Sandy Creek Park

Sandy Creek Park is a 782-acre recreational area located in Athens, Georgia. The park surrounds the 260-acre Lake Chapman, offering a variety of outdoor activities and amenities for visitors throughout the year.

The park features over 20 miles of foot trails that wind through diverse landscapes including hardwood forests, fields, and along the lakeshore. These trails provide opportunities for hiking, jogging, and nature observation. Some trails are also suitable for horseback riding.

Lake Chapman is a focal point of the park, allowing for various water-based activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming at the designated beach area, fishing for species like large-mouth bass, bream, and catfish, or boating on the lake. Only electric and non-motorized watercraft are permitted to maintain the tranquility of the environment.

For sports enthusiasts, Sandy Creek Park offers multiple recreational facilities including basketball courts, tennis courts, and ballfields. The park also features a popular 29-hole disc golf course, attracting players of all skill levels.

Families with children can take advantage of the park's playgrounds, including a newly opened accessible playground designed for children of all abilities. Picnic areas with tables and grills are available throughout the park, providing spaces for gatherings and outdoor meals.

Sandy Creek Park is also dog-friendly, featuring both a public dog park and private, rentable dog areas. This allows pet owners to enjoy the park's amenities while giving their dogs space to exercise and socialize.

The park charges a modest admission fee of $2 per person for ages 4-64, with free entry for those younger or older. Annual passes are also available for frequent visitors.