Bethesda Park — Attraction in Lilburn

I truly hate to leave a negative review, I really do. And I'll probably end up taking this off later after figuring out the answer to my question "Are service animals allowed?", but my experience today was upsetting enough that I feel it needs to be shared.

I have severe PTSD and rely on my Golden Retriever, who is a legitimate service animal, to function in public spaces. I attended my son’s soccer game and sat off to the side, away from the field and people. As the game ended and I was already in the process of leaving, a woman named Jen—who introduced herself as a park manager—approached me abruptly and told me I needed to leave the field because “no pets are allowed.” I calmly explained I was already leaving, and that my dog is a service animal. She continued the interaction with a confrontational tone, insisting that it didn’t matter because the sign says “no pets.”

I asked a simple question about whether service dogs are allowed at future games, and instead of giving a clear answer, she avoided the question entirely. Responded with "No pets, it's on the sign" and walked away. When I politely asked for her name because I could not get a response or a respectful conversation, she responded dismissively with “Tootles” and walked off. This level of disrespect was unnecessary, especially given the fact I remained calm and respectful throughout the interaction.

To make matters worse, a man—possibly her boyfriend or husband was trailing behind her and made snide comments during the encounter. It felt unprofessional, unkind, and frankly, very uncomfortable.

I would have gladly shown documentation for my service dog if given the chance. But instead, I was met with hostility, zero empathy, and a complete unwillingness to have a respectful conversation.

I’ll be following up with park management directly, as I don’t think this is how people—especially those with any type of PTSD or any other disability for that matter, should be treated. I understand that my dog was not wearing her vest And if she was, maybe she would've been less hostile, but I hardly ever make her wear her vest and I avoid places that dogs are not allowed Regardless of having a service animal.. Thanks. If someone in management wants to respond to this with an email address that I can reach out to that would be great. This has truly been a...

There I was watching a movie in my car as I waited on my teenage boys and their friends playing. A man drove up in a car. Staring at me the whole time he blocks the entrance, exit of the parking lot. He starts laying out cones in the parking lot so the kids can play soccer. I got out of my car and took a picture of his license plate and told him he was doing something illegal. So instead of saying OK he starts telling me that is what is wrong with America. Yes that is what is wrong America. People want to get away with doing things illegal and get upset when someone calls them on it. So since he wouldn't believe me, I called the police. He tries to explain to me that he is trying to keep the kids safe. I told him that is why they have perfectly good soccer fields that are encased in a fence to keep the kids safe. He says that the park would not let them on the field because they were wet. OK so that is your clue to cancel practice because you do not have a safe place for the kids to practice. The parking lot is for cars not for kids to be playing. Would you let your kids play in the middle of the street? So if I was paying to have my kids play soccer and the coach who is responsible for them told me, my kids would be playing in a parking lot, I would demand my money back and take my kids out of it. To the parents that were there condoning this behavior and showing their kids that it is OK to break the law, should be ashamed of themselves. How do people expect their kids to respect the law and the police when they show blatant disregard for it? But I am what is wrong with America because I did not turn a blind eye because he has good reason to do it. He told me I was able to leave any time I wanted to. Excuse me, why do I have to ask you to leave a PUBLIC park? I can not believe the Gwinnett county parks and recreation would condone this behavior from the coaches. Who is taking the responsibility of the kids safety seriously? Even the parents thought this was a good idea. Even after the police officer told him he should not be doing it, he turns around and does it after the police officer leaves. Which to me is a bigger slap in the face to the law and police officer. This is what they are teaching their kids. Believe it or not he was not the only coach doing it. So apparently this is...

Very large park in Gwinnett County. There are several different areas to this park. When you drive in the main entrance you will see a sign for the senior center. Although it was closed when I went on Sunday, it looked very big.

First I saw the children's soccer fields (I took the first right) and there is even a separate adult soccer field in the back of the park. There is a small playground and a large playground at this park. When you turn right at the main entrance it says right to the smaller playground and soccer fields. The smaller children playground is well shaded and is on a foam like turf. Very nice. Renal Pavilions have grills and covered seating.

I drove past the very large indoor aquatic center which brought me to the adult (very large soccer field).

The main playground is right beside a bathroom. Separate smaller and older children play areas. Several benches for parents to sit down. The older kids playground has a rock climb wall, monkey bars, slides, and swings. This playground also has a small zip line.

There is a pond with a walking track.

Many baseball/softball fields, which does also include a separate playground at the baseball/softball area.

If you cross the street there is an additional entrance that has adult...