Oakhurst is a neighborhood in Decatur, GA, located just outside of Atlanta. This relatively small, mostly residential community is home to pre-WWII homes and buildings, some modest entertainment, and local festivals. These combine to make Oakhurst worth a visit for anyone in the Atlanta area.
Originally built in 1915, the Old Scottish Rite Hospital served children crippled by Polio and other ailments through the 1970s, when the hospital moved to a new facility. In 1979, an organization known as the Community Center of South Decatur restored the old building into a multi-use facility. Currently, the Old Scottish Rite Hospital houses The Solarium, art galleries, and offices, and hosts community and private events.
Centered in Oakhurst at the intersection of East Lake Drive and Oakview Road is Oakhurst Village. Businesses in the Village include a wide selection of bars and restaurants, shops, city services, and other attractions. Large parking lots are available, which encourage visitors and residents to park and walk from shop to shop.
Three of Decatur's City Parks are located within the boundaries of Oakhurst. Mead Road Park, located next to Oakhurst School, contains open green space, play area and basketball court. McKoy Park is a lighted gated facility that includes a baseball field, playground, skate park, basketball court, picnic areas, and an outdoor classroom. Oakhurst Park is home to tennis courts, a playground, basketball court, and the Oakhurst Dog Park.
Oakhurst hosts several festivals and community events each year. The Oakhurst Arts and Music Festival in October features an open-air market for local artists, performances by local bands, a 5K, and a parade. Twice every year, the Community Center of South Decatur and the Oakhurst Neighborhood Association host the four-week candlelit concert series "Jazz Nights at Scottish Rite." In August, the neighborhood is also home to the Decatur Barbeque Blues & Bluegrass Festival, which attracts thousands of attendees each year.
