Parks
Dog Park
Riverside Dog Park [ map ]
555 N. Eastern Boulevard
Fayetteville’s newest facility has gone to the dogs – literally!The Riverside Dog Park, located near the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, opened in Sept. 2008 and was an instant success. A joint effort between the Bark for a Park Committee and Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Department, Riverside Dog Park is open each day dawn to dusk; dogs outside the enclosed area must be on a leash. A small enclosure is provided for small dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds and another, larger area is set aside for larger dogs. All dogs must be legally licensed and have current vaccinations; tags must be securely attached to the dog’s collar. Have fun with your dog at Riverside!
Regional Parks
Arnette
2165 Old Wilmington Road [ map ]
This 100-acre park is a combination of developed facilities and natural woodland. It is open to the public daily from 9 a.m.-9 p.m. from March through October. Winter hours (November through February) are 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. Security patrols the park during operating hours. Picnic pavilions, ball fields and more make this a popular gathering spot for families and large groups. The one mile long perimeter road is ideal for biking and walking. For more information on reserving the pavilions and other amenities call 433-1547.
Amenities: Baseball fields, sand volleyball courts, concession stand, horseshoe pits, disc golf, picnic pavilions, playground, tennis courts, nature trails, restrooms.
J. Bayard Clark
631 Sherman Drive [map ]
The park is dedicated to preserving the environment and educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife. The ranger staff maintains three trails and the nature center in this 76-acre facility. Groups can arrange for guided tours of the park. Schools can also schedule a ranger to visit a classroom. Annual events at Clark Park include the nature fair and summer outdoor adventure camps.
Clark Park is the city’s second largest regional park and is considered a gem those who frequent it. It was designed, and remains, a natural woodland area dedicated to preserving the environment and educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife. Three trails wind through the park and along the Cape Fear River. The Nature Center showcases both static displays and live reptiles and amphibians. Certified park rangers educate visitors at the center, along the park trails and through school visits. They conduct yearly events at the park such as nature fairs, basic astronomy and animal print tracking.
A visit to the Nature Center can include a picnic at one of the eight tables on the back deck overlooking the woods and waterfall. The park also has a put-in point on the Cape Fear River for canoes. You must provide your own canoe and equipment.
For those interested in walking, jogging or bicycling, use the main parking lot to start your visit to the Cape Fear River Trail, a four mile paved trail running between the park and the Jordan Soccer Complex. A sign at the corner of the parking lot directs patrons to the trailhead.
Amenities: Nature center w/restrooms, walking trails, trailhead for Cape Fear River Trail, primitive camping, canoe put-in on Cape Fear River.
Camping
Camping can also be an added part of your adventure by staying overnight at Clark Park. A semi-primitive campground is available for rent that includes a fire-ring and outdoor restrooms with a cold shower. There is no electricity. An advance reservation with payment is necessary.
Rates:
Family - $10/day
Groups up to 25 individuals - $25/day
($1 each additional person over 25)
Educational Opportunities
The Rangers at Clark Park offer a variety of Ranger-guided environmental interpretative programs dealing with natural history, flora and wildlife for organized groups. These programs are by reservation only Tuesday-Friday. Call 433-1579 for more information.
Mazarick
Belvedere Avenue [ map ]
Milton E. Mazarick Park contains 80 acres and a variety of activities for patrons. From the fishing at Glenville Lake, to walking, to disc golf and picnics, this park meets many recreational needs. Call 433-1547 to reserve a picnic pavilion for a small or large group.
Amenities: Softball field, pavilions, concession stand, fishing pier, rowboat rental, trails, playground, tennis courts, disc golf, restrooms
Community Parks
Christina Smith
500 Fisher Street [ map ]
This park is co-located with JS Spivey Recreation Center at Walker-Spivey School. On 15 acres of property, this facility has become very popular for large group functions. There are a variety of activities available at the park, the newest of which is the Splash Pad, a unique water feature that adds to the neighborhood and the events held there. Call Spivey Recreation Center to reserve, 433-1572.
Amenities: Baseball/softball fields, football/soccer field, green space, outdoor basketball court, sand volleyball court, horseshoe pit, pavilion, playground, splash pad and restrooms.
College Lakes
Rosehill Road [ map ]
Newly renovated, this park is now bringing families out for more than just baseball. Situated on 11.5 acres, and near College Lakes Recreation Center, the park is accommodating more and more visitors. Bring your picnic lunch or supper and enjoy the outdoors.
