Lake Rim Park
Lake Rim Park
2214 Tar Kiln Drive [ map ]
910-433-1018
Park Hours: Mar.-Oct. 7 am-9 pm; Nov.-Feb. 7 am-5 pm
Office Hours: Mon.-Fri. 8 am-5 pm
GENERAL INFORMATION
Whether you want to take a stroll on the one-mile border trail through the wetlands to Bone Creek, play a game of soccer with friends, or have a family picnic, Lake Rim Park offers something for everyone. An assortment of outdoor amenities, including picnic areas, horseshoe pits, walking trails, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, athletic fields, natural areas, a Native American themed garden, and children’s playgrounds are here for you to enjoy. All facilities are open to the public on a first come, first serve basis unless they are reserved. To find out how you can reserve a picnic shelter or athletic field for your special event contact the park office. Well-behaved, furry family members are welcome to enjoy a walk around the park too, but they mustbe on a leash and under your control at all times. PLEASE CLEAN UP AFTER YOUR PETS!!
PARK PROGRAMS
All programs will meet at the Gillis Information Center unless otherwise noted. You must pre-register for all programs. Register early; if enrollment is low the class will be cancelled. Please contact the park office if you would like to receive copies of our monthly calendars with updated programs.
Fishing Tackle Loaner Program
Try your hand at fishing without buying the equipment. This program allows you to borrow a rod and reel for 24 hours and provides a great opportunity for the whole family to get outside. A free tackle box and goody bag is given to all participants 16 and under. A driver’s license is required
to register.
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; 8 am-5 pm; Free
Lake Rim Park Scavenger Hunt
Pick up a self-guided scavenger hunt worksheet from the office to take along with you as you explore the park. They are free and fun for families, groups, or individuals. There are several to choose from for various ages.
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; 8 am-5 pm; Free
Educational Group Programs
Lake Rim Park offers ranger-led environmental and history programs. Topics offered include: wetlands, animal adaptations, beaver ecology, tree identification, rocks and minerals, fossils, insects, the naval stores industry, local Native American cultures and more. Groups will have a chance to experience the natural world and visit actual historic sites on the property. Programs are offered by appointment only. This is a great opportunity for schools, churches, civic groups and scouts to learn about our world. We can also travel to your site if you cannot make it to the park.
All ages; Mon.-Fri.; 8 am-5 pm; Starting in Sept. 2011 there will be a $25 fee for outreach programs, excluding Cumberland County Public Schools
Nature Sprouts
Preschoolers will have a chance to discover nature while making new friends. A new topic will be explored each session through stories, crafts, and activities. Register by the Tues. before the program.
3-6 yrs with a parent; Thurs., Sept. 8, Oct. 6, Nov. 10, Dec. 8, Jan. 12, and Feb. 9; 10:30-11:30 am; Free
What’s the Buzz?
Meet park staff at the David Varnedoe picnic shelter to observe honeybees and learn more about the fascinating life of one of our most important pollinators. Register by Wed., Sept. 14.
All ages; Thurs., Sept. 15; 6-7:30 pm; Free
Dinosaurs in the Dirt
After a brief introduction to dinosaurs, children will venture to the volleyball court to dig for “dinosaur bones” and play in our “giant sand box.” Shovels, buckets, and, of course, dinosaurs will be provided for children to play with. Seating will be provided for parents. Call the park office for dates and times for classes open to the public. Groups can set-up an appointment for a scheduled program.
5-under yrs with an adult; Free
Interpretive Hike
Join a park ranger on a 1-mile hike down the Border Trail. Learn about the history, plants, and animals of the Lake Rim area and the Sandhills. The pace will be leisurely with plenty of opportunities for questions. Call the park office for dates and times.
All ages; Free
Alphabet Hike
For a fun way to explore the park, go on an Alphabet Hike with your little ones. Children will enjoy the fun of a scavenger hunt as they search for the letters of the alphabet while walking the Border Trail. Each letter is a clue to something that is found in the park. This is a guided hike with a park ranger. Call the park office for dates and times for classes open to the public. Groups can set-up an appointment for a scheduled hike.
3-5 yrs; Free
Edible and Medicinal Plants
Before the age of modern medicine, people had to know how to use different plants to treat their ailments. Native plants also served as a source of food for those who knew how to properly collect and prepare them. Join a park ranger on a guided hike along the Border Trail as you learn about the edible and medicinal plants of N.C. Call the park office for dates and times.
All ages; Free
Native American Culture
Pottery and stone tools are just a few of the clues left behind by North Carolina’s earliest inhabitants. Learn about the fascinating lives of Native Americans in our state before European contact. Explore how they made tools, prepared food, made clothes, and other aspects of their lives. Call the
park office for dates and times.
All ages; Free
Beginning Fly Tying Course
This beginning Fly Tying Course is designed to provide the student with a basic knowledge of fly tying tools, materials, patterns, and tying techniques. The course is taught in a progression that allows the students to build on their skills and steadily advance toward more complex flies. In this course students will complete 6 fly patterns over 10 hours of instruction. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is providing this workshop free of charge with all materials included. Call 910-868-5003 to register.
12+ with a participating adult; Mon., Oct. 3-Wed., Oct. 5; 6:30-9 pm; Free
Youth Catch Clinic
Lake Rim Park staff will be offering special fishing clinics based on the CATCH curriculum. You will learn to fish as well as fishing ethics, NC native game fish identification, and water safety skills. Space is limited and you must preregister at the park office. Classes will be held at the NC Wildlife’s John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center next door to Lake Rim Park. Register by the day before the class.
