Swinging, swimming, skating — do all that and much more at Winston-Salem public parks. Here's what you need to know about using the facilities + how they offer ways for you to stay active.

By the numbers

The Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department manages recreation centers, parks, pools, and other spaces within city limits. The Strategic Plan guides how parks are developed and maintained. Current facilities include:

79 parks
26 miles of greenway
17 recreation centers
2 golf courses
1 skate park

Salem Lake, Historic Bethabara Park, and the Quarry at Grant Park are also city-owned and operated. Recreation and Parks sponsors Cricket's Nest Craft Shop and a board of older adults who are members run the crafting boutique. Gateway Nature Preserve has a public-private partnership with the department.

Salem Lake (815 Salem Lake Rd.) offers boating, fishing, marina center rental space, and seven miles of walking trails. | Salem Lake
Photo by Elena Gamez (submitted for our 2023 Picture of the Year contest)

Get active

With the exception of eight pools and 10 splashpads, all parks are open year-round. The park locator tool is a good place to start to find what's close to where you live, and what amenities are offered where.

To use permanent amenities like walking trails and tennis courts, in most cases you can just show up. Registration is required and there are costs for camps, adult athletic leagues, fishing and boating, golf, and some other programs.

Rental fees are charged for meeting rooms, kitchens, gyms, and ballrooms for special events — fees start at $20 and vary based on the size of the event and how how long it is reserved.

There are also programs + special events year-round, geared toward different age groups. The "We Play" logo stands for "we provide leisure all year" — the department's motto to host something for everyone.

Staff highlights programming monthly + keeps a calendar of special events. If weather or other problems force an event to be canceled, you'll learn about it first on Facebook and Instagram.