Parks and trails in Columbus

Last checked Oct. 6, 2026. Facts on this page come from Columbus Parks and Recreation, part of the Columbus Consolidated Government.

Columbus’s signature park is the Chattahoochee RiverWalk, which the city’s Parks and Recreation department describes as a 22-mile linear park with an asphalt trail, restrooms and fishing spots, from Lake Oliver in the north to Fort Benning in the south. Parks and Recreation also runs pools, two free splash pads, recreation centers, the Lake Oliver Marina and the Jonathan Hatcher Skateboard Park. For park problems, call 311, 706-653-4000.

Who to call

• Park problems, broken equipment, trash: 311, 706-653-4000, or report it online
• Columbus Aquatics Center: 706-225-3980, 1603 Midtown Drive
• Lake Oliver Marina rentals: 706-225-4658, 5501 River Road
• Pavilion and facility rentals: Parks and Recreation rentals
• Emergencies on the river or trail: 911

The RiverWalk

The RiverWalk began with sewer and water upgrades in the late 1980s. Its first mile opened on Columbus Day 1992; later phases carried it past Golden Park, the Civic Center, Rotary Park and Rigdon Park, south past Oxbow Meadows to the Infantry Center at Fort Benning, and north past Bibb Mill to Lake Oliver.

Ways onto the RiverWalk, from the city’s list:

• Bay Avenue and 11th Street
• Front Avenue and 8th Street (stairs behind the Coca-Cola Space Science Center)
• Front Avenue and 6th Street
• Golden Park, the Civic Center, Rotary Park and Rigdon Park
• 23rd Street, Bibb Mill and Hemlock Park
• Lake Oliver

Rules: no motor vehicles, no swimming and no alcohol. Children 11 and under need an adult with them. Pets must be leashed and owners must clean up after them. Fishing is allowed. Pedestrians always have the right of way.

For the Fall Line Trace, the Dragonfly Trails and Standing Boy’s dirt trails, see our walking and biking trails guide.

Splash pads and pools

From the city’s pools and splash pads page:

The Aquatics Center is open year-round for lap swimming, lessons and fitness classes. Daily admission for Muscogee County residents starts at $2 for children 11 and under; nonresidents pay more.

Lake Oliver Marina

Lake Oliver is a 2,150-acre lake on the Chattahoochee between the Goat Rock and Oliver dams, and the RiverWalk reaches it. The Lake Oliver Marina, 5501 River Road, has docks, a boat ramp, live bait, tackle, gas and a grill for breakfast and lunch. It is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

• The launch fee is $4 a vessel.
• No swimming or wading; the dock is for loading and unloading only.
• Houseboats, and boats with marine toilets, galleys or sleeping quarters, are not allowed on the lake.
• Clean boat motors, trailers and tackle when you leave.

Skate park

The Jonathan Hatcher Skateboard Park, 200 4th St., opened in 2009 with street features, two flow bowls and a “Peanut Bowl” built like a backyard pool. It closes at 11 p.m. Helmets, kneepads, elbow pads and wrist guards are required, and riders under 12 need a parent or guardian with them.

Dog parks

The Yard at MidCity Yards, 1432 Fifth Ave., is a membership off-leash dog park run by Paws Humane Society. Details are in our dog-friendly Columbus guide.

Events in the parks

Parks and Recreation runs seasonal events, including Spooktacular at Lake Bottom Park from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, and the Veterans Day and Christmas parades. See the Parks and Recreation home page and our trick-or-treat guide.

What this means for you

• The RiverWalk is free, paved and open to walkers, runners and cyclists.
• Splash pads are free in summer; the Aquatics Center is open all year.
• Bring $4 to launch a boat at Lake Oliver.

More: walking and biking trails, kids’ activities and free things to do.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Columbus RiverWalk?

Columbus Parks and Recreation describes the RiverWalk as a 22-mile linear park with an asphalt trail and restrooms, running from Lake Oliver in the north to Fort Benning in the south.

Where are the free splash pads in Columbus, Georgia?

At the City Services Center, 3111 Citizens Way, and Carver Park, 6665 Hunter Road. Both are free and open daily in summer from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where can I launch a boat in Columbus?

At Lake Oliver Marina, 5501 River Road, open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. The launch fee is $4 a vessel. Houseboats and boats with toilets, galleys or sleeping quarters are not allowed on Lake Oliver.

Is there a dog park in Columbus, Georgia?

The Yard at MidCity Yards, 1432 Fifth Ave., is a membership off-leash dog park run by Paws Humane Society. On the RiverWalk, dogs must be leashed and owners must clean up after them.