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ParksThe southern coastal region is rich in parks ranging
from inviting walkways along the river in downtown Wilmington to the
Fort Fisher State Recreation Area with seven miles of beach, wildlife
reserves and a visitor center. You can find neighborhood parks,
beautiful gardens, hiking trails, playgrounds, athletic fields and
family-friendly county facilities. Here are some great places to
explore.
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New Hanover CountyThe New Hanover County Parks Department maintains 24
parks, three trails and three gardens. Facilities vary and include
gazebos, tennis courts, athletic areas such as soccer or
baseball/softball fields, playground equipment, a disc golf course, an
equestrian ring or picnic tables. In some cases, a fee is required. For
information on specific parks or to make facility reservations, call
(910) 798-7275. Hugh MacRae Park One of the oldest and best-known parks in
the county, 98-acre Hugh McRae Park is well-known for its outdoor
concerts and Annual Chili Cook-Off. The tranquil pond, alluring garden
and picturesque gazebo are very popular for weddings, especially in
spring when the azaleas are in bloom and the weather is balmy.
Facilities include a playground, ball fields, lighted tennis courts, an
equestrian ring, picnic shelters and restrooms.
Ogden Park This 125-acre county park offers four
baseball fields, lighted soccer/football fields, lighted tennis courts,
picnic areas, restrooms, playgrounds, walking/jogging trails and a
concession building. The entrance is on the west side of Market Street,
about 0.2 miles north of the intersection of Military Cutoff Road. Look
for the entrance beside Mt. Ararat AME Church at Planter's Walk.
Snow's Cut Park This scenic park located about 14 miles
south of downtown Wilmington on River Road, overlooks Snow's Cut and is
divided into two sections, one directly beneath the bridge and the other
some 100 yards to the west. The park offers shady picnic grounds,
sheltered tables, a children's play area, a gazebo, a boardwalk to a
scenic overlook, and pedestrian access to Snow's Cut for some great
fishing. Call (910) 798-7181 to reserve the shelter.
Castle Hayne Park Up in the far north-central part of New
Hanover County, this 50-acre park is home to several sporting teams.
Castle Hayne is a great family park. You'll find lighted tennis courts,
soccer/football fields, playground equipment, picnic shelters, a ball
field, restrooms and the area's first disc golf course.
Veterans Park Veterans Park is a unique
development of educational, recreational and cultural facilities in the
southern portion of New Hanover County. This 212-acre complex is home to
Ashley High School, Murray Middle School, the 1,000-seat Minnie Evans
Performing Arts Center and an array of athletic facilities, playgrounds and
walking trails.
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The 12 city-wide parks, 17 neighborhood parks and
other green spaces and landscaped areas maintained by the City of
Wilmington add up to 500 acres of parkland, and they all differ widely.
From the historic Riverwalk of downtown's Riverfront Park and the
athletic fields of Empie Park to the sculpted benches of Carolina
Courtyard and sunken cypress stands of Greenfield Lake, there is always
a park nearby with the kind of recreation or quiet you desire. We list
here a cross-section of the larger parks. For more information, call the
Parks Hotline at (910) 341-7852. Empie Park Empie's amenities include athletic fields,
picnic shelters, a children's playground, lighted tennis courts,
basketball courts, restrooms, open space and a senior activity area with
shuffleboard, Bocce and horseshoes. Bike racks and a concession stand
are available. Due to popular demand, tennis courts here should be
reserved in advance by calling the Wilmington Athletics office at (910)
343-3682.
Greenfield Park Greenfield Lake and its surrounding gardens are the
centerpiece of Wilmington's park system and a scenic wonder that changes
character from season to season. Among the city's oldest parks, it was
at one time a working plantation and, later, carnival grounds. The lake
attracts a wide variety of birds and contains alligators. When the
azaleas bloom in early spring, the area explodes in a dazzling profusion
of color. Stands of flowering magnolia, dogwood, long-leaf pine and live
oak, many hung with Spanish moss, line the shady Lake Shore Drive. On
the north side of the 158-acre park are tennis courts, playgrounds,
picnic areas, a skate park, a concession stand and docks where canoes
and paddleboats are available for rent. A free public boat ramp is on W.
