July 2008  View Previous Playground Articles 

Whittier Mill Park, Smyrna

Features: Despite being tucked away on the grounds of an old 19th-century cotton mill village, Whittier Mill Park offers kids plenty of modern playground fun. The centerpiece of the playground is a teal and yellow play-structure with monkey bars and several slides, but it’s the ancillary equipment that stays in high-demand. One such structure is a miniature, multi-colored airplane whose cockpit has room for both pilot and co-pilot. Not only can the plane bank side to side to avoid cliffs, jet-fighters, planets and the like, but little mavericks love the fact that the faster you turn the steering wheel, the faster the propeller spins. The grounds also boast a “rock” climbing wall, swing set and even a wood-framed, gravel filled bocce ball court. And for parents, plenty of wooden benches sit peacefully in the shade a safe distance from all the action.

Amenities: While Whittier Mill doesn’t have a parking lot per se, there’s plenty of room to park along the adjacent road (and Wales Ave. sees virtually no through traffic, so no need to fret on that front). There aren’t any bathrooms at the park, so let the kids take care of business before you get there or make sure they don’t mind picking out a tree.

Directions: The park is located just a few minutes from the Cobb Dr. exit (#15) off of I-285. Head SE on Cobb Dr. after exiting, and continue for about a mile until you see Bolton Rd., where you’ll take a right. Then take a right at Parrott Ave., another right onto Butler Way and a left at Wales Ave. The park is at the corner of Wales and Spad avenues.

 – Kyle Garrett

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