The North Lowndes Sports Complex features eight fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, field hockey and other outdoor sports.

The Valdosta-Lowndes Parks and Recreation Authority said its mission is to “provide superior, affordable recreation services and facilities for all residents of Valdosta and Lowndes County.”

VLPRA offers community centers, boat ramps, parks, and facilities of varying sizes.

Community Centers

VLPRA Administrative Office: 1901 North Barack Obama Blvd., Valdosta, GA 31601

The Administration Building is home to VLPRA’s Administrative, Youth Athletics, and Adult Athletics offices. The center also has an incredible variety of spaces and rental facilities. The main building houses a beautiful sanctuary with a center aisle, an oak stage, and a perfect sound system for weddings. Receptions can be held in the same building in the spacious multipurpose room that offers a divider as well as tables and chairs. A full-size kitchen and bathrooms are right down the hall. Just across the parking lot, you will find the Administration Gym: a heated and air-conditioned full-size gym that is a great place for basketball, volleyball, dance classes, and general recreation.

Jaycee Shack: 2306 Jaycee Shack Road, Valdosta, GA 31602

The recently renovated Jaycee Shack is a sparkling-clean facility with beautiful fixtures. The entire facility is available for rent and features a large multipurpose room with a full-size kitchen and plenty of tables and chairs included. Guests will love the picturesque pond and the covered picnic shelter that includes a large grill, power, water, and lights for evening rentals.

Mildred Hunter Center: 509 South Fry St., Valdosta, GA 31601

The Mildred Hunter Community Center has a gym with a full-size basketball court and pull-out bleachers for hosting games and tournaments. It also has a full-size kitchen, breakout rooms, a kid’s playroom, and an exercise room with plenty of cardio equipment and weights. Next to Harrington Park, an outdoor pool with new patio furniture is situated. The MHCC is home to VLPRA’s basketball and youth football programs, as well as the R.C. Car Club, the Marching Pride Drill Team, and several teen mentoring groups.

Naylor Community Center: 6030 Savannah Ave., Naylor, GA 31641

This brand-new community center is located at Riley Ledford Park and is perfectly appointed with a massive kitchen and pass-through window, a multi-purpose room with tables and chairs, and large bathrooms. An outdoor pavilion attached to the center makes this an ideal place for small birthday parties, graduation parties, and family get-togethers. The Naylor Community Center has an adjacent pavilion. It is situated at the front of Riley-Ledford Park just off Highway 84 in Naylor, which features a paved walking track, a multipurpose field with a backstop, three more pavilions, and a restroom building.

Senior Citizen Center: 1360 East Park Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602

The Senior Citizen Center is a hugely popular facility that houses all VLPRA seniors programs. It includes a large multipurpose room with a full kitchen, an exercise room with cardio and weight training equipment, an indoor heated pool, a library, a walking track, a shuffleboard court, and comfortable seating in the foyer. There are also several breakout rooms with billiards, cards, and arts and crafts.

South Lowndes Recreation Complex: 6440 Ocean Pond Ave., Lake Park, GA 31636

The South Lowndes is a community center and a park in one. Outdoor amenities include two adult and two youth baseball/softball fields, a concession stand with a covered eating area, restrooms, a water fountain, a full-size playground, and three soccer fields with a dedicated concession stand and restrooms. Plenty of parking for tournaments and events, and two huge picnic shelters exist. The community center on the other side of the parking lot features a gymnasium with a full basketball court, two half-courts, and several multipurpose rooms. The community center also houses a commercial kitchen and plenty of tables and chairs for an event.

Wood Valley: 1907 Gornto Road, Valdosta, GA 31602

The Wood Valley Community Center can be reserved for small events and birthday parties. The Center boasts a medium-sized multipurpose room with a stage. Wood Valley houses a full-size kitchen, storage, tables, and chairs. Outside the community center is a playground with a covered picnic shelter, restrooms, a grill, electricity, and water. There is a paved walking track as well.

