The Battle of Peachtree Creek nearly ruined the chance of Springlake becoming the unified neighborhood it is today. Thirty-five years after the 1864 battle, a federal bill proposed turning a huge area, from Peachtree Street and Collier Road to Chattahoochee Boulevard and West Wesley, into a national park. The bill passed through the U.S House of Representatives but was eventually defeated. So in 1922, the small neighborhood was founded on two streets: McKinley (believed to be a former trolley turnaround) and Wilson. Springlake’s boundaries soon expanded as the neighborhood’s proximity to downtown, quaint homes, excellent public schools and growing recreational opportunities such as Bobby Jones Golf Course and Bitsy Grant Tennis Center lured families. Springlake now has quite a social life, with monthly First Friday cocktail parties, garden club, website, and a Halloween party catered by the Varsity. “It’s almost a small town”

Residents’ involvement in community causes defines the spirit of Springlake. A prime example is the Ellsworth Park project. When homeowners resurrected the Garden Club in fall 1999, one focus was to create a play area at the park. With all the kids in Springlake, it was the neighborhood’s determination to create an area for the parents and children to gather. When they discovered the city had drawn up plans for a play area but needed additional funding, an idea was hatched: The neighborhood would raise $50,000.00 for the equipment, and the City would provide prep and site work. Through fundraisers and business and individual donations, the club raised the money with-in three months. The residents installed the equipment themselves. The park’s location at the side of a hill forced the city to come up with a unique design to save greenspace.  The park will benefit children and families for future years. Ellsworth Park is based on the hardwork and collaboration between city and family; the foundation of Springlake.

LOCATION: Located in southwest Buckhead. Take I-75 to Howell Mill exit and go east. Springlake begins at the intersection of Collier and Howell Mill roads- look for the street signs topped with Springlake placards. East-west boundaries are Howell Mill Road and Northside Drive; north-south boundaries are Collier and Longwood roads.

HOUSING OPTIONS:  There are 375 homes in Springlake The selection is diverse, from two-bedroom, one bath bungalows to large, well appointed new homes topping the $1million dollar mark. “This is a fun neighborhood,” says resident Ella Herihy.” Once they move here, they don’t want to move away. People need bigger houses and are trying to figure out how to stay around.”