Lost Mountain Park in Powder Springs, Georgia, once held a prominent position as a premier softball venue within the Atlanta region.
Lost Mountain Park in Powder Springs, Georgia, once held a prominent position as a premier softball venue within the Atlanta region. While it maintains a strong reputation amongst local parks, recent developments might necessitate a reevaluation of its standing.
The park was very near to closure in 2019. Budget cuts in the Cobb County Parks and Recreation Department meant public facility funding cuts. It was a close one for Lost Mountain Park, but it did survive. However, it is not the same park it used to be. Once heralded as one of the top softball parks in northern Georgia, it is no more tagged as a great park. Due to those Cobb County funding issues, park staff has been reduced and true on-site park management has disappeared.
In recent years, changes implemented at Lost Mountain Park have impacted its previous state. Notably, the removal of mature trees along the walkways has affected the shaded areas previously enjoyed by visitors. Additionally, the open fields at the upper hub are now more exposed to wind due to the lack of tree cover, potentially affecting gameplay conditions. These changes have resulted in a noticeable shift in the park’s overall atmosphere.
Safety issues have been identified at Lost Mountain Park, particularly regarding the dugouts on the upper hub fields. The current design of the entry gates poses a potential risk of injury to players, coaches, and spectators. Additionally, the lack of elevation in the dugout floors makes them susceptible to flooding during heavy rain.
Further concerns include:
- Limited shade effectiveness: Recently installed shade structures near the upper hub bleachers reportedly offer minimal protection from sunlight.
- Restroom disruptions: Reported occurrences of underground water pipe breaks can lead to restroom closures.
Lost Mountain Park boasts nine softball fields, divided into an upper hub (five fields) and a lower hub (four fields). Originally designed for baseball, the fields utilize lower fences, potentially impacting their suitability for competitive softball. While the upper hub benefits from a functional drainage system installed before funding limitations, the lower hub experiences frequent flooding. Notably, plans to convert field nine on the lower hub into a dedicated softball stadium haven’t come to fruition.
Despite recent changes, Lost Mountain Park retains several positive attributes. The playing surfaces are well-maintained, reflecting the dedication of the resident recreational softball league. Both the upper and lower hubs offer well-regarded concession options, further enhancing the visitor experience. Additionally, ample restrooms are available throughout the park, and Wi-Fi access is generally provided on the upper hub courtesy of Cobb County.
Compared to other parks within Cobb County, Lost Mountain Park incurs higher rental fees for tournaments.
Compared to other parks within Cobb County, Lost Mountain Park incurs higher rental fees for tournaments. This factor, along with recent changes at the park, has influenced the decisions of some tournament organizers. As a result, a shift has been observed, with some tournaments opting for alternative facilities within the county or even neighboring areas.
Lost Mountain Park:
4845 Dallas Hwy, Powder Springs, GA 30127
Lost Mountain Park Rating: 2 – Double.
PARK RATING SYSTEM
- 0 – Strike Out: Lowest rating; Avoid the park.
- 1 – Single: Not up to par; Good luck at the park.
- 2 – Double: Has potential; County and/or City Parks & Rec department could easily improve.
- 3 – Triple: Not a bad park; Could use some additions and upgrades to make it a great park.
- 4 – Home Run: Park that is excellent; Great fields, family friendly, and well taken care of.
