ll find everyone has a favorite park. Whether they take to the tennis courts at Blackburn, enjoy some off-leash time with the pups at Skyland or Brookhaven, run trails at Murphey Candler, or visit playgrounds with the kids, it’s easy to find a place that fits your pace. And with 14 parks and greenspaces to choose from, there’s one near you, wherever you happen to be.

Arguably the best-known among the parks is Murphey Candler Park–the largest in the area, beloved by joggers, kayakers, bird watchers, and sports leagues. Stretching 135 acres across its namesake neighborhood, the sparkling lake at its heart is home to Canada Geese, ducks, beavers, and fish. Surrounding trails offer great hiking, jogging, and walking. The primary 2-mile loop passes through wooded areas, bridges, and wetlands. Nearby picnic pavilions serve up opportunities to gather and play or even enjoy a picnic with treats from the farmers market or takeout from some of your favorite local spots. The park’s football fields, swimming pool, tennis courts, and baseball and softball complexes see lots of action from numerous leagues and teams who come to compete, yet the lake and forested trails maintain their serene feel. It’s the sense of getting away from it all while still being conveniently close to everything that seals the deal on Murphey Candler’s popularity, and residents as well as visitors find themselves quickly becoming regulars.

Connected to Murphey Candler by the 2.3-mile Nancy Creek Trail, Blackburn Park offers 50 acres of continuing greenspace and trails as well as lighted tennis courts and a pro shop. Make sure to reserve a court or sign up for classes with one of their experienced professionals prior to your visit. Blackburn currently hosts a “Wings of the City” sculpture as well as the Young Girl’s Statue for Peace, created by artists Kim Seo-kyung and Kim Eun-sung. If you’re traveling with kids and burning off some playground energy is on the agenda, wide fields with jungle gyms and a covered picnic area await, along with a pavilion you can rent for events. In the winter, the park is home to Light Up Brookhaven, a must see holiday light display bringing cheer to the season. And as winter gives way to spring, Blackburn is the site of Brookhaven’s most celebrated annual event–Cherry Blossom Festival–with live music, food, arts, activities, and a car show.

While Brookhaven’s many smaller parks may not measure up to the acreage of Murphey Candler or Blackburn, they’re an essential part of the fabric of the community, giving it a flavor of unexpected discovery and providing neighborhood gathering places. At Briarwood, you’ll find a gem of a community garden, tennis courts, trails for the adults to get in some steps, and a new pool perfect for a cool dip on summer days. Ashford Park, known among Brookhavenites as “the isle of misfit toys,” is home to an ever-growing population of donated toys as well as traditional playground equipment, a community building, and a picnic shelter popular for kids’ parties. At Brookhaven and Skyland parks, you’re likely to find just as many dogs as people, if not more, and the vibe is always energetic and friendly.

Peachtree Creek Greenway, a recreation path and park along the north fork of Peachtree Creek, is officially open for runners, walkers, cyclists, and anyone looking for a great way to get out of the car and explore. An immediate favorite with locals, the wide, paved trail is one of the best places to get in a workout or just enjoy trees, art, and natural beauty. Ultimately, the Greenway will stretch all the way from Doraville to the Atlanta Beltline.

Whether you’re in town for a weekend or a longer stay, head out into the green to breathe in some fresh air and activity, stroll with coffee, row the lake…or just enjoy the fresh air. Your peace of mind will thank you.