Drenched in Roswell

With summer officially kicking off today and temperatures pushing 100 degrees, we thought it might be an opportune time to highlight some of the best places in our city to dip your toes in the water or take a plunge. Roswell is chock-full of outdoor spaces and hidden places to get soaked and cool off.

Waller Park

Located in the area of 250 Oak Street, Waller Park still remains one of Roswell’s true gems. Per the Waller Park historical marker, “land for Waller Park was given to Fulton County in 1946 by James Isaac Wright in memory of his uncle, J.H. Wright, who had founded and operated (1896-1913) a water-powered pants factory on this site under the name of the Oxbow Falls Manufacturing Company. Fulton County developed the park to include a swimming pool, bathhouse, picnic areas, a softball field, and a nature trail to the site of the old pants factory. Fulton County deeded the park to the City of Roswell in 1953.” Today, visitors to the park access the trail and water by historic stone steps, which lead to the picture-perfect setting of Hog Wallow Creek. A thick tree canopy provides for amble shade and cooler temps. Visit roswellgov.com for more info.

Roswell Splash Pads

Check these off for the kiddos. Located at Riverside Park and East Roswell Park, the City of Roswell’s Recreation, Parks, Historic and Cultural Affairs department operates two fantastic spraygrounds, commonly referred to as splash pads. Both spraygrounds offer different varieties of spray features, concession stands, and rental pavilions. Daily fees apply. Children under the age of 1 and adults not entering the water (with paid child) are free. Stroller parking is located at the front gates, and infant carries are permitted. In addition to pavilion rentals, the department also offers birthday packages. Visit roswellgov.com for more info.

Nantahala Outdoor Center

Nantahala Outdoor Center is the City of Roswell’s only on-site outfitter for outdoor and river activities, perfect for exploring the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area. NOC operates outposts conveniently located in Azalea Park and Don White Memorial Park. Getting out on the river is one of the most popular summer activities for both residents of and visitors to Roswell. NOC offers high-quality craft and equipment rentals for any number of river adventures; tubing, rafting, kayaking, canoeing, biking, and SUP (stand-up paddle boarding). Hourly and half-day rentals are available, and options are good for all skill levels. Added bonus: For land-based exploration, NOC also offers bike and e-bike rentals for cruising the corridor along the Chattahoochee on more than three miles of improved trails throughout the park. Visit noc.com/chattahoochee-river-ga/roswell-outpost for more info.

Chattahoochee Nature Center

Ready. Set. Paddle. Each canoe program is led by a CNC Guide and offers a beginner-friendly way to try canoeing and experience the Chattahoochee River. Canoe Guides are all CPR/First Aid Certified and are experienced paddlers and naturalists. If you’re new to canoeing, fear not. CNC provides all equipment, canoe, paddles, and personal flotation device (PFDs), for participants. River Canoe Trips are suitable for both beginning and advanced paddlers (ages 6 and up), while the popular Family Canoe Days offer an introduction to canoeing (ages 5 and up). Be on the lookout for several different offerings, including weekend guided river canoe trips, date night canoe trips, private canoe excursions and seasonal and holiday canoe trips. Visit chattnaturecenter.org for more info.

Roswell Area Park

The Roswell Area Park (RAP) pool is loaded with special amenities, including a 50-meter Olympic-size pool with eight lap lanes, a diving well with two spring boards, and a children's wading pool with a mushroom waterfall. Those visiting the pool can enjoy the many programs offered through the Roswell Recreation & Parks department, including aquatic exercise programs, youth and adult swim lessons, lap swimming, swim team, lifeguard training, paddleboard yoga, and aquatic camps. Open to the entire family, the pool also offers a concession stand sponsored and operated by the Roswell Rapids Swim Team. The pool is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Want it all to yourself? The RAP pool is also available for private rentals throughout the season, on Saturday and Sunday evenings only, from 7:30-9:30 PM. Renting gets you exclusive use of the entire facility and includes certified lifeguards. Visit roswellgov.com for more info.

Interested in learning more about things to do, places to stay and events to attend in Roswell? Be sure to bookmark visitroswellga.com for everything you need to know about visiting our destination.