Amenities: Baseball/softball fields, green space, walking trail, concession stand, pavilion, playground, restrooms
Lake Rim
2214 Tar Kiln Drive [ map ]
Visitors to the 30-acre park can enjoy picnics, trail walks, or a ranger-guided environmental tour that has emphasis on wetlands, animal adaptation and water quality. The park has historical interest with 1890’s Weed’s Lightwood Plant pine tar kilns and a view of fishery ponds constructed in 1934-35. Summer camps and fishing days are also offered through the park. The park is open 7 a.m.-9 p.m. during the summer months. Call the J. McN. Gillis Visitor Center at 424-6134 for information and pavilion reservations.
Westover
Bonanza Drive [ map ]
The new park and recreation center are located next door to Westover High School. Other amenities are on the school’s grounds, enhancing the park atmosphere for the community.
Amenities: Baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, pavilion, walking trail, green space, restrooms
Community/School Parks
Douglas Byrd School/Park
Ireland Drive [ map ]
The grounds of the Douglas Byrd Schools allow the community to participate in a variety of outdoor activities.
Amenities: Baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, outdoor basketball courts, green space, concession stand, walking trail, restrooms
Neighborhood Parks
Eastover Community Park
2721 Ball Park Road [ map ]
Enjoy a picnic and ball game at this park in the Eastover community.
Amenities: Baseball/softball fields, concession stand, pavilion, restrooms
Gilmore
1600 Purdue Drive [ map ]
The park behind the Dorothy Gilmore Recreation Center has a large playground totally handicapped accessible. The play surface is rubber composite to ensure the safety of its users.
Glen Reilly [ map ]
Tucked into the Glen Reilly neighborhood off Reilly Road, this park is easily accessed by residents and nearby housing areas.
Amenities: Green space, horseshoe pit, pavilion, playground, walking path
Hall Park [ map ]
Located on Hall Park Road in Gray's Creek, the park offers baseball/softball fields, picnic shelters, concession stand and restrooms.
Honeycutt
352 Devers Street [ map ]
Honeycutt is centrally located near Fayetteville Technical Community College together with Kiwanis Recreation Center. Families gather for youth baseball games and younger children play on the two playgrounds, one of which is specially designed for toddlers. The walking path invites lunchtime visitors to get a little exercise, too.
Amenities: pavilion, baseball/softball fields, walking path, playground, one toddler-sized playground, green space, concession stand, restrooms
Mable C. Smith
Shadbush Lane off Deep Creek Road [ map ]
This park east of the Cape Fear River is catching on as a great place for walking, pick-up basketball or a group picnic. The park is less than three years old and is designed with the community in mind. The pavilion is available to reserve, call 433-1547.
Amenities: Football/soccer field, basketball courts, green space, walking trail, horseshoe pit, pavilion, playground, restrooms
Massey Hill
1612 Camden Road [ map ]
In the heart of the Massey Hill community is the park at the recreation center. This is where the residents gather for ball games or to watch their children on the playground. Nearby is an inline skating rink where kids can learn to play hockey.
Amenities: Baseball/softball field, playground, concession stand, horseshoe pit, walking trail, inline skating rink, restrooms
Myers
1018 Rochester Street [ map ]
Adjacent to the recreation center is the park where the community comes to play outdoors. Whether it’s a ball game or the playground, this is a gathering place for all.
Amenities: Baseball/softball field, green space, horseshoes, playground, restrooms
Seabrook
Langdon Street across from Fayetteville State Univ. [ map ]
A favorite for family reunions and similar large gatherings, Seabrook seems to have what everyone wants in a park, including the city's only public swimming pool. To reserve the picnic pavilion, call Smith Recreation Center at 433-1571.
