Parks and Recreation
Dalton Parks and Recreation Department
A dedicated team of 32 full-time professionals, 182 Part-time and 250+ volunteers who are committed to enriching the quality of life of the citizens we serve by providing safe accessible recreational opportunities and facilities for thousands of families throughout the City of Dalton and Whitfield County and beyond.
2023 Parks and Recreation Activity Guide
About the Department
Dalton Parks and Recreation has something for everyone. We provide diverse recreational activities. Programs range from a 3-4 year old Start Smart Program, Youth and Adult Athletics, Summer Adventure Camps, Sports Camps, Exercise and Wellness Programs, Instructional Classes, Special Events, and professionally run Special Population Programs and a lot more. Our staff takes great pride in the quality programs it develops. These programs are designed for people of all ages and economic backgrounds. The City of Dalton provides athletic opportunities for FREE in all of the DRAFTED recreation programs. For these programs, the only cost is the parent’s time to be involved in playing with their children.
Our agency is responsible for maintaining over 1400 acres of land, 16 parks, 26 athletic fields, 24 tennis courts, and 12 playgrounds. We operate the John Davis Recreation Center, Mack Gaston Community Center, Dalton/Whitfield Senior Center, and Nob North Golf Course. Dalton is growing and our agency is taking steps to meet that growth. In 2018, DPRD finished a 300+ acre park called Haig Mill Lake Park. It is the first park of its kind in Dalton/Whitfield County with 3.5+ mile trail for walking, running and biking. The park includes picnic shelters, outdoor class room, and pavilion for small parties. There are nature observation areas, large playground and a 126 acre lake full of fish. The lake is patrolled by DNR and a valid GA fishing license is required. Fishing is catch, photo, release (CPR) for all BLACK BASS. The other species are subject to the state mandated creel limits. The lake is limited to only human powered craft like kayaks and canoes. Kayak rentals are available April – October on weekends and when school is out for the summer rentals are available 7 days a week. The City is looking for big things to happen in the decade of the 2020s and beyond. We partner with other service agencies to combine resources that benefit all residents. From joint usage facility agreements and shared grant funds to open space acquisition and beautification efforts, we place great emphasis on working in conjunction with community organizations to provide the best to this community.
Dalton Parks and Recreation was founded over 60 years ago by a special election of the citizens of this community, and we strive every day to offer the best customer service possible to the residents we serve.
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