To rent picnic shelters, fields, buildings, or even entire parks, call 229-259-3507

Large Parks

Freedom Park: 3795 Guest Road, Valdosta, GA 31605

Freedom Park is a vast multipurpose facility with something for everyone. The park’s 250-plus acres are located near Moody Air Force Base. The park features a large, beautifully maintained baseball/softball complex with eight regulation adult softball fields, bathrooms, a concession stand, and a covered playground.

Park users will find ten acres of soccer fields, a paved walking track, an 18-hole disc golf course, a dog park for large and small breeds, a multipurpose field, and ample open field space to complete the venue.

Freedom Park hosts the regional Spring Olympics each year and dozens of baseball and softball tournaments and disc golf tournaments. The sports fields, golf course, and open areas are all available for rent for a large event.

John W. Saunders Memorial Park: 1151 River St., Valdosta, GA 31601

Saunders Memorial Park is ideal for large gatherings. The park houses six covered picnic shelters, the largest of which can hold up to 150 people and has more than a dozen picnic tables and designated restrooms. Other shelters hold two picnic tables each. Every shelter features electricity and a designated grill, which can be rented. A paved walking and nature trail leads from the largest shelter through a scenic shaded wooded area.

The park also includes two regulation-sized outdoor basketball courts, a splash pad, and a playground; an amphitheater complete with electricity and stage lights that can seat hundreds of people; and shelters, amphitheater, and basketball courts are all available for rent.

McKey Park (H.B.A. Tennis Center): 112 Burton Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602

McKey Park is in the middle of Valdosta on Patterson Street. It is home to the Harry B. Anderson Tennis Center.

The tennis center features 12 tennis courts for lessons, clinics, and general tennis recreation. It also contains a tennis shelter, bleachers, bathrooms, water fountains, and a pro shop that houses the tennis pro’s office.

In addition to the tennis complex, the park features a sand volleyball court, two large playgrounds that feature structures for older kids, and swings for both toddlers and school-age children. A canopy of oaks shades playgrounds and has a dedicated restroom and water fountains; a creek runs between the playground areas, with the two sides connected by a wooden bridge; and two large picnic pavilions, each capable of accommodating 60 people.

Both pavilions hold picnic tables and grills; green space: a grassy field is available to accommodate youth sports practices; the park is adjacent to a lighted, paved walking track; tennis courts, volleyball courts, and picnic pavilions are all available for rent.

North Lowndes Park and Sports Complex: Sonny Rodgers Memorial Drive, Hahira, GA 31632

North Lowndes Park & Sports Complex features eight brand-new soccer fields with stadium bleachers, sports lighting, and a large concession stand. It also has an additional multipurpose field, playground, shelter, and a skate park. The large concrete skate park is a lit bowl structure with grind rails and ramps. A large restroom building sits near the skate park and is also close to the brand-new, brightly colored playground that features plenty of slides and swings. The multipurpose field is large enough to play baseball and football and features a backstop and dugouts. A boardwalk winds around the field, making a natural loop where walkers can spot deer, raccoons, and other wildlife. There is also a small pond, large amounts of open green space for general recreation, and picnic tables. The fields and skate park can be reserved for practices, games, birthday parties, or other special events.

Scott Park: 1101 Old Statenville Road, Valdosta, GA 31601

Scott Park is a 28-acre, amenity-packed facility that includes a lighted paved walking track (3.8 laps make a mile) with painted lanes for runners or walkers; regulation-size football field with bleachers and lights; restrooms and water fountains are available; fenced-in park; four lighted, regulation outdoor basketball courts; three lighted regulation tennis courts; large lighted and covered stage with electricity; a large open field with a baseball backstop for softball, baseball, or general recreation; and two picnic shelters with electricity and water hook-ups are available for rent.

Vallotton Youth Complex: 700 Woodlawn Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602

The Vallotton Youth Complex is a 13-acre facility that hosts athletics nearly year-round and features seven lighted youth baseball fields, one full-size soccer field, two youth fields with lights, two concession stands, two sets of restrooms, a playground, and a picnic shelter.