Lake Shore Drive immediately east of U.S. 421. The benches at mid-span
on Lions Bridge are a wonderful spot to relax on a breezy day. Open-air
performances are presented in summer at the amphitheater off W. Lake
Shore Drive, adjacent to the Rotary Wheel. For additional information,
call the Parks Division (910) 341-7852.
Halyburton Park Located in the southwest district of Wilmington near
Independence Boulevard, the 58-acre Halyburton Park represents an oasis
in the midst of suburban sprawl. A hidden treasure of gently rolling
sandhills, wet pine flatwoods and limesink depressions known as Carolina
Bay Ponds, one of which holds water year round, Halyburton Park offers
an abundance of diverse undisturbed plant collections. While the park
emphasizes the property's natural areas, lighted recreational facilities
are also available. A community building serves as a public gathering
place, volunteer center, educational facility and an event area for
public rentals. The park has a handicapped-accessible 1.3-mile
walking/bike trail, a picnic shelter and a playground.
Legion Sports Complex Near Greenfield Lake is the 25-acre Legion
Stadium and Sports Complex, home to New Hanover High School sports teams.
Also calling the complex home are the Wilmington Hammerheads, a member of
the Professional D-3 United Soccer League, and the Wilmington Sharks, a
collegiate Coastal Plain League baseball team. The site also has lighted
athletic fields, lighted tennis courts and a swimming pool as well as plenty
of parking.
Riverfront Park For many locals, this park epitomizes the
Wilmington lifestyle. Once congested with the wharves of the state's busiest
port, the Riverwalk is now a place for quiet strolls, sightseeing, shopping,
live outdoor music and dining. Several major festivals take place here
throughout the year and the sternwheeler Henrietta III docks here. You'll
also find a visitors information booth. Historic sailing ships visiting town
often dock at Riverfront Park and usually offer tours.
Robert Strange Park The heart of this 15-acre park is its swimming pool. Other
facilities include a recreation center, restrooms, a playground, picnic
shelters, softball fields and lighted tennis and basketball courts. |
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Wrightsville Beach Park This sprawling recreation and athletic facility is
impossible to miss when traveling Causeway Drive. It spans 13 acres and
includes four tennis courts, a basketball court, a softball field, a
football/soccer field, sand volleyball courts and playground equipment.
The 2.45-mile sidewalk Loop, bordering much of the park and traversing
both of the island's bridges, is popular among walkers and joggers.
Parking and restrooms are available.
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Carolina Beach and Kure BeachCarolina Beach Lake Park Primarily a picnic site, this 11-acre park
has four small gazebos, sheltered picnic tables and a playground. A
.75-mile concrete trail circling the lake is ideal for walkers, skaters,
bikers and joggers who are looking for a convenient, safe place to
exercise. A small amphitheater is the site of local holiday events and
concerts. An especially popular feature is the pedal-boat and kayak
concession operated by Wheel Fun Rentals. Carolina Beach State Park This is one of the most biologically diverse parks in
North Carolina and a contender for the most beautiful park in the area.
Maritime forest, sandhill terrain, waterfront and sand ridges support
carnivorous plants and centuries-old live oaks. Six miles of easy trails
wind throughout the park. The marina offers two boat ramps and more than
40 boat slips off the Cape Fear River. Excellent overnight camping
facilities are available. The park is on Pleasure Island, 1 mile north
of Carolina Beach and less than a half-mile from U.S. 421, off Dow Road.
