Between Columbus And Atlanta Is Georgia's Family-Friendly Gem With A Sporty Appeal And Woodland Trails

Georgia's cities have plenty to see and do, but it's also nice to seek an outdoor escape beyond the urban hustle and bustle. Greatest Generation Memorial Park in Thomaston offers just that, as it seamlessly blends recreation with peaceful natural surroundings. Interestingly, the land the park occupies once belonged to Silvertown, a mill village whose workers helped support the war effort during World War II. Today, however, you're more likely to see families feeding ducks, strolling the walking paths, or competing in a game of pickleball rather than engaging in anything related to the park's industrial past.

Greatest Generation Memorial Park has a robust list of fun things to do, including a playground for families with children. Sports lovers can get active at the park's tennis courts, pickleball courts, and disc golf course. For those who desire to enjoy the park at a slower pace, trails lead you into pine thickets that have benches which are "nice and shady" as described on Google. The park is conveniently placed if you are driving from Columbus, taking 75 minutes to drive the roughly 60 miles. If you are venturing south from Atlanta, the roughly 70-mile journey takes closer to 90 minutes.

Greatest Generation Memorial Park is tucked in the northern tip of Thomaston, a small town known for its mouth-watering Southern cuisine. There are three parking areas, but the central lot is closest to the community garden, free play area, and the park's two circular ponds. "We do enjoy walking around the pond and feeding the ducks," said one parkgoer on Google, while another mused about how nice it is to "have a little picnic." You can reserve the group pavilion adjacent to the east pond, and there are additional picnic pavilions just south of those. There's also a playground, where kids can get on the swings, cross little bridges, and scramble up climbing ropes.

If you came to the park to get your sports on, there are two tennis courts, which were described as "great" on Google. Alternatively, you can assemble a team, head to the pickleball court, and join in on America's fastest-growing sport (per NPR). A disc golf course also features at the park. 

While you can find a network of trails in the heart of Atlanta, it's also easy to get trail-happy at the park. Various trails loop around the northern half of the park, the grounds' most wooded section. One trail-goer on Google described the paths as "fantastic," while another said she chose one path because it was "under the pines." The Pine Thicket Trail is paved and spans 1,500 feet, while the East Mulch Trail goes for 1,276 feet. Keep your eyes peeled if you're looping around The Fountain Pond Trail, as turtles have been seen paddling around.

The 'Greatest Generation' in the park's name refers to the generation of Americans who came before and subsequently raised the baby boomer generation. Greatest Generation Memorial Park also honors veterans, as well as those who've supported past war efforts from American soil. To commemorate those who fought in World War II in particular, the park has incorporated a WWII memorial. The Veterans Memorial Plaza is for veterans of all past American war efforts, and you'll also find a "home front" memorial adjacent to the other two. 

On another note, the park gives anglers in particular a reason to visit, as they are allowed to fish in the west pond. The pond is supported by a bulkhead and also features a pavilion, so you can fish in comfort. For additional ways to enjoy the outdoors near Atlanta, visit George Pierce Park in Suwanee, an Atlanta suburb with tree-lined parks and a walkable downtown.