Forsyth County Family-Friendly Park Guide: Sawnee, Fowler, Coal Mountain, Lanier, Polo Fields

Forsyth County families have a range of outdoor spaces for play, exercise, and social gathering, with each park offering distinct features that support physical activity and community life. From wooded hikes to lakeside recreation, these parks are practical assets for local health and neighborhood cohesion.

Sawnee Mountain Preserve is a top choice for family-friendly hikes, with interpretive trails, panoramic overlooks, and short loops suitable for young children and older adults. The preserve’s elevation and views provide outdoor learning opportunities and accessible routes for families looking to combine recreation with nature education.

Fowler Park, near Cumming, centers on everyday community use with playgrounds, athletic fields, and walking trails. Its facilities host community events and organized activities that draw neighborhoods together and create routine opportunities for movement and social interaction. The park’s open spaces make it a natural site for youth sports and family outings.

Coal Mountain Park blends trail access, playgrounds, and a community building that supports local programming. A nearby recycling convenience point adds a practical service for families who value environmental stewardship while visiting the park. Coal Mountain’s focus on neighborhood-scale amenities supports both informal play and organized community meetings.

The West Bank Park and Lanier Islands area extend options onto Lake Lanier, offering beach access and water recreation for warm-season activity. Water-based recreation supports physical activity across age groups and attracts visitors from across the county, contributing to local tourism and leisure economies.

Polo Fields Park is the subject of ongoing planning and community input, with county Parks and Recreation providing master planning resources to guide renovation efforts. Residents have opportunities to shape future amenities and programming through the county’s planning process, which aims to align park upgrades with community needs.

Parks are more than recreation sites; they are public health infrastructure. Regular access to safe, nearby parks supports physical activity, mental health, and youth development while reducing pressures on clinical services for lifestyle-related conditions. Equitable access matters: transportation, ADA accessibility, and programming must reach all Forsyth neighborhoods so health benefits are distributed fairly. County-level planning plays a central role in addressing these disparities through targeted investments and community engagement.

For families, the practical takeaway is simple: use these varied spaces for regular outdoor time, stay informed about Polo Fields planning, and bring concerns about access or programming to county Parks and Recreation. As plans evolve, continued community involvement will determine how well these parks serve Forsyth County’s health, recreation, and neighborhood needs.