Westside Park

While commonly known as Westside Park, its official name is Shirley Clarke Franklin Park. It was developed on the site of the former Bellwood Quarry, which ceased operations in 2007. The park's primary purpose, beyond recreation, is to house the Westside Reservoir, a critical emergency drinking water supply for Atlanta, holding 2.4 billion gallons.

Yes, Westside Park is generally dog-friendly. Leashed dogs are permitted on the paved multi-use trails. There are no specific designated 'dog trails,' but the entire network of five miles of paved trails is suitable for walking your dog. Please remember to clean up after your pet.

Parking at Westside Park is generally free. The park offers dedicated parking areas for convenient access. Accessible parking spaces are available near the main entrances and facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities.

For a quick, scenic walk, the 0.30-mile yellow loop is popular, featuring stairs and leading to an overlook with striking views of the quarry and Atlanta skyline. For a moderate walk or jog, the half-mile blue loop descends past a playground and open fields towards the reservoir. For longer bike rides or extended walks, the park offers a growing network of five miles of paved multi-use trails, some with gradual hills, connecting various areas of the park and to the Proctor Creek Greenway.

The park's trails are generally paved and considered moderate. While many sections are relatively flat, some routes, particularly the yellow loop, include stairs and gradual hills. The overall elevation gain is not extreme, but hikers and trail runners should be prepared for some inclines and descents, especially when accessing viewpoints.

The most prominent feature is the Westside Reservoir, the former Bellwood Quarry, with its dramatic emerald-blue water and craggy cliffs. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the Atlanta skyline from various overlooks. The park also features diverse landscapes including dense woodlands, grassy meadows, and open fields, providing a blend of natural beauty.

While the main overlooks are well-known, exploring the full five miles of paved trails can reveal quieter sections and unique perspectives of the quarry and surrounding natural areas. The connectivity to the Proctor Creek Greenway also offers extended exploration opportunities beyond the immediate park boundaries, potentially leading to less crowded spots.

Westside Park is very family-friendly. It features a playground designed for children aged 3 to 12, covered pavilions perfect for picnics, and open fields suitable for various sports and games. The paved trails are ideal for family walks, jogging, and biking, offering a safe and engaging environment for all ages.

As Atlanta's largest greenspace and a popular destination, Westside Park can get quite crowded, especially on pleasant weekends, holidays, and during peak seasons like spring and fall. Parking can fill up quickly. Arriving earlier in the morning is often recommended to secure parking and enjoy a more tranquil experience on the trails.

Westside Park is located near the Bankhead, West Midtown, and Grove Park neighborhoods of Atlanta. While there aren't cafes directly within the park, the surrounding areas, particularly West Midtown, offer a variety of cafes, restaurants, and dining options. Accommodation can also be found in these nearby Atlanta neighborhoods.

The site of Westside Park was originally the Bellwood Quarry, a granite quarry that operated until 2007. Before its transformation into a park, the quarry was a popular filming location for numerous movies and TV shows. These include notable productions such as The Walking Dead, Stranger Things, The Vampire Diaries, The Hunger Games, and The Fast and the Furious.