Day use is free. The Cove at Fort Fisher State Historic Site The Cove is a beautiful getaway about 6 miles south of
Carolina Beach. Bordering the beach and a rocky sea wall, a grove of
windswept live oaks provides shade for the picnic tables and grills. Come to
fish and sunbathe but don't swim. Dangerous currents and underwater hazards
make swimming extremely hazardous. Parking is available south of the area
near the Fort Fisher Memorial and at the Fort Fisher State Historic Site
museum across the road. Fort Fisher State Recreation Area Miles of white sandy beach, salt marshes, tidal creeks,
mudflats and wildlife habitats make the Fort Fisher State Recreation
Area a true treasure among the state's park offerings. Located on the
southern tip of Pleasure Island, with the Atlantic Ocean on the east and
the Cape Fear River on the west, this well-maintained park offers
visitors a wide variety of pleasurable activities. Swimming, sunbathing,
strolling and shelling are among the favorites for beachgoers. Fishing,
hiking and birding rank high with many folks, along with boating or
canoeing through shallow bays and channels. Loggerhead turtles and other
endangered species make nests in the park's protected areas. Park staff
offer interpretive and environmental education programs as well as
surf-fishing clinics and a wide variety of special events and activites.
Call for information and clinic availability. If you're interested in
driving your four-wheel-drive vehicle out onto the beach strand, please
read the Sun, Sand and Sea chapter's section on Beach Driving for fees
and regulations. Facilities include a visitors center, a concession
stand open Memorial Day through Labor Day, restrooms and outside
showers. Park hours are: November through February 8 AM to 6 PM; March
and October 8 AM to 7 PM; April, May and September 15 to 30, 8 AM to 8
PM; June through August 6 AM to 9 PM; September 1 to 14, 6 AM to 8 PM. McDonald Park This quarter-acre community park is tucked away in a
neighborhood setting. A great place for taking the toddlers to play and
picnic, the park has slides, swing sets and picnic tables. Mike Chappell Park This 10-acre park has something for everyone in the
family, even Fido. There are two lighted ball fields, a football/soccer
field, two tennis courts, two lighted sand volleyball courts, a dog
park, a playground and picnic tables. The park is bounded by Sumter
Avenue and Clarendon Boulevard. Joe Eakes Park This small park, a short walk from the
beach, offers a playground, two tennis courts, a picnic area and
volleyball and basketball courts. Gurney Hood Barking Lot Adjacent to Joe Eakes Park, the Gurney Hood
Barking Lot is a fenced pooch-play area. Sandy soil, trees, play
equipment, Frisbees, balls and other doggie amenities make this a fun
place for your pet. Water is available, a couple of benches are
provided, and clean-up bags and trash containers are supplied so you can
be a responsible pet handler. An especially good feature is a fenced
entry area for holding your dog until you're ready to go into the main
play area. Latches on both gates prevent your pup from accidentally
getting loose outside the Barking Lot.
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Brunswick County All parks in this section maintained by the Brunswick
County Parks and Recreation Department have excellent facilities,
including tennis courts, ball fields, football/soccer fields, basketball
courts, playgrounds and picnic shelters. Most of them also feature
shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits, plus community buildings for
group use for such occasions as reunions, exercise classes and other
events. For specific information about any of these parks or to reserve
picnic shelters and community buildings, call (910) 253-2670. You will
also find Boiling Spring Lakes and the Town of Oak Island city parks
listed as well as the Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve. Tennis players at
Ocean Isle Beach may note the town's public courts on Third Street
across from the Museum of Coastal Carolina. Brunswick River Park This 22-acre park includes restrooms, three picnic
shelters, two playgrounds and a boat dock. Leland Community Park This is an 11-acre community park, situated behind the
Leland Post Office. Facilities include two baseball fields, two batting
cages, a community building, a concession stand with restrooms, a playground
and three picnic shelters. Lockwood Folly District Park This 20-acre park is a mile north of the town of Supply.
