You’ve probably driven past the entrance on Zack Hinton Parkway a thousand times. If you live in Henry County, Richard Craig Park is one of those places that just feels like part of the furniture. It’s always there. It’s always busy. But honestly, most people only see it from the window of a minivan while dropping kids off for baseball practice or a tennis lesson. There is a lot more going on behind those fences than just the standard suburban park vibes.
Richard Craig Park in McDonough GA is essentially the heartbeat of local youth sports, but it’s also a bit of a survivor. It has seen the city grow from a quiet rail town into the sprawling hub it is today. Named after a guy who basically bled McDonough—Richard Craig was a Mayor, a Councilman, and a tireless advocate for local kids—the park carries a legacy that is actually pretty inspiring once you dig into it.
He didn’t just want a place to play; he wanted a place where everyone could play.
The Sunshine League and Real Inclusion
One of the most unique things about this park is something called the Sunshine Field. If you aren't familiar, the Sunshine League is a baseball program specifically for children and adults with different abilities. We aren't talking about just a "nice gesture" here. The field itself is custom-designed with a cushioned, rubberized surface.
Think about that for a second.
Standard dirt and grass are a nightmare for wheelchairs or anyone with mobility issues. This field removes the friction. It’s completely flat. The dugouts are wide and shaded. It’s one of those rare places where the "everyone plays" mantra isn't just a slogan on a t-shirt; it’s built into the literal ground.
Recent updates in late 2025 and early 2026 have focused heavily on this area. The county has been pouring money into new lighting and even a second field for the Sunshine League because the demand is just that high. It’s become a regional destination for therapeutic recreation, which is something McDonough should be pretty proud of.
Tennis, Pickleball, and the "Joeann Compton" Legacy
If you’re into racquet sports, you probably know the tennis center here. It’s massive. We’re talking 16 lighted courts. It’s officially the Joeann Compton Tennis Center now, named after a coach who spent over 35 years mentoring players in Henry County.
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The courts are usually packed. You’ll see everything from high-intensity ALTA matches to toddlers barely taller than their racquets trying to hit a ball.
- The Pickleball Pivot: Like everywhere else in the world, pickleball has taken over. There are dedicated lines now, and the "clink-clink" of the paddles is basically the soundtrack of the park’s north side.
- Wheelchair Tennis: The park hosts one of the largest wheelchair tennis tournaments in the country. It’s a fast, aggressive, and incredibly impressive sport to watch if you happen to be there during a tournament weekend.
- Above the Net: There’s a non-profit operating here that focuses on getting kids from under-served communities onto the courts. They use the sport to bridge the gap toward college scholarships.
The tennis complex is generally the best-maintained part of the property. While some people have complained about the playground area being a bit "lived-in" (we'll get to that), the courts are usually top-tier.
Let’s Talk About the Rough Edges
Look, I’m not going to sit here and tell you it’s a pristine Disney World experience. It’s a public park that gets hammered by thousands of people every week. If you read recent reviews or talk to the regulars, you’ll hear the same thing: the restrooms near the playground can be, well, let's go with "challenging."
There have been ongoing issues with trash cans overflowing on tournament weekends and some of the older playground equipment looking a little tired. Stink bugs have been a weirdly specific complaint in the late summer months too.
The good news? The Henry County Parks Master Plan is finally moving. As of early 2026, they’ve started rolling out a new parking lot to stop people from having to park on the grass or along the side of the road, which was honestly getting dangerous. They are also installing new security cameras and upgrading the concession stands. It’s a work in progress.
What’s Actually There? (The Quick Rundown)
If you're planning a trip, here is the "meat and potatoes" of what you’ll find across the 39 acres:
- Baseball Galore: Eight lighted fields. This is the home turf for the McDonough Youth Association (MYA). If it’s a Saturday in the spring, expect chaos and a lot of sunflower seeds.
- The Walking Track: There is a paved loop for walking and jogging. It isn’t the longest trail in the world, but it’s flat and easy on the knees.
- Pavilions: Great for birthday parties, though you definitely want to reserve them through the Henry County Parks and Rec website well in advance.
- Basketball: There are outdoor courts, though they’ve historically been lower on the priority list for repairs than the baseball fields.
Beyond the Gates: Making a Day of It
Since the park is right in the middle of everything, you aren't stuck with just concession stand hot dogs. You're minutes from the McDonough Square.
Honestly, after a hot morning at the ballfields, most locals head straight to 15th Street Pizza & Pub or grab something at Tacos La Patrona right down the street. If you want to lean into the "old Georgia" feel, the Heritage Park Veterans Museum is just a short drive away on Lake Dow Road. It’s got a 1934 steam engine and a historic village that’s actually really cool for kids.
Actionable Tips for Your Visit
If you’re heading to Richard Craig Park, don’t just wing it.
First, check the weather and the schedule. If there is a major tournament, parking will be a nightmare despite the new lot. Try to get there 30 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
Second, bring your own water. There are fountains, but in the Georgia heat, they struggle to stay cold, and the ones near the playground are notoriously hit-or-miss.
Third, if you’re a tennis player, use the app. Most of the local "open play" and community matches are organized through apps like Bounce or the local HCPRD portal. Don't just show up expecting a court to be open at 6:00 PM on a Tuesday.
Finally, support the local programs. Whether it’s the Sunshine League or the MYA, these programs run on volunteer energy. Richard Craig himself was a big believer in "showing up," and that’s still what keeps this place running today.
The park might have a few weeds in the cracks and a bathroom that needs a scrub, but it’s the kind of place where kids learn how to win (and lose) and where the community actually shows up for one another. That’s worth a little bit of dust.
To get started with reservations or to see the latest tournament schedules, your best bet is to head over to the Henry County Parks and Recreation official portal or visit the McDonough Youth Association's dedicated site for seasonal baseball sign-ups.