John C Howell Park — Attraction in Atlanta

A Serene Gem in the Heart of Virginia-Highland

John Howell Memorial Park is a true neighborhood treasure! Nestled right in the vibrant Virginia-Highland area, this park offers the perfect blend of green space, community history, and peaceful charm.

I visited on a sunny afternoon and was immediately struck by how well-maintained and welcoming the park felt. The open grassy lawns are ideal for lounging, picnicking, or throwing a frisbee, and the mature trees provide plenty of shade. There are two playground areas, one for toddlers and another for older kids—great for families. The sand volleyball courts are also a standout feature—active and fun to watch, and a rare find in an in-town Atlanta park.

The park’s layout encourages walking and reflection. The winding path is dotted with commemorative bricks and even a striking iron phoenix sculpture—a beautiful tribute to Atlanta’s spirit of resilience. It’s peaceful yet never boring, offering pockets of quiet space even when there’s activity around.

There’s a water fountain and benches throughout, though note that there are no public restrooms, which is the only downside. Street parking is available nearby, and it’s easily walkable from nearby attractions like Orme Park and the BeltLine Eastside Trail.

Whether you're looking for a quiet place to relax, a spot to play with kids, or an inspiring slice of Atlanta history, John Howell Park is a must-visit. I’ll...

My 2 year old thinks this is a fun park, so I enjoy taking the family there. Overall a really well done park that has fun stuff for kids 1 to 91. There is one swing that split in two and could be replaced.

I like that there are 2 sand volleyball courts. There are often people playing, but knowing somebody in the 'system' helps as the nets are put up and brought down before each playing session, and kept locked up close by. There are some really competitive 2s women that play and some competitive men's 2s as well. I like that there is a outdoor shower for the sand players and plenty of shade for the hot...

Very cute park. Lots of different green "rooms"/sections. You don't have to mix with a ton of people. You can choose a section to sit and enjoy or have a family outing and it will feel like you're in your own personal park. Playground is great, clean and enough play structures to banish boredom. There's also a sand area which was hosting a small volleyball match...