Memorial Day, May 25, signals the unofficial beginning of summer and the opening of all pools at Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's no better way to begin the season than by enjoying a cool swim in one of these pools or some water fun at the local splash pad.
With pools launching on Memorial Day, you can expect them to operate fully from Tuesday through Sunday until Labor Day in September.
If you cannot wait until Memorial Day to cool off, the good news is that splash pads are open now! Splash pads offer an excellent option for families to experience water entertainment without requiring a swimming pool.
Splash pads operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. During school sessions, operating hours are modified at specific locations to accommodate students. Most importantly, splash pad access is entirely free.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is dedicated to guaranteeing that all community members have access to enjoyable and safe recreational activities. At the Massey Hill Recreation Center Splash Pad, aquatic wheelchairs are available for checkout during center operating hours for onsite usage. This initiative guarantees that participants with mobility needs can experience the splash pad just like everyone else, making summer entertainment inclusive for all.
Splash Pad Locations
• Eastover Community Park, 2721 Ball Park Road, 910-323-0707
• E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School, 4665 Lakewood Drive, 910-433-1435
• Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1600 Purdue Drive, 910-433-1569
• Gray's Creek Park, 5151 Celebration Drive, 910-433-1015
• J.S. Spivey Recreation Center, 500 Fisher Street, 910-433-1572
• Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers Street, 910-433-1568
• Lake Rim Recreation Center, 1455 Hoke Loop Road, 910-433-1175
• Linden Little River Community Park, 5010 Loop Road,
910-980-0119
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane, 910-433-1547
• Massey Hill Recreation Center, 1612 Camden Road, 910-433-1569
• Myers Recreation Center, 1018 Rochester Drive, 910-433-1570
• Spring Lake Recreation Center, 245 Ruth Street, 910-433-1350
• Wade Community Park, 4060 Church Street, 910-485-3502
• Willie J. Burnette Park (Godwin), 4924 Markham Street, 910-980-1000
FCPR pools will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool has special hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.
For residents, the cost is $3 for ages 12 and under and $4 for ages 13 and up. Non-residents will be charged $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and up. Safety is a top priority at all FCPR pools. Only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed in the pools to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Prohibited items include water wings, inner tubes, rafts, noodles, flotation suits, or any other non-Coast Guard-approved devices. Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Pool Locations
• Keith A. Bates, Sr., Pool, 4945 Rosehill Rd, 910-433-1382
This location has a kiddie pool, a larger lap pool with six lanes, and a 24-foot enclosed water slide.
• Ronnie "Chase" Chalmers Pool, 1520 Slater Ave, 910-433-1137
This location has a six-lane lap pool, a wading pool, and a water playground area.
• Lake Rim Aquatic Center, 2265 Tar Kiln Dr, 910-433-1456
This location features a wading pool, in-water playground, six-lane pool, and 18-foot-high water slide.
• Westover Aquatic Center, 266 Bonanza Dr, 910-433-1383
This location has an 8-lane pool, a wading pool, and a 12-foot-high water slide.
Summer also presents an excellent opportunity to spend extended time outdoors and fully take advantage of the wonderful parks and trails available throughout Cumberland County. Many of the parks in the area offer a range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. These include hiking trails, biking paths, fishing spots, boating opportunities, educational nature centers, and sports facilities.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or family-friendly recreation, Cumberland County's parks provide the perfect setting to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
• J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center, 631 Sherman Drive
Clark Park is the second-largest park in the city, featuring a natural woodland area dedicated to environmental preservation and educating the public about North Carolina's diverse plants and wildlife.
• Cross Creek Linear Park, 324 Ray Ave
Cross Creek Linear Park features a scenic walking path that allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the creek and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Spanning 2.8 miles, the park connects Festival Park to Riverside Dog Park, making it an ideal destination for a stroll.
• Lake Rim Park, 2214 Tar Kiln Drive
Explore the one-mile trail, enjoy a game of soccer, or have a delightful family picnic. Lake Rim Park truly has something for everyone.
• Cape Fear River Trail, 511 Sherman Dr
The Cape Fear River Trail is paved and 10 feet wide, making it not only a great option for walking but also accessible to bicycles, rollerblades, and other non-motorized transport. The trail stretches 7 miles along the Cape Fear River.
• Mazarick Park, 1400 Belvedere Ave
This park features a Disc Golf Course, picnic shelters, a playground, tennis courts, and more. Don't miss out on the paved trails around the lake.
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane
The Mable C. Smith Park has a variety of amenities, including a community center, picnic shelter, playground, splash pad, basketball courts, and a gravel walking trail.
For more information on the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers’ splash pads, pools, parks, and trails, visit their website at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov.