U.S. Botanic Garden | Southeast Washington

Ben Burton Park is a municipal park located in Athens, Georgia, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The park features a mix of mature deciduous trees providing canopy cover. The terrain includes open grassy areas and a paved walking path that encircles a central pond. The pond's water clarity varies with rainfall, and its banks are lined with native grasses and shrubs.

Location & Access Logistics

Ben Burton Park is situated approximately 5 kilometers west of downtown Athens. Access is via West Broad Street, turning onto Ben Burton Road. Ample free parking is available in a designated lot adjacent to the park entrance. The park is served by the Athens-Clarke County Transit Route 4, with a stop located at the intersection of Ben Burton Road and West Broad Street.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The land was acquired by Athens-Clarke County in 1975 for public recreational use. The park's ecological setting is characteristic of the Piedmont region, with a mix of woodland and open field habitats supporting local flora and fauna. The pond is a man-made feature, created as part of the park's development to manage stormwater runoff and provide aesthetic appeal.

Key Highlights & Activities

Activities include walking the paved perimeter path (1.5 km loop), picnicking at designated tables, and observing waterfowl on the pond. Fishing is permitted from the pond's edge, with a Georgia fishing license required. Playground equipment is available in a designated area.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are located near the main parking lot. Several picnic tables with attached benches are distributed throughout the park, some offering partial shade from trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally reliable within the park. No on-site food vendors are present; however, convenience stores are located within 1 kilometer on West Broad Street.

Best Time to Visit

For photography, early morning or late afternoon light provides optimal illumination of the park's features. The months of April through October offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The pond's water level is generally stable, with no specific tide requirements.

Facts & Legends

A local anecdote suggests that the park's oldest oak tree, located near the western edge of the pond, was a meeting point for Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, though historical verification is limited.

Nearby Landmarks

• 5km East: Athens-Clarke County Heritage Room (0.5km East)
• 4.5km East: The Georgia Museum of Art (1.2km East)
• 4km East: The University of Georgia Campus (2.5km East)
• 6km West: State Botanical Garden of Georgia (3.0km West)
• 5.5km Southwest: Sandy Creek Park (3.5km Southwest)