Nothing beats a day spent outdoors, and Rome, Georgia, has some great parks. So get outside and play at Rome’s best parks! There are quite a few parks in the Rome area, and we will look at the best ones.
Ridge Ferry Park
Ridge Ferry Park is my favorite park because there is so much to do there, plus it is located right on the river. The name of the park originates from Major Ridge, a prominent man in Rome’s history. He was a leader of the Cherokee people and a lawmaker. Major Ridge owned a plantation on the banks of the Oostanaula River. In recent years has been converted into a museum called the Chieftains Museum. It is a fun and exciting way to spend an afternoon!
Outside the Chieftains Museum is an example of the ferry built by Major Ridge. He operated a profitable ferry company that took people, wagons, and goods across the Oostanaula River.
Along the river banks, spanning the park’s length (and beyond), is a paved path great for walking, running, and bike riding. The trail is three miles long and starts at Sarah Hightower Library, and ends behind the State Mutual Stadium. It is a beautiful trail.
At Ridge Ferry park, you will also find the Rome-Floyd E.C.O. Center, where you can learn more about the types of wildlife in the region. When they were younger, the kids and I would visit a couple of times each year. It is a fun and educational place where you can learn about local fish, turtles, snakes, birds, and much more. For admission, they ask for a donation.
Outside the E.C.O. Center, you will find the Wetland Demonstration Area. During the spring and summer, it is bright green with beautiful plants. You may also see a turtle popping its head up out of the water. Even though I am scared of snakes, I don’t mind walking down the Wetland area paths. They are kept clean and well-maintained.
The park is separated into two areas which are divided by train tracks. Both sides are unique areas. Both areas have playgrounds and picnic tables, and access to the walking path.
On the north side is a dog park where dogs can play. On the other side is a stage with a big open field where concerts are held. The Chiaha Harvest Fair, the Running Water Powwow, and other events are hosted yearly at Ridge Ferry Park.
Ridge Ferry is my favorite park because there is so much to do there. One year when the kids were little, we would meet my husband at the park during his lunch break. The kids would play, and we would have sandwiches. It was a great way to spend the summer.
Heritage Park
Heritage Park is located downtown, where the Oostanaula and the Etowah Rivers meet to form the Coosa River. If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I love, love, love the Robert Redden Footbridge. Although I don’t usually talk about the park that goes with it, it’s fantastic too!
The park has several sports fields, a boat ramp, and a playground, and it’s also the start of Heritage Trail that crosses the Robert Redden Footbridge and winds along the banks of the Oostanaula River.
There is ample parking near the boat ramp in Heritage Park. The boat ramp is also where you will board the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday during its operating season. You can read about our tour on the Sulzbacher Roman Holiday.
Town Green
The Town Green is not a traditional park. Instead, it has a splash pad, walking trails, swings, benches, and a large lawn making it an excellent place for a picnic. It is also within walking distance from all the wonderful shops and restaurants on Broad Street.
The Town Green is perfect for an afternoon walk, bike ride, or even a game of checkers. I like the town green because it is easy to access, has close parking, and is not so large that it is overwhelming. It is perfect for an afternoon walk or a quick escape when you don’t have much time. It’s also nice to visit after shopping and dining on Broad Street.
Etowah Park
Etowah Park is located in North Rome, off Kingston Highway, and offers a few unique amenities to Rome. It has a nice skate park for skateboards, a golf driving range, a senior center, tennis courts, and playgrounds. It also has a baseball park with several fields, a concession stand, and a batting cage. The senior center is always bustling with different activities.
The skate park is unique. I like watching the skateboarders, and it amazes me how they can maneuver the board and make it look so easy.
While these are great parks close to downtown Rome, others are worth mentioning. Each of the county school districts has parks.
Wolfe Park
Wolfe Park is located in the Lindale community and has practice baseball fields, tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, walking trails, open fields, and a community recreation building with basketball courts.
Anthony Recreation Center
The Anthony Rec Center is next to the Coosa community’s Garden Lakes School. It has a playground, walking trails, and a recreation building with basketball courts.
North Floyd Park Complex
The North Floyd Park Complex is located near Armuchee High School. It has football and baseball fields, a recreation building with basketball courts, and playgrounds.
Shannon Center
The Shannon Center is in the Model community and has a Scout Cabin and a Recreation Center. It has a playground, walking trails, practice fields, picnic areas, a basketball court, a tennis court, and disc golf.
Rome has so many options for getting outdoors, and the local parks are a perfect place. For more information on parks in Rome, visit Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation.
