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Parks and Gardens in Coastal North Carolina Not everyone is looking for fabulous (and expensive) locations for their wedding, although I wouldn't rule out the word "fabulous" from many of the places on this page! Public parks are often overlooked as ceremony sites, and the 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 visitor center. You can find neighborhood parks, beautiful gardens, hiking trails, a sea-side civil war era fort with 4 wheel drive beach access, and family-friendly county facilities. On this page you'll find places for you to explore, both in and around Wilmington, the beach areas along the coast, and in Brunswick County. Enjoy! |
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New Hanover County
The New Hanover County Parks Department maintains 25 parks,
three trails and two gardens. Facilities vary and may 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) 798-7181.
Hugh
McRae 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 has once
again turned balmy. Facilities include playground, ball fields, lighted
tennis courts, equestrian ring, picnic shelters and restrooms.
Ogden
Park
This
125-acre county park, located between Wilmington and Wrightsville Beach, is
destined to be the flagship park of the county's north side, as Hugh McRae
Park is to the central region of the county. The 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 (southbound) side of Market Street, about 0.2
miles north of the intersection of Military Cutoff Road, a few minutes north
of Wilmington city limits. Look for the entrance beside Mt. Ararat AME
Church at Planter's Walk.
Snow's
Cut Park
Divided
into two sections along River Road, one directly beneath the bridge and the
other some 100 yards west, this county park offers shady picnic grounds,
sheltered tables, a gazebo and pedestrian access to Snow's Cut. It is very
near Carolina Beach Family Campground. 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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Wilmington
The 49
public parks and facilities maintained by the City of Wilmington 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. Of city parks, we list a
cross-section of the larger ones. Inquiries about particular facilities at
Wilmington parks should be directed to the Parks office, (910) 341-7852. To
reserve picnic shelters at any of the New Hanover County parks, call (910)
341-7181.
Empie
Park
Empie's
amenities include athletic fields, picnic shelters, children's playground,
basketball courts, restrooms, open space and senior activity area with
shuffleboard, Bocce and horseshoes. Bike racks are available and there's a
concession stand. Due to popular demand, tennis courts here could be
reserved in advance by calling the Wilmington Athletics office at (910)
343-3681.
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 5-mile Lake Shore Drive. On the north side of
the 158-acre park are lighted tennis courts, playgrounds, picnic areas,
skate park, 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.
Legion
Sports Complex
Beside
Greenfield Lake, approximately 1.75 miles south of the Cape Fear Memorial
Bridge, the newly renovated Legion Stadium is home to New Hanover High
School sports teams. Also calling the Complex home are the 2002 National
Finalist 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, tennis courts and
a swimming pool as well as plenty of parking.
Riverfront Park
For many
locals, this park epitomizes Wilmington life. Once congested with the
wharves of the state's busiest port, the newly expanded Riverwalk is now a
place for quiet strolls, sightseeing, shopping, live outdoor music and
dining. The sternwheeler Henrietta III docks here. You'll also find a
visitors information booth. Historic sailing ships visiting town often dock
here and usually offer tours.
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Wrightsville Beach
Wrightsville Beach Park
This
sprawling recreation and athletic facility is impossible to miss when
traveling Causeway Drive. It spans 13 acres and includes tennis courts,
basketball courts, a softball field, a football/soccer field, sand
volleyball courts, playground equipment and a fitness trail. 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 Beach
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
boat ramps ($4) and 42 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.
Carolina
Lake Park
Primarily a picnic site, this 11-acre park has four small gazebos, sheltered
picnic tables and a playground. A 3/4-mile concrete trail circling the lake
is ideal for walkers, skaters, bikers and joggers who are looking for a
convenient, safe place to "do their thing." A small amphitheater is the site
of local holiday events and concerts. A newly added feature in summer 2004
is a peddle boat concession operated by Wheel Fun Rentals.
Mike
Chappell Park
Two
lighted ball fields and a football/soccer field make up the largest area of
this 10-acre park, which also offers picnic tables, two tennis courts, two
lighted sand volleyball courts and a playground. The park is bounded by
Sumter Avenue and Clarendon Boulevard.
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; call for availability. If you're interested in driving your four-wheel drive vehicle out onto the beach strand, please contact the park for fees and regulations.
Facilities include a Visitors Center, concession stand (10 AM to 6 PM,
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, 8 AM to 8 PM; June through August, 8 AM to 9
PM.
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.
Joe
Eakes Park
This
small park, a short walk from the beach, offers a playground, two tennis
courts, picnic area, 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,
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 The six following district parks are maintained by the Brunswick County Parks & Recreation Department. All 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 use by groups for such occasions as reunions, exercise classes and other events. For specific information about any of the district parks, or to reserve picnic shelters and community buildings, call (910) 253-2670. Tennis players at Ocean Isle Beach also may note the town's public courts on Third Street across from the Museum of Coastal Carolina.
Leland
District Park This is a 13-acre community park, situated behind the Leland Post Office. Facilities include a community building, playground and sand volleyball courts.
Lockwood
District Park The park is a mile north of the town of Supply. Its community building, however, is at Holden Beach. The park offers shuffleboard and horseshoes.
Northwest District Park This park lies 15 minutes west of Wilmington, on the south side of the highway.
Smithville District Park Smithville District Park includes beach-style volleyball courts.
Shallotte District Park To find this park from U.S. 17, follow signs for U.S. 17 Business.
Town
Creek District Park You can't miss this park on the east side of the road, about 15 or 20 minutes southwest of Wilmington.
E. F.
Middleton Park The primary city park in Long Beach, 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. The park is across the street from Town Hall and the emergency medical station.
Ev-Henwood Nature Preserve This nature preserve, owned and administered by UNCW, comprises 174 acres of lush woodland with marked trails and educational displays. 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.
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