Parks & Playgrounds in Fayetteville

Fayetteville offers 46 parks with modern playgrounds, splash pads, trails, and sports facilities—providing free outdoor fun for military families year-round.

Why Fayetteville Parks Excel

The Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks & Recreation system maintains extensive facilities designed for families. With 10 free splash pads, numerous playgrounds for all ages, and well-maintained trails, outdoor recreation stays accessible and affordable.

Top Family Parks

Lake Rim Park

Location: 2214 Tar Kiln Drive Size: Large multi-use park

Why families love it:

• Two excellent playgrounds (one fully fenced for safety)
• Splash pad (free, seasonal)
• Aquatics center with pools
• Walking trails
• Tennis courts
• Sand volleyball
• Native American themed garden
• Picnic shelters
• Athletic fields

Best for: All ages, swimming, active families Parking: Ample free parking Restrooms: Available

Arnette Park

Location: 2165 Wilmington Highway Type: Active recreation park

Features:

• Modern playground equipment
• Bike trails for all skill levels
• Disc golf course
• Open fields for running
• Tennis courts
• Sand volleyball
• Walking trails
• Horseshoe pits

Best for: Older kids, bikers, active families Free admission

Christina S. Smith Park

Popular splash pad destination

Amenities:

• Splash pad (one of the best in Fayetteville)
• Playground equipment
• Picnic shelter with tables
• Basketball courts
• Open green space
• Walking paths

Best for: Hot summer days, toddlers through elementary age

Tokay Park

Location: 328 Hamilton Street Type: Neighborhood park with senior center

Features:

• Tennis courts
• Playground
• State-of-the-art running track
• Tree-shaded areas
• Senior fitness programs

Best for: Tennis players, joggers, quiet play

Massey Hill Recreation Center & Park

Full-service recreation facility

Park features:

• Splash pad (free)
• Playground
• Youth sports fields
• Basketball courts
• Picnic areas

Recreation center offers:

• Indoor programs
• Youth activities
• Community events

Best for: Year-round activities, organized programs

Eastside Park

Quiet neighborhood park

Amenities:

• Playground
• Picnic shelter
• Walking trail
• Basketball courts
• Open green space

Best for: Younger children, peaceful setting

Rowan Park

Historic neighborhood park

Features:

• Playground
• Picnic areas
• Tennis courts
• Band shell for concerts
• Tree-shaded grounds

Best for: Family picnics, community events

Woodrow Park

Shaded playground park

Why families visit:

• Tree-covered playground (cooler in summer)
• Quiet neighborhood setting
• Benches for parents
• Small, manageable size for toddlers

Best for: Toddlers, hot days, quick play visits

Splash Pads (FREE)

10 locations across Fayetteville:

• Lake Rim Park
• Christina S. Smith Park
• Massey Hill Recreation Center
• Arnette Park
• Westarea Recreation Center
• Northside Recreation Center
• Luther Britt Park
• Freedom Memorial Park
• Riverside Park
• Bonnie Doone Park

Season: Memorial Day through Labor Day Hours: Usually 10 AM - 7 PM Cost: FREE No swimsuit required (quick-dry clothes work)

Playground Guide by Age

Toddlers (1-4 years)

Best parks:

• Woodrow Park (shaded, small)
• Christina S. Smith Park (fenced splash pad)
• Lake Rim Park (fenced playground)
• Eastside Park (quiet)

Safety features to look for:

• Soft surface (mulch or rubber)
• Lower equipment heights
• Fenced areas
• Parent seating nearby

Elementary Age (5-10 years)

Best parks:

• Lake Rim Park (variety of equipment)
• Arnette Park (bikes, open space)
• Massey Hill (sports facilities)
• Rowan Park (larger equipment)

Popular features:

• Climbing structures
• Slides (various heights)
• Swings
• Monkey bars
• Open fields for running

Older Kids (11+)

Best parks:

• Arnette Park (disc golf, bike trails)
• Lake Rim Park (aquatics center, trails)
• Any park with sports courts

Activities:

• Basketball
• Tennis
• Disc golf
• Biking
• Walking trails

Trails & Biking

Paved Trails

Lake Rim Park trails:

• Length: Varies by route
• Paved paths
• Stroller and wheelchair accessible
• Scenic views

Arnette Park bike trails:

• Multi-skill levels
• Mountain bike-friendly
• Beginners welcome

Cape Fear River Trail

Location: Along Cape Fear River Length: Several miles

Family features:

• Paved, flat trail
• Scenic river views
• Wildlife viewing
• Benches along route
• Multiple access points

Best for: Family walks, biking, nature appreciation

Sports Facilities

Parks with sports amenities:

Basketball courts:

• Massey Hill
• Eastside Park
• Christina S. Smith Park
• Multiple other parks

Tennis courts:

• Tokay Park
• Lake Rim Park
• Rowan Park
• Arnette Park

Athletic fields:

