DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs

DeKalb County Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs We are proud to share the many accomplishments of The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs.

The DCRPCA Department is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of the citizens of DeKalb County by connecting communities to exceptional parks, recreational facilities, and cross-generational programs that promote healthy and active lifestyles. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Affairs’ mission is to provide safe parks and facilities, enhance the quality of life as a provider o

f recreation and cultural experiences and ensure a customer focused parks system. The Department works together with nationally recognized consultants, community, business and government leaders, as well as citizens of DeKalb County, to create signature parks and recreational facilities that will enhance the image of DeKalb County and its park system. This site features our outstanding park system which includes: 130 parks consisting of approximately 6,000 acres of parkland and open space, 151 playgrounds, 2 golf courses, 105 tennis courts, 90 pavilions, 158 ball fields, 13 recreational facilities, and even more. The Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Affairs understands that parks are not only important to the quality of life, but they are also assets that increase DeKalb County's desirability as a place to live, work and play. Our department is divided into three collaborative divisions: Administration, Recreation Services, and Park Services. We all work together towards the vision and mission of "Creating and connecting communities through people, parks and programs."

Before he was president, Teddy Roosevelt was a sickly kid who found his strength outdoors, and he spent his career makin...
08/31/2026

Before he was president, Teddy Roosevelt was a sickly kid who found his strength outdoors, and he spent his career making sure every American, not just the wealthy, could do the same.

“Keep it for your children, your children’s children, and for all who come after you.”

That’s the whole idea behind our youth farm programs at EMBARC in Lithonia. We prioritize getting DeKalb kids outside, hands in the dirt, learning that these green spaces are theirs to steward. What’s your earliest memory of exploring the outdoors as a kid? Tell us below. 🌳

🐝 Sweet success at EMBARC Community Youth Farm!On August 29, DeKalb families rolled up their sleeves (and put on their v...
08/31/2026

🐝 Sweet success at EMBARC Community Youth Farm!

On August 29, DeKalb families rolled up their sleeves (and put on their veils!) for a hands-on Honey Harvesting & Beekeeping program at the E.M.B.A.R.C. Community Youth Farm alongside CEO Lorraine Cochran-Johnson.

Guided by Ed Morgan of The Atlanta Bee Company and EMBARC staff, participants got an up-close look at the art and science of beekeeping — from hive inspection to honey extraction.
This year alone, the farm’s hives have produced over 400 pounds of honey, a sweet reflection of the growing success at EMBARC! 🍯

Look through to see the buzz. 👉

“Keep it for your children, your children’s children, and for all who come after you.” - Theodore Roosevelt Words we liv...
08/31/2026

“Keep it for your children, your children’s children, and for all who come after you.” - Theodore Roosevelt

Words we live by every time we take a group of DeKalb kids out on the trail. 🌳 Tag someone who needs a reminder to get outside this week.

📣 September 2026 Naturalist Events and Programs🌅 Which adventure will you embark on? Next month, connect with our natura...
08/25/2026

📣 September 2026 Naturalist Events and Programs

🌅 Which adventure will you embark on?

Next month, connect with our naturalists outdoors and discover DeKalb County’s natural beauty. See you there!

Long before DeKalb had a parks department, one landscape architect was arguing that green space wasn’t a luxury, but rat...
08/25/2026

Long before DeKalb had a parks department, one landscape architect was arguing that green space wasn’t a luxury, but rather an essential part of a healthy society.

“A park is a work of art, designed to produce certain effects upon the mind of men.” - Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture

He believed parks should be planned as carefully as any building. We think about that every time we design a trail, a pasture, or a riding ring like the one at Little Creek.
Have you taken a lesson at Little Creek Horse Farm yet?

If you caught the reel, you already know Deepdene Park almost became a freeway. Here’s what didn’t make the 90 seconds:1...
08/24/2026

If you caught the reel, you already know Deepdene Park almost became a freeway. Here’s what didn’t make the 90 seconds:

1) During restoration work, crews found a piece of trolley rail buried two feet underground that was left over from the streetcar line that ran along Ponce de Leon until the 1940s. A restored trolley waiting station is now on display near Ponce de Leon and East Lake Road.

2) Winning the fight against the freeway didn’t end the threat. For decades afterward, invasive English ivy and wisteria quietly took over the forest floor, and erosion set in.

3) In 1997, a nonprofit called the Olmsted Linear Park Alliance formed specifically to fix that, and has since raised more than $10 million to restore all six linear parks, Deepdene included.

Some parks you visit once. This one keeps having a story.
Have you been to Deepdene? Tell me which DeKalb County park we should visit next.

08/24/2026

You’re looking at Deepdene Park in DeKalb County! It’s a hidden gem that stores amazing views.

Save this and plan your next visit to Deepdene Park 🙌

08/20/2026

This 22-acre wooded ravine almost became a freeway. Deepdene Park survived because a neighborhood refused to let it go. 🌲
Welcome to Beauty in the Parks, DeKalb RPCA’s green spaces, one story at a time.

PUBLIC NOTICE: Zonolite Park Expansion Concept Design PresentationDeKalb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs i...
08/14/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: Zonolite Park Expansion Concept Design Presentation

DeKalb County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs invites residents to the second public meeting on the Zonolite Park expansion.

📍Location: Mason Mill Recreation Center, Lower Level
📅 Date: Thursday, August 27
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Your input helps shape the future of Zonolite Park.

🐝 Ready to create a buzz? Join our Youth Farm Junior Beekeeper Program! 🍯Get hands-on learning with the Youth Farm bees ...
08/10/2026

🐝 Ready to create a buzz? Join our Youth Farm Junior Beekeeper Program! 🍯

Get hands-on learning with the Youth Farm bees alongside staff and Ed Morgan from the Atlanta Bee Company!

👥 Ages 10 & Up (Parents must stay with participants)

Protective gear (bee suits, gloves, veils) is provided.

Closed-toe shoes required.

Scan the QR code or link in bio to register today!

Address

1950 W. Exchange Place, Suite 400
Tucker, GA
30084

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+14043712711

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