Spectator Guide to Youth Tourneys at Forsyth County Parks (Fowler Park, Central Park, Sharon Springs) With Parking and Field Maps
Tournament weekend in Forsyth County gets busy fast. Fields fill, lots back up, and time slips away if you wing it. This guide keeps things simple so you get more game time and less gridlock at Fowler Park, Central Park, and Sharon Springs.
Hereâs the plan. Simple parking tips, fast field map cues, and comfort advice that helps families move with ease. This is for parents, grandparents, and friends who want calm sidelines and happy players.
Official park maps are posted on site and often on the county website or the tournament app. Screenshot the map for each park before leaving home. Carpool when you can, arrive early, and be kind to volunteers. A little prep goes a long way.
Game day plan: parking, field maps, and stress-free arrival
Tournament mornings move fast. A clear plan keeps you focused on your player, not traffic. Use this at all three parks.
Before you go: confirm your field, save maps, pack smart
- Confirm your field number in the tournament app or with your coach.
- Save a screenshot of the park map and drop a pin for the right entrance.
- Plan extra time for your first game, warmups often shift.
- Pack a small cooler if allowed, plus a refillable water bottle.
- Load a wagon or stroller for long walks between fields.
- Bring foldable chairs and a small pop-up shade if allowed.
- Keep gear light so you can switch fields fast if schedules change.
Arrival and parking flow: drop-off, ADA spots, overflow lots
Get there 45 minutes early. For the first slot of the day or championship windows, go 60. Follow event signs as you enter. Staff will usually fill the main lot first, then send cars to overflow. If traffic stacks up, do a quick player drop-off near the main entrance, then go park. ADA parking with a placard is near the entrance or rec center. It goes fast, so arrive early if you need it. When you park, note a landmark like a pavilion, field cluster, or trailhead sign. Snap a photo so you can find your car later.
Most tournaments push field numbers to the app. Parks also post big field boards near entrances or concessions. Match your field and follow arrows, not the crowd. If you get lost, ask a field marshal or concessions staff for the quickest route.
Weather, rules, and comfort: avoid surprises
Tournaments play unless weather stops them. Lightning delays usually last 30 minutes after a strike. Check the tournament app and the parkâs social feed for holds or field changes. Turf drains fast, grass may close longer after heavy rain.
Follow park norms: no alcohol, smoke only in designated areas, and pets on a leash if allowed. No pets on turf fields. Keep chairs off playing surfaces. Bring a poncho, hat, and a dry towel for wet seats. Pack layers, sunscreen, bug spray, and cashless pay options. For help or first aid, go to the field marshal table or concessions window.
Park-by-park cheat sheets: Fowler Park, Central Park, Sharon Springs
Each park has a different vibe, but smart cues make them easy to read. Use landmarks, follow lot signs, and take a photo of the map kiosk.
Fowler Park: parking tips and field map cues
Fowler is a busy hub with baseball and multi-use fields, plus popular walking paths. The main parking areas sit near the recreation space, with more spots by the athletic fields. Look for the rec center, skate area, pavilions, and the greenway trailhead as clear markers.
For baseball and softball, aim for the main lots close to the quads. For multi-use fields, the back lots may put you closer to the action. Weekend peaks can back up the primary entrance, so build extra time. Use posted lot letters and the field board near concessions to match field numbers and paths. Restrooms are near pavilions and concessions. Playgrounds give siblings a quick reset between games.
Central Park: big complex, simple plan
Central Park is large with multiple clusters, so a simple plan helps. The recreation center lot offers easy access to turf and multi-use fields. Baseball and softball fields usually sit in a quad with their own lot and concessions. A loop road often makes drop-off safe and quick before you park.
Restrooms are inside or near the rec center and by main concessions. Shade is limited near the turf, so bring a hat and a small canopy if allowed. Temporary event signs will point you to overflow when prime lots fill. Follow those signs and save the walking for the fields.
Sharon Springs Park: close parking, fast field access
Sharon Springs feels compact and easy to cross. Parking wraps many fields, so a spot near your field can save you a long walk. Small lots fill early, so arrive ahead of the rush. During peak windows, some traffic may move one way. Follow staff and posted arrows.
Field numbers are posted near the entrance and at the concession hub. Restrooms sit by concessions or a central pavilion. This park is friendly for strollers since many paths are paved. Take a photo of the field board to avoid wrong turns between back-to-back games.
Local tips, food nearby, and quick FAQs
Between games, a smart break boosts energy. Keep it short and simple so you make your next kickoff or first pitch on time.
FAQs: where to find maps and field numbers
- On site, maps live at the main kiosk, by the entrance, or near concessions.
- Field boards list field numbers and usually show arrows or color zones. Read the legend first, then trace the path to your field.
- For help, go to the field marshal table, the park office window, or the concessions tent.
- If the tournament posts a PDF map, save it to your phone.
- Confirm field numbers in the app before you walk. Last minute changes happen.
Food, coffee, and breaks between games
Need a quick bite or caffeine? Search your maps app for coffee, bagels, tacos, pizza, or sandwiches within 10 minutes. Look along Highway 9 and near GA 400 exits for fast options. Plan 30 to 40 minutes for a sit-down meal, less for grab-and-go. Check your return time and where you parked before you leave the park. Some events control re-entry to manage traffic, so confirm before you head out.
Keep a snack kit in the car. Fruit, bars, and electrolyte packets save time when lines get long at concessions.
Family comfort: seats, shade, strollers, and access
Bring foldable chairs, a light canopy if allowed, and cooling towels for hot days. Sunscreen and hats help when shade is scarce. Wagons and strollers make long walks easier, especially at large complexes. ADA parking with a placard sits near main entrances, and most fields have paved paths. If mobility help is needed, ask staff about a golf cart assist if offered. Lock valuables in the trunk, not in view. If you misplace something, check lost and found at the field marshal table or concessions.
Most concessions take cards, but carry a backup payment method in case of a signal issue.
Tourneys feel smooth when you follow a simple plan. Confirm your field in the app, screenshot the park map, arrive early, follow signs and staff, and pack light. Use landmarks, photo the field board, and keep comfort gear handy. Share this with your team so everyone gets more game time and fewer parking headaches.
Quick checklist: water, chairs, shade, snacks, layers, screenshot of the field map, note where you parked. Be patient during delays, and thank volunteers and staff for keeping games moving. A little kindness and a clear plan make for a better day on the sidelines.