Drexel Park: 1401 N. Patterson Road, Valdosta, GA 31601

Drexel Park in the heart of Valdosta is one of VLPRA’s most used parks and is known for hosting the annual Azalea Festival. The park is about 11 acres and offers ample shaded green space. It features a creek with a picturesque bridge and a wide variety of indigenous plant life, with tree species labeled throughout the park. Azalea City Multipurpose Trail borders the park. The park has a large play structure with bridges, monkey bars, slides, and swing sets. It is equipped with electricity and is available for rent.

Oris Blackburn Memorial Park: 5750 Madison Highway, Clyattville, GA 31601

Oris Blackburn Memorial Park spans more than 100 acres on Madison Highway south of Clyattville and features: bass and bream fill a large fishing pond surrounded by huge amounts of wooded serenity; boat ramp for jon boat access to the five-acre pond; ample open space for general recreation; and three large picnic shelters that hold up to 60 people each come equipped with grills and restroom access (each of them is available for rent).

Neighborhood Parks

Bland Park: 2204 Park Lane, Valdosta, GA 31602.

Bland Park is one acre of open green space and a picnic table.

Chitty Park: 1474 Madison Heights Drive, Valdosta, GA 31601

Chitty Park covers almost seven acres and offers a picturesque fishing pond surrounded by moss-laced cypress trees; bank fishing is available, with plenty of bream and bass filling the water; and picnic tables and benches can be reserved.

Clyattville Community Park: 4377 Old Clyattville Road, Clyattville, GA 31601

Clyattville Community Park is a seven-acre park with huge green space for baseball, softball, soccer, football, Frisbee, or general open recreation; a field including backstop and dugouts; an outdoor basketball court flanked by beautiful oak trees with charming Spanish Moss; a lighted, paved, and shaded walking track that circles a playground; play structure featuring swings, climbers, slides, and a bridge; and large pavilion outfitted with electricity, restrooms, and picnic tables that can accommodate 50-60 people, and it is available for rent.

Eastwind Park: 1904 Fawnridge Road, Valdosta, GA 31602

Eastwind Park includes a large playground for kids ages 5-12, swing sets, a picnic table and a grill, and a table and grill available for rent through VLPRA.

Fellowship Park: 507 Wooding Lane, Valdosta, GA 31601

Fellowship Park is a small neighborhood park with a playground with swings, slides, monkey bars, and a picnic shelter available for rent.

Greer Park: 401 Marette Ave., Valdosta, GA

Greer Park is an active park perfect for sports and general play. It has an open field with a baseball backstop, an outdoor basketball court, a playground with swing sets, an electricity-powered picnic shelter, and restrooms available for rent.

Harrington Park: 509 South Fry St., Valdosta, GA 31601

Harrington Park is located next to the Mildred Hunter Community Center. It is a fenced-in park with a large playground structure where kids can climb, swing, and slide. It is located next to the Fry Street Pool, making it a great place to play in the summer.

Hightower Park: 1120 West Magnolia St., Valdosta, GA 31601

Hightower Park is a mostly wooded space with picnic tables and a spacious playground that can accommodate 30 children simultaneously.

Hyta’s Park: 1804 Jerry Jones Drive, Valdosta, GA 31602

Hyta’s Park is a small landscaped green space featuring a sculpture by local artist Wilby Coleman. A gazebo, benches, and lovely landscaping enhance the park.

J.L. Lomax Park: 700 J.L. Lomax Drive, Valdosta, GA 31601

J.L. Lomax Park is newly renovated with a colorful playground, an outdoor basketball court, a grill, and a picnic shelter with tables. The park is fenced in and canopied by beautiful, historic oaks that provide ample shade on warm, sunny days. The shelter and basketball court are available for rental through the VLPRA’s main office.

Langdale Park: 3781 N. Valdosta Road, Valdosta, GA 31602

Langdale Park is 178 acres of rustic beauty on the lazy Withlacoochee River. Because of damage from Hurricane Idalia, all trails at Langdale Park are closed until further notice. The park features miles of mountain bike trails that zig-zag through the South Georgia woods and wind around the lazy, picturesque river. An array of indigenous plant life includes large oaks, poplars, river birch, pines, sweet-smelling wild honeysuckle, and Carolina jasmine. A boat ramp with river access, picnic tables, and a picnic shelter are available for rent.

