Ivan S.
Yelp
Back when I was jobless and living in the Poncey Highlands, a friend of mine (also unemployed) used to insist that we go on "man walks." Now the fact that he referred to the activity as a "man walk" didn't bother me so much until he started to refer to it as such when we were talking to girls. They, of course, took "man walk" as some sort of euphemism for something more prurient.
Not that there's anything wrong with that.
Anyway, on our first man walk, I dressed in shorts, sneakers and a t-shirt. My friend appeared dressed in 70s running shorts, a too-tight green t-shirt with Big Bird on it and wearing a pair of Elvis-style sunglasses. When we walked up Ponce to start our way down Freedom Park, we looked like some jacked-up Atlanta version of Midnight Cowboy and I think I was kind of offended that I was obviously the Ratso Rizzo of the two.
Others have pointed out that Freedom Park is pretty minimal in design; rolling hills and a long winding trail. In fact, the trail is much longer than you expect. It actually goes from the Poncey Highlands through Little Five past Candler Park and into Lake Claire. That's a nice walk...if you're in shape. If your shape is more, say, "amorphous" (some might even say "Grimace-like") such as yours truly, it's more than enough.
If you're running it, though, and alone, you should be aware of your surroundings. It's pretty safe, but the trail does go by some scary trees that could possibly hide all sorts of boogeymen. In fact, some areas are favored by, um, urban outdoorsmen (i.e., bums.) They generally keep to themselves and you can see their territory a mile away, but use your common sense when out. Be aware or bring a friend on your jog...or man walk. (Fun Fact: Freedom Park and its bike trails actually make up one of the largest urban parks in the country!)
Even though it's a glorified exercise trail, you can still use Freedom Park for standard park activities: Frisbee, picnicking, napping, practicing for your jazz dance recital (Kit F. only.) The best area for these activities is the section past Moreland in Little Five Points.
Four stars for Freedom Park. I might even bump it up to five if they bring back another psychedelic art installation like they had a couple years ago. Ah, weird art; is there nothing you can't do?