You’ve probably seen the signs or heard the name tossed around if you’ve lived south of the Perimeter for more than a minute. Atlanta Beach in Clayton County GA. It sounds like a joke, right? Atlanta is hundreds of miles from the coast. Yet, there it is—a massive 2,500-ton pile of white Florida sand dumped right in the middle of Jonesboro.
It exists. It’s real. But it’s not exactly what most people think it is anymore.
If you’re looking for a sprawling, natural coastal escape, you’re in the wrong place. However, if you want to understand one of the most interesting pieces of Olympic legacy and local community planning in Georgia, you’ve gotta look closer at what’s officially known as International Park. It’s a place that has survived budget cuts, changing leadership, and the literal weight of its own ambition.
Why Does a Beach Exist in Jonesboro Anyway?
Most people don't realize this place was built for the world stage. Back in 1996, when the Centennial Olympic Games took over Georgia, the organizers needed a venue for beach volleyball. They couldn't exactly ship everyone down to Savannah for a single event and keep the "Atlanta" branding intact. So, they looked south. They found a spot in Clayton County and decided to manufacture a beach from scratch.
They hauled in tons of high-grade sand. They built a stadium. For a few weeks in the mid-90s, this was the epicenter of global beach volleyball. People like Karch Kiraly and Kent Steffes were diving into this very sand while the eyes of the world were on Clayton County.
After the Olympics left, the county was left with a massive sandbox.
What do you do with a world-class volleyball venue once the gold medals have been handed out? You turn it into a water park. For years, "The Beach" was a staple for local families. It was the place to go if you couldn't afford the six-hour drive to Tybee Island or the high price tag of Six Flags White Water. It was gritty, it was crowded, and honestly, it was kind of legendary in its own way.
The Reality of Atlanta Beach in Clayton County GA Today
Things have changed. You can’t just walk up and find the old water park slides running like they did in 2005.
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Over the last decade, the site has gone through significant transitions. The Clayton County Water Authority and the Parks and Recreation department have had to balance the high cost of maintaining a "beach" with the actual needs of the community. Today, the area is part of the larger International Park complex.
It’s no longer just about the sand. It’s a massive 200-plus acre facility.
You’ve got the Lake Spivey Recreation Center nearby, which is a state-of-the-art building that honestly puts most city gyms to shame. Then there’s the Senior Center. But the "beach" itself? It’s often used for specialized events or specific seasons. You’ll see the sand utilized for tournaments or community gatherings, but the days of it being a wide-open, daily-use public swimming hole with roaring slides are mostly in the rearview mirror.
One thing that hasn't changed is the Lake Spivey Golf Club proximity. It’s a weird juxtaposition. You have this Olympic-grade sand volleyball area, a massive community water park (when in season/operational), and then world-class golf right around the corner. It’s the kind of urban planning that only happens when an Olympic budget hits a suburban county.
The Sand Is Still the Star
People obsess over the sand. It’s not Georgia red clay covered in a light dusting of grit. No, this is the real deal. It’s soft. It’s white. It’s surprisingly well-maintained considering the Georgia humidity usually turns everything into a swamp within a week.
If you visit during a tournament, you'll see why it matters. Professional and amateur volleyball players still covet this spot because the depth and quality of the sand are better than almost anything else inland. It’s a "deep sand" court, which means it’s harder to jump and move—exactly what competitive players want for training.
What Most People Get Wrong About Visiting
Don't just show up with a cooler and an umbrella on a Tuesday in October expecting a Spring Break vibe. You will be disappointed.
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The biggest misconception is that Atlanta Beach in Clayton County GA is a 24/7 public beach like you’d find in Florida. It isn't. It’s a managed facility. You have to check the Clayton County Parks and Rec schedule. Often, access is tied to specific summer hours or special events.
Also, it’s not "The Beach" anymore in name. If you put "Atlanta Beach" into an old GPS, you might get lost. Search for International Park on Hwy 138. That’s the official designation.