Its community building, however, is at Holden Beach. The park offers three
baseball/softball fields, a football/soccer field, a concession stand with
restrooms and a separate restroom facility, a basketball court, two tennis
courts, three picnic shelters and a playground. Navassa Park This 5-acre park includes a baseball field, basketball
court, tennis court, picnic shelter, concession stand with restroom and two
playgrounds. Northwest District Park This 35-acre park lies 15 minutes west of Wilmington, on
the south side of U.S. 17. You will find three baseball/softball fields, one
football/soccer field, a concession stand with restrooms, two basketball
courts, four tennis courts, four picnic shelters and a playground. Shallotte District Park To find this 64-acre park from U.S. 17, follow signs for
U.S. 17 Business. Amenities include four baseball/softball fields, a
concession stand with restrooms, a basketball court, two tennis courts,
three picnic shelters, a playground and four soccer fields. Dutchman Creek Park This 30-acre park continues to be under development.
Amenities available at this writing include fishing, a restroom and a
playground. Smithville District Park Smithville District Park covers 23 acres and includes two
baseball/softball fields, one regular football/soccer field and a mini
football/soccer field, a concession stand with restrooms, a basketball
court, two tennis courts, two picnic shelters and a playground. Town Creek District Park You can't miss this park on the east side of U.S. 17,
about 15 or 20 minutes southwest of Wilmington. Contained in 35 acres, it
offers four baseball/softball fields, a concession stand with restrooms, a
basketball court, two tennis courts, two picnic shelters, a playground and a
community building as well as shuffleboard and horseshoes.
Waccamaw Park Though this park comprises 30 acres, 20 remain undeveloped
at this writing. The park provides two baseball/softball fields, a
football/soccer field, a concession stand with restrooms, a basketball
court, two tennis courts, a beach-style volleyball court, two picnic
shelters, a playground and a community building. Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve This nature preserve, owned and administered by UNCW,
comprises 174 acres of lush woodland with educational displays and ten miles
of hiking trails. One of these trails meanders along the banks of the
beautiful Town Creek. Among the many natural points of interest is an old
tar kiln of the type once ubiquitous throughout the region. Suitable for
families, the preserve is open during daylight hours seven days a week.
Picnic tables and a restroom are available, and there's an onsite caretaker.
Don't forget the camera and lunch. Admission is free. E. F. Middleton Park The primary city park on Oak Island, Middleton Park offers
a large playground with sand pits, swings and climbing bars, plus two tennis
courts, basketball courts, a baseball field and picnic tables with some
shade. There is a gazebo as well, where concerts are held throughout the
year. (Bring your own chairs.) The park is across the street from Town Hall. William S. "Bill" Smith Park At this writing the new "Bill" Smith Park on the
mainland features a football field, T-ball field, sand volleyball court,
croquet yard, 9-hole disc golf course, picnic shelter, walking nature trail,
concession stand, restrooms and four baseball/softball fields. Future
amenities will include soccer fields, walk-in camp sites and an additional
picnic shelter. Park hours are 8 AM until dark. Hannon A. Templeton, Jr. Park The property holds some of the oldest and most beautiful
live oak trees on the island. Scattered among the trees you will find picnic
tables, wooden swings and park benches. There is also a sunny area with a
nice patch of flowers. The following is a listing of Boiling Spring Lakes City Parks, including amenities and activities: Big Lake
and Alton Lennon Park Mirror Lake Spring Lake Seminole Lake North Lake Muse Park Charles Schneiders Park Soundside Park This 19-acre park located on Topsail Sound is a real gem. Watch the boats
go by on the Intracoastal from the boardwalk that winds around the park's
shoreline or drop a line and try your luck on the fishing pier. The park has
a public boat ramp, covered picnic shelters with grills, playground
equipment and restrooms. Softball fields, basketball courts, tennis courts, a
children's playground and picnic shelters are available at this Onslow
County park. It opens daily at 10 AM and closes at dusk. The park is
between U.S. 17 and N.C. 210, less than 1 mile from the Four Corners
traffic light.
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