8-15 yrs; Fri., Oct. 28; 9 am-noon; Thurs., Nov. 10; 3-5 pm; Free
Winter Hike
It may be chilly outside but that’s no excuse not to get out and go for a walk. Bundle up and join a park ranger on an interpretive hike as you explore the park this winter. Bring binoculars to view birds and learn about a variety of evergreen plants that bring color to the forest even in winter. Call the park office for dates and times.
All ages; Free
Soft Plastics Lure Making Class
Learn to make soft plastic fishing lures and enjoy the satisfaction of catching fish with your creations. Our workshop teaches the basic techniques for molding a variety of soft plastic lures used for fishing in both saltwater and freshwater. The North Carolina Wildlife Commission is providing this workshop free of charge with all materials included. Call 910-868-5003 to register.
8+ with a participating adult; Sat., Dec. 10; 9 am-noon; Free
Stars and Constellations
Winter nights are the premier time to view the night sky. Join us, the Astronomy Club and other sky watchers as we explore the wonders of the sky. Learn about our constellations and other celestial objects and the folklore behind them. Bring your telescopes and binoculars. Register by the Wed. prior to the program.
All ages; Fri., Nov. 18, Dec. 16, Jan. 20, and Feb. 17; 6:30-8:30 pm; Free
The Man in the Moon
Join us as we learn more about our satellite, the Moon. We will observe the surface of the moon with binoculars and telescopes. Participants learn about the Moon’s origin, history and legends. Feel free to bring your own equipment if you have it. Register by the Wed. before the program.
All ages; Fri., Dec. 9, Jan. 6, and Feb. 3; 6-7:30 pm; Free
Winter Preschool Nature Series
These programs specially geared for younger audiences will feature hands-on, kid-friendly activities that teach about wintertime nature. Dec. will feature plants, Jan. will feature animals, and Feb. will feature insects. Classes will be limited to 10 participants. Call the park office for dates and times.
3-6 yrs with an adult; Free
Going Birdie
If you are crazy about birds, then this class is for you. We will talk about bird behavior, identification, feeding, and watching. You will also have a chance to help us count the birds in the park for the Great Backyard Bird Count. Be prepared for a short hike and bring binoculars if you have them.
5+; Fri., Feb. 17; 3:30-4:30 pm; Free
Archery Clinic
This is a one day class designed to introduce the sport of archery to beginners. Although most participants are children, adults are welcome also. Participants will use state of the art compound bows as they learn the basics of archery. Safety, proper stance and follow through will be
taught. You will be hitting the bull’s eye in no time! Call the park office for dates and times.
8+; $5
Kayak Trips
Explore the many scenic waterbodies in our area from the piedmont to the coast. All equipment and transportation will be provided. We recommend beginners participate in a lake tour before going on a kayak river trip to practice kayaking skills. Have your own boat? Trips are offered at a discounted price for those providing their own boat and transportation. Registration deadline is the Wed. before the trip.
12+ w/a participating adult; Sat., Oct. 22; 8 am-5 pm; $35 or $5 with own boat
Lake Rim Kayak Tour
Lake tours are perfect for those trying kayaking for the first time and seasoned paddlers looking to relax on the water. All the equipment and basic instruction for beginners is provided. We recommend beginners participate in a lake tour before going on a kayak river trip. Registration
deadline is the business day before the tour.
10+ with a participating adult; Fri., Sept. 30; 5-6:30 pm; Wed., Nov. 23; 1:30-3 pm; $15, $5 if you bring your own boat
Fly-Fishing Clinics
Learn the basics of fly-fishing from casting and knot tying to regulations and ethics with the beginner class or sharpen your skills with the advanced class. Pre-registration required through Lake Rim Park. Please wear a brimmed hat and eye protection. All equipment is provided. Clinics are held at the John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center next door to Lake Rim Park. Registration begins Dec. 1.
12+ with a participating adult; 9 am-3:30 pm; BeginnersClinics: Sat., Jan. 7, Jan. 21, and Feb. 4; Advanced Clinic:Sat., Feb. 18; $5/person
*Boy Scout Clinics will be held Sat., March 10 and 24, contact the Pechmann Center at 868-5003 for more information.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Coastal Explorations
Travel with us to Southport for a kayak trip on Dutchman’s Creek to explore the saltmarsh habitat. In the afternoon we will have a chance to explore local attractions. All equipment and transportation is provided. Provide your own kayak and transportation for a discounted rate. Register by Sept. 1.
12+ with a participating adult; Sat., Sept. 17; 8 am-6 pm; $45 or $25 with own boat
Wildlife Expo
The expo features hands-on exhibits that encourage kids tolearn about their natural environments while teaching them about the important roles that hunting and fishing play in North Carolina’s fish and wildlife conservation. Held at the NC Wildlife Commission’s John E. Pechmann Fishing Education Center next door to Lake Rim Park.
All ages; Sat., Sept. 24; 9 am-2 pm; Free
Scarecrow Decorating Contest
Use your imagination, discarded old clothes, hats, gloves, and any other accessories you’ll need to make your scarecrow unforgettable! We will provide the scarecrow frame (limited number available). Any business, service organization, family or individual may participate. Decorating will take place on Wed., Oct. 26 and scarecrows will be displayed in the park from Oct. 26-31 for the public
to vote for their favorite. Contact the park office for more details. Register by Oct. 14.
All ages; Wed., Oct. 26; 4-6 pm; $10/scarecrow
