Daniel B.
Yelp
Candler Park is a neighborhood east of downtown Atlanta near Little Five Points. This review is for the public city park with the same name located within the neighborhood.
The main entrance to Candler Park is on McLendon Ave. between Candler Park Dr. NE to the west and Callan Cir. NE to the east. The entryway is marked with one of the standard City of Atlanta park signs and has a stone "gate" at the top of the driveway. The driveway leads downhill to an area with ample free parking, one of the bigger perks of this park. Street parking in this residential area is free too.
Remember to hide or remove all valuables from your car. I've seen the aftermath of brazen broad daylight break-ins in what seem to be very open, visible, and safe areas around the park. That's a fact of life in the City of Atlanta. Piedmont Park is no different.
Freedom Park is nearby. It's to the west and a short walk from Candler Park. Freedom Park is smaller and seems to be a lot hillier than Candler Park. The grass and landscaping at Candler Park seems to be better maintained. The windy trail that leads through Freedom Park actually feeds into the Candler Park golf course. The Candler Park golf course is a nine-hole municipal course which is inexpensive to play on, but minimally maintained (ergo, you get what you pay for). It's great for beginners. The golf course occupies the northern part of the park.
Along with the golf course, Candler Park has a swimming pool, tennis courts, basketball courts, and fields for soccer, football, ultimate frisbee, etc. Plus pavilions and restrooms. These facilities are in "passable" condition. They've definitely seen better days. I'd say it's hard to expect more from the City of Atlanta. The best part of the park is probably the kids playground. The equipment seems relatively new and the woodchip surfacing comparably fresh and safe. Generally, the park feels clean and safe.
The park hosts activities, events, and festivals regularly. Check the Candler Park Neighborhood Organization's (CPNO) web site or Facebook page for details, news, and info.
Overall, Candler Park is a fine intown park and one of the better ones offered by the City of Atlanta.