Amenities: pavilion, baseball/softball field, basketball courts, playground, toddler playground, pool, concession stand, restrooms
Neighborhood/School Parks
There are many facilities in this category; here is a sample:
E.E. Miller Elementary—Rim Road; baseball/softball fields, green space, playground, concession stand, restrooms
Lake Rim Elementary—Hoke Loop Road; baseball/softball fields, practice fields, gymnasium, playground, walking path, recreation center
Pine Forest Middle—Ramsey Street near Kelly-Springfield Tire Plant; baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, concession stand, gymnasium, playground, walking path, restrooms, recreation center
Stedman Elementary—Circle Drive in Stedman; baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, concession stand, gymnasium, playground, walking path, restrooms, recreation center
Stoney Point Elementary—Rockfish Road; gymnasium, playground, walking path, green space, recreation center
E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary—Lakewood Road; baseball/softball fields, football/soccer field, concession stand, green space, playground, restrooms
Cliffdale Elementary—Cliffdale Road; fooball/soccer fields, practice fields, volleyball court, green space, playground, restrooms, recreation center
Glendale Elementary—Skycrest Drive; practice fields, football/soccer fields, green space, playground, walking path
Max Abbott Middle—Winding Creek Road; baseball/softball fields, football/soccer, greenspace, gymnasium, walking path
Montclair Elementary—Glensford Drive; practice fields, football/soccer fields, green space, playground, walking path
Nick Jeralds Middle—Ramsey Street; baseball/softball fields, football/soccer fields, green space, gymnasium
Ponderosa Elementary—Bonanza Drive; practice field, baseball/softball fields, concession stand, green space, playground, concession stand, restrooms
Reid Ross Classical—Ramsey Street; baseball/softball field, green space, gymnasium, track
Linear Parks
Cross Creek [ map ]
Green Street
This park is easily accessible and beautifully landscaped in the center of downtown Fayetteville. Benches surrounding a statue of the Marquis de Lafayette invite visitors to enjoy a small oasis of quiet during their day’s activities. The fountain at the front of the park on Green Street is a popular site for weddings. The reserve the fountain for that special occasion, call 433-1547.
Downtown Linear Park [ map ]
The first phase is now complete from Ray Avenue to Green Street along Cross Creek. Pedestrians are able to enjoy the quiet of the creek as they walk the path or enjoy the scenery from one of the benches placed along the way. The park will continue in future phases to link with other greenways in the area.
Martin Luther King, Jr. [ map ]
Blue Street
At this time a picnic pavilion and open space are the beginnings for the 13 acres of land commemorating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plans include a sculpture of Dr. King, a fountain, lighted spire, gardens and walking trail. The park is part of the link of greenways connecting people and places.
Special Use Parks
JP Riddle Stadium [ map ]
2823 Legion Road
The 2,200-seat stadium is the home of the Fayetteville Swamp Dogs. The baseball team plays in the summer Coastal Plain League. The CPL is comprised of college players from schools all around the United States who stay with host families in the area. The stadium also hosts occasional special events.
Arsenal Park [ map ]
Arsenal Avenue/Myrover Street
Of historical significance to the city is Arsenal Park, four acres of open space on the site of Fayetteville’s Arsenal prior to the Civil War. The park is used for events conducted by the Museum of the Cape Fear for historical education.
Cape Fear Botanical Gardens [ map ]
536 N. Eastern Boulevard
The Gardens are developed and maintained by full time staff and volunteers dedicated to enhancing the plant life, both wild and cultivated, of our state. The Gardens are a focal point for residents who enjoy the outdoors. Several special events are held there annually.
Cape Fear River Trail [ map ]
Treetop Lane or Sherman Drive
The completed first phase is four miles, running from Jordan Soccer Complex to Clark Park. The paved trail is 10 feet wide and open to pedestrians, joggers, bicycles, rollerblades, and other non-motorized transport. The second phase will continue to the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, another four-mile stretch of woods, views of the Cape Fear River, abundant with plant and wild life.
Rowan Park/Amphitheater [ map ]
Rowan Street/Woodside Avenue
Rowan is famous for its band shell and the blue whale. The park forms a natural amphitheatre for audiences sitting on a gentle hillside and is terrific for concerts and other performances. Behind the band shell is a flat area with a shelter and children’s play features to include the big blue whale. No reservations needed for the pavilion.
Amenities: picnic pavilion, band shell, playground, play features, restrooms
Senior Citizens Center [ map ]
739 Blue Street
The Senior Center is located on Blue Street off Bragg Boulevard. The grounds include green space, horseshoe pit, pavilion, restrooms, and walking path.
Sports Complexes
Tokay Park [ map ]
Hamilton Drive/Sanford Drive
This is the main location for our youth football leagues. In addition to the number of fields at Tokay, it is adjacent to the Reid Ross Classical School. The track has a rubberized surface and is used for high school track and field meets, some regional meets, local Special Olympics Games, and our recreation track team, the Fayetteville Flyers.
Amenities: four football/soccer fields, concession stand, green space, track, playground, tennis courts, restrooms
Lamon Street Park [ map ]
Lamon Street/Ann Street
This athletic facility is the site of tournaments as well as league play for our adult leagues in the spring and fall. The pavilion, concession stand and playground make the park a wonderful place to spend the day or evening while catching some great softball action.
Amenities: three softball fields, green space, concession stand, pavilion, playground, restrooms
Douglas Byrd Park [ map ]
Douglas Byrd Middle School - Ireland Drive
The facility is the location of a multi-purpose field hosting flag football games, plus baseball fields and a walking trail.
Amenities: multi-purpose field, four baseball fields, concession stand, restrooms
