Briarwood Recreation Center at 2235 Briarwood Way NE serves the Brookhaven area of Atlanta with comprehensive recreational facilities set within a serene wooded environment. This community asset combines an indoor basketball gymnasium with quality flooring, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and shaded playground areas, creating multi-generational gathering spaces for the neighborhood. The facility successfully balances athletic programming with community services, hosting everything from STEM winter break camps to COVID-19 testing sites, while maintaining affordable access with basketball sessions at just $2 and reasonable pool pass rates.
The recreation center maximizes its wooded setting with slopes ideal for jogging and running, while mature trees provide afternoon shade over the playground area making it particularly suitable for younger children. The outdoor pool serves as a summer focal point for families, though some visitors express desires for seasonal pass options beyond daily rates. Indoor facilities include party rooms accommodating small gatherings (with no alcohol permitted), while the basketball court’s recent floor renovation draws praise from longtime community members who grew up using these facilities and now appreciate the improvements.
Briarwood Recreation Center at 2235 Briarwood Way NE serves the Brookhaven area of Atlanta with comprehensive recreational facilities set within a serene wooded environment. This community asset combines an indoor basketball gymnasium with quality flooring, outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, and shaded playground areas, creating multi-generational gathering spaces for the neighborhood. The facility successfully balances athletic programming with community services, hosting everything from STEM winter break camps to COVID-19 testing sites, while maintaining affordable access with basketball sessions at just $2 and reasonable pool pass rates.
The recreation center maximizes its wooded setting with slopes ideal for jogging and running, while mature trees provide afternoon shade over the playground area making it particularly suitable for younger children. The outdoor pool serves as a summer focal point for families, though some visitors express desires for seasonal pass options beyond daily rates. Indoor facilities include party rooms accommodating small gatherings (with no alcohol permitted), while the basketball court’s recent floor renovation draws praise from longtime community members who grew up using these facilities and now appreciate the improvements.
The indoor court features recently renovated flooring that longtime residents particularly appreciate. Open basketball sessions cost only $2, providing affordable recreation in a quality gym environment with attentive staff support.
A large presentation space accommodates community meetings, parties, and educational programs with 60-person maximum capacity. Kitchen facilities and accessible washrooms support event hosting, with folding tables and chairs provided.
The outdoor pool reopened after renovations to positive community response, serving as a primary summer recreation destination. Family-friendly atmosphere maintained by staff, though some visitors note desires for friendlier lifeguard interactions.
Multiple tennis courts provide additional racquet sport options within the wooded setting. Court availability supports both casual play and organized programs.
The shaded playground particularly suits younger children during afternoon hours when tree coverage provides relief from sun. Convenient bathroom access and regular maintenance create safe, clean play environments.
Wooded surroundings with natural slopes create opportunities for trail running and jogging beyond structured facilities. The serene environment distinguishes this center from more urban recreation facilities, providing peaceful settings for exercise.
Specialized camps during school breaks receive enthusiastic responses from participants, with parents praising accommodating staff. Educational programming extends beyond traditional sports to include science and technology learning opportunities.
Open basketball sessions provide structured recreational opportunities with interesting participants creating positive social environments. Regular players appreciate the consistent quality and welcoming atmosphere maintained by staff.
The facility served as a COVID-19 testing site with professional, efficient staff completing drive-through tests in five minutes. Early voting locations for elections demonstrate the center’s role beyond recreation in supporting civic participation.
Separate community association facility offers rentals at $40/hour (2-hour minimum) or $200 daily rate. Maximum 60-person capacity with multipurpose room, kitchen, and accessible washrooms included.
Brookhaven Parks & Recreation pool passes available with helpful staff facilitating easy renewal processes. Pricing structure aims for affordability though some visitors desire more flexible seasonal options.
Reports of double-booked basketball courts with management failing to notify affected groups show organizational issues. Inconsistent operating hours with some users reporting discrepancies between posted and actual times create frustration.
Google Maps directions reportedly send visitors to wrong areas, creating confusion for first-time visitors. The facility sits back from the main road, requiring careful navigation despite good signage once located.
Long-term residents express deep connections to the facility, with multiple generations using the amenities over decades. The evolution from original community space to modern Brookhaven facility maintains neighborhood character while upgrading amenities.
Some visitors note concerns about loiterers requiring increased police presence for security. The wooded, set-back location provides privacy but may contribute to isolation concerns during off-peak hours.
Chair yoga classes offer gentle stretching exercises suitable for seniors and those with mobility limitations. Youth-focused programming demonstrates commitment to serving younger community members with enriching activities beyond sports. The combination of natural setting, affordable pricing, and diverse programming establishes Briarwood as an essential neighborhood resource, though operational improvements in scheduling, communication, and seasonal pass options could enhance user satisfaction while maintaining the facility’s role as a cherished community gathering space.
