Deepdene Park

Deepdene forms the eastern end of the string of city park known as the Olmsted Linear Parks. It is the largest and the only one designed as a walking trail woodland. The other five are grassy ‘pastoral’ parks, and are fine parks in their own right.
Along with Lake Claire Park, Deepdene is my ‘home’ park — I live very near. While Lake Claire hosts my go-​to tennis court, Deepdene is where I go to pretend I’m not in the city but rather out hiking in the Georgia forests. It’s pretty good at aiding in that deception with lots of very tall trees, interconnecting (if short) dirt paths and a creek running through the axis.
Deepdene used to be a bit of an urban twilight zone — before it was developed, except for the traffic noise (which is considerable from Ponce), walking its undeveloped and sketchy trails really was like being in the woodlands. While I did enjoy that experience, I must say that the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance did a good job making Deepdene a little more neighborhood friendly. The paths are thankfully not paved but are easily walk-​able without risking ankle turns. The several sturdy bridges are not only pleasing to the eye but carry you over the more hazardous parts of the terrain. And there are a lot of botanical and historical information signs scattered about. I like the development.
On the eastern end you’ll find a large, flat grassy area (the Meade) suitable for tossing a football or what have you. Kite flying? Does anyone do that anymore?
You’ll find many benches along the paths where you can stop and just enjoy the setting.
No parking except along the streets, but, frankly, this is meant to be a neighborhood park for the local residents. Not that y’all aren’t welcome. :)