Library Park: 742 Lakes Blvd., Lake Park, GA 61636

Lake Park Library Park is about 1.5 acres of play space and green space, shaded by various oaks, located next to the Lake Park Library. The park offers a picnic shelter that can accommodate dozens of people and is available for rent, as well as a new playground that holds up to 30 kids.

Lovett Park: 3211 Lovett Ave., Valdosta, GA 31606

Lovett Park is an acre of green space featuring a picnic table, benches, and a children’s seesaw. The picnic table can be reserved through the VLPRA’s main office.

Newbern Park: 2211 Newbern St., Valdosta, GA 31602

Newbern Park is a half-acre neighborhood park featuring open space and a baseball backstop. It is ideal for recreational youth or adult sports and can be reserved through the main office.

Olympic Park: 402 1/2 South Patterson St., Valdosta, GA 31601

Olympic Park offers a shady, relaxing spot with its gazebo, water fountain, and playground, accommodating up to 30 children. The brightly colored play structure is inviting to little ones and includes slides, a tire swing, and much more! A picnic shelter complete with electricity is available for rent.

Payton Park: 539 Griffin Ave., Valdosta, GA 31601

Payton Park, located next to the Southside Library, spans nearly nine acres and includes a large fishing pond with catfish, bream, and bass. It also has open space for general recreation and a lighted paved walking track. A picnic shelter within the park is ideal for family gatherings and is available for rent.

Riley-Ledford Park: 6030 Savannah Ave., Naylor, GA 61641

Riley-Ledford Park is on five acres near neighboring Naylor Community Park. The park includes two large picnic shelters (each holding 60-75 people), restrooms and grills, a lighted and paved walking track, a baseball backstop, and an open field ideal for pick-up games or scheduled practices.

Shannon Hill Memorial Park: 700 West Cranford Ave., Valdosta, GA 31602

Visitors will find a large playground, swing sets for toddlers and older children, a merry-go-round, drinking fountain, picnic tables, and a grill. The park also includes a separate half-acre green space with a backstop for softball or baseball.

Smith Park: 507 East Central Ave., Valdosta, GA 31601

Smith Park is an acre of green space that provides shade, greenery, and tranquility in the middle of town.

Snake Nation Park: 6093 Bird Hall Road, Hahira, GA 31632

Snake Nation Park is a neighborhood park at the north end of Lowndes County. The park is fenced-in with a play structure that invites kids to climb and slide. The picnic area is capable of accommodating 25-30 people. The shelter is outfitted with electricity and is available for rent.

Taylor-Cowart Park: 2413 Bemiss Road, Valdosta, GA 31602

Taylor Cowart’s 2.44 acres are surrounded by large shady oak and poplar trees. The park boasts a playground with a separate swing set, gazebo, and merry-go-round. Several picnic tables are located within the park, and a small picnic shelter is available for rent.

Tom’s Corner Park: 1005 Troupe St., Valdosta, GA 31601

Tom’s Corner Park is an eighth-acre fenced-in park with two heavily shaded playgrounds and a picnic shelter available for rent. It can accommodate 20 people and features electricity.

Vallotton Big Field: 411 1/2 North Lee St., Valdosta, GA 31602

Valuation Big Field is a 12.7-acre open green space for general recreation. It includes baseball or softball backstops, a paved walking track, and a swing set.

Boat Ramps

Knights Ferry Boat Ramp: Knights Ferry Road, Valdosta, GA 31602

Knights Ferry Boat Ramp offers access to the Withlacoochee River via Knight’s Ferry Road on the west side of Lowndes County.

Troupville Boat Ramp offers access to the Little River on the border of Lowndes and Brooks counties and is located near Exit 18 off Interstate 75 at the intersection of St. Augustine Road and Val Tech Road in Valdosta.

Madison Highway Boat Ramp: Madison Highway at the state line

Madison Boat Ramp is at the southeast end of Lowndes County and allows access to the Withlacoochee River off Madison Highway.

Nankin Boat Ramp: Clyattville-Nankin at the county line.

Nankin Boat Ramp is located in Clyattville and offers access to the Withlacoochee River.