Lexington parks are the place to be this Spring

Splash pad at Washington Park in Lexington./Photo-Google Images

With the United States still dealing with the effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Americans are searching for slivers of hope. Winter brought with it countless days of rain, snowstorms, and canceled events.

Now that the cold months are making room for months of sunshine, bright flowers, green grass, insect emergence, more hours of sunlight, and warmer weather, the itch to get outside and enjoy nature is intensifying.

In Lexington, outdoor spaces are popular during this time of year. With 21 parks strategically placed throughout the city, there are a plethora of options for citizens to enjoy as they work to maintain an optimum level of faith during this time.

Below are five parks that are worthy of a visit this Spring:

1.       Washington Park – 100 Bookington Ave.

• Remodeled and renovated in 2017, Washington Park is a go to destination for families. Home to the county’s first Splash Pad, the seasonal attraction is open daily from 10am until 7pm daily (if permitted by the State of North Carolina) starting in late May. The park also has three shelters, grills, a basketball court, a playground, and an asphalt walking track. Be sure to stop and reading the historical marker located along the sidewalk that leads to the court. 

2.       Old City Lake Park – 2429 City Lake Rd.

• Nestled along the banks of a reservoir, Old City Lake Park is a favorite amongst fishers in the county. No speed boats are allowed but anglers can cast their lines from the banks. Canoes are also permitted. The park has two shelters, two grills, a playground, and an abundance of shade. 

3.       4th Street Park – 412 E. 4th St.

• With one of the newest playgrounds in the city, 4th Street Park has been a hit with the children in the surrounding neighborhood. A shelter and two basketball courts complete the park. 

4.       Lexington Skate & BMX Park – 301 W. 9th Ave.

• Constructed by well-known skate park company, Team Pain, Lexington is home to one of the premier skate parks. Visitors from as far away as West Virginia have come to town to take a spin at the park. Across the parking lot, there is a basketball court and playground. The park is open to skateboarders, BMX bikes, inline skates, and nonelectric scooters. 

5.       Finch Park – 15 Paul Beck Rd.

• This is the largest park in Davidson County. Housed on over 60 acres, Finch Park is a favorite of many families. It has two playgrounds. The largest one is being replaced this year. There are three softball fields, five shelters, swings, a pond, and a mountain bike trail. A large multi-purpose field is available for various types of recreational activity. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a hiking trail that will lead you to Abbott’s Creek. 

Washington Park is open from 5:00am until 10:00 pm. The skate park is open from 8am until 10:00pm. Finch Park is open from 8am until Dusk (March-October). The other parks are open from Dawn until Dusk. For more information on additional city parks, visit  https://www.lexingtonnc.gov/city-services/parks-and-recreation/parks-and-facilities.