Here is what you actually find there now:
- The VIP Complex: A huge building used for weddings and corporate events. It’s surprisingly fancy.
- Walking Trails: There are miles of paved and unpaved trails that wrap around the lakes. This is actually the best part of the park that nobody talks about.
- The Water Park (Seasonal): When it’s open, it’s usually branded as "Spivey Splash." It features a lazy river and a flow-rider (one of those simulated surfing machines).
- Fishing: There are designated spots, but don't just throw a line in anywhere. The rangers are active.
Is It Worth the Trip?
That depends on what you're looking for. If you’re a history buff or an Olympic nerd, absolutely. Standing on the site of the first-ever Olympic beach volleyball tournament is cool. There is a palpable sense of 90s nostalgia there.
If you’re a parent in the South Metro area looking for a way to kill a Saturday in July without spending $300? Yeah, Spivey Splash (the current iteration of the water park at the beach) is a solid deal. It’s cheaper than the big-name parks and generally easier to navigate.
But let’s be real. It’s in Jonesboro. You’re going to deal with traffic on I-75. You’re going to deal with the heat. And you’re going to be reminded that while the sand is from Florida, the water is definitely from a Georgia lake. It's darker and has that earthy smell.
Why It Still Matters to Clayton County
This park is a point of pride. For a county that often gets overshadowed by the glitz of North Atlanta or the rapid growth of Gwinnett, having a permanent Olympic legacy is a big deal. The county has invested millions into the Lake Spivey Recreation Center and the surrounding infrastructure.
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They aren't letting it rot.
They’ve pivoted. Instead of trying to compete with the massive commercial water parks, they’ve turned International Park into a multi-use community hub. It’s where people get married, where seniors go for water aerobics, and where kids learn to swim. It’s more of a "living room" for the county than a tourist trap.
Expert Tips for Navigating the Park
Honestly, if you're going, go early. The Georgia sun reflects off that white sand and creates a literal oven effect by 2:00 PM.
- Check the Water Quality: Like any man-made lake beach, the county monitors bacteria levels. If there’s been a massive rainstorm, they might close the swimming area. Check the official Clayton County website before you load the car.
- Bring Your Own Shade: There are some pavilions, but they get claimed instantly. If you have one of those pop-up tents, bring it.
- The "Secret" Trails: Everyone clusters around the water. If you head toward the back of the property, the trails are shaded, quiet, and offer some of the best bird-watching in the area.
- Parking: It’s usually plenty, but for big events (like the July 4th fireworks), it becomes a nightmare. Have a backup plan or use a rideshare.
The "beach" has survived several "final" closings. Every few years, there’s a rumor that the county is going to pave it over or turn it into something else. But it persists. There is something about that sand that people just aren't willing to let go of. It’s a piece of the 1996 magic that hasn't been completely sanitized or torn down for luxury condos yet.
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you want the full experience, don't just sit in the sand. Walk the perimeter. Look at the architecture of the older buildings—you can still see the 1996 aesthetic in the lines of the structures.
Check out the Junior Olympic Pool. It’s part of the complex and is often less crowded than the "beach" area itself. It’s a great spot for actual lap swimming if you’re trying to get a workout in.
One more thing: Food. The concessions are what you’d expect—hot dogs, nachos, sugary drinks. If you want a real meal, you’re better off driving five minutes down Hwy 138 toward Stockbridge or back into Jonesboro. There are some incredible local spots (especially for BBQ) that will treat you better than a stadium pretzel.
Planning Your Next Step
Before you head out to Atlanta Beach in Clayton County GA, your first move should be visiting the Clayton County Parks and Recreation official portal. Search for "International Park" specifically. This is where you’ll find the current operational hours for the Spivey Splash Water Park and any scheduled volleyball tournaments. If you're planning a large gathering, you can also view pavilion rental availability online, which is a must-do because these spots book up months in advance during the peak season. Check the weather forecast for the 30236 zip code specifically, as South Metro weather can differ significantly from downtown Atlanta, and the park will close the water sections at the first sign of lightning.