• Lake Rim Park
• Massey Hill
• Arnette Park

Volleyball:

• Lake Rim Park (sand courts)
• Arnette Park

Picnic & Party Areas

Shelter Rentals

Most parks offer picnic shelters:

• Covered tables
• Grills nearby
• Electrical outlets (some)
• Close to playgrounds
• Near restrooms

Rental fees: Varies ($25-75 typically) Book ahead: 2-4 weeks for popular dates Contact: Fayetteville Parks & Recreation

Free Picnic Areas

All parks have:

• Open tables (first-come)
• Grills
• Trash cans
• Shaded areas

Bring your own:

• Tablecloth
• Cooler
• Sports equipment
• Lawn games

Seasonal Considerations

Spring (March-May)

Best features:

• Comfortable temps
• Blooming flowers
• Less crowded weekdays

Watch for: High pollen (Fayetteville has very high counts)

Summer (June-August)

Beat the heat:

• Visit splash pads
• Morning visits (before 11 AM)
• Shaded parks (Woodrow, Rowan)
• Swimming at Lake Rim aquatics

Bring: Sunscreen, water, hats

Fall (September-November)

Perfect park weather:

• Comfortable temperatures
• Beautiful foliage
• Less humidity
• Ideal hiking/biking

Great for: All outdoor activities

Winter (December-February)

Still playable:

• Milder winters allow year-round use
• Dress in layers
• Sunny days are pleasant
• Avoid rainy/cold days

Good for: Hardy families, fresh air

Safety Tips

Keep kids safe at parks:

• Test equipment temperature (metal slides in summer)
• Check playground surface for hazards
• Supervise near water features
• Use sunscreen
• Stay hydrated
• Establish boundaries with kids
• Identify meeting spot if separated
• Bring first aid basics

What to Bring

Essential park items:

• Water bottles for everyone
• Snacks (parks have no food sales)
• Sunscreen (reapply every 2 hours)
• Hats for sun protection
• Bug spray (spring/summer evenings)
• Hand sanitizer
• Wet wipes for cleanup
• Change of clothes (splash pads)
• Towels (water play)

Optional but helpful:

• Blanket for sitting
• Frisbee or ball
• Bubbles for toddlers
• Camera
• Portable phone charger

Restroom Facilities

Parks with restrooms:

• Lake Rim Park
• Arnette Park
• Massey Hill Recreation Center
• Most major parks

Tip: Restroom locations vary—check park maps or ask staff

Accessibility

Wheelchair/stroller accessible parks:

• Lake Rim Park (paved trails)
• Cape Fear River Trail
• Most playgrounds (surface may vary)

Features:

• Accessible parking
• Paved paths
• Some accessible playground equipment
• Accessible restrooms

Call ahead to verify specific accessibility needs: 910-433-1547

Park Rules

General rules:

• Dogs on leash (designated areas)
• Clean up after pets
• No alcohol
• No smoking near playgrounds
• Supervise children
• Respect other park users
• Pack out trash
• Obey posted hours

Free Activities

No-cost fun at parks:

• Playground equipment
• Splash pads
• Walking trails
• Open fields for sports
• Basketball courts
• Tennis courts (most)
• Picnic areas
• Wildlife watching

Organized Programs

Parks & Recreation offers:

• Youth sports leagues
• Summer camps
• Nature programs
• Special events
• Holiday celebrations

Contact: 910-433-1547 or visit fayettevillenc.gov

Birthday Parties at Parks

Popular party options:

• Rent picnic shelter
• Bring your own cake/food
• Use playground for entertainment
• No setup fees (if using free areas)
• Cost-effective alternative to venues

Best parks for parties:

• Lake Rim (facilities, activities)
• Massey Hill (splash pad in summer)
• Christina S. Smith (splash pad)
• Rowan Park (band shell, shaded)

Military Family Benefits

Advantages for military families:

• All parks free to use
• Many on-base alternatives at Fort Liberty
• Active duty discounts for program registration
• Family-friendly focus throughout system
• Military spouse networking at parks

Finding Parks Near You

Resources:

• Fayetteville Parks & Recreation: 910-433-1547
• Website: fayettevillenc.gov/parks
• Google Maps: "parks near me"
• Facebook: Fayetteville families groups

Park locator tips:

• Search by zip code
• Filter by amenities wanted
• Check reviews
• Visit during off-hours first

Insider Tips

1. Visit weekday mornings - Playgrounds less crowded
2. Splash pads after 5 PM - Cooler temps, fewer kids
3. Lake Rim for variety - Best all-around family park
4. Bring bike to Arnette - Great trails for all levels
5. Woodrow Park for toddlers - Shaded, safe, small
6. Pack lunch and stay longer - Parks have picnic areas
7. Download park map - From city website before visiting

Fayetteville's 46 parks provide free outdoor fun for military families—from modern playgrounds and splash pads to trails and sports facilities, keeping kids active and entertained year-round.