Summer Fun at Smoot Park

Summer Fun at Smoot Park

If you’re looking for a way to disconnect from screens and get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather of summer, look no further than Smoot Park. Located right in the heart of North Wilkesboro, Smoot Park has the distinction of being the oldest park in Wilkes County and has served as a model as the Parks and Recreation system grew in Wilkes County.

Jazzing things up with a new inclusive playground

Smoot Park might have a long history in North Wilkesboro, but thanks to the thoughtful leadership of Nelson Martin, Parks and Recreation Director, the park is constantly getting upgrades and new equipment to make things fun and exciting for people of all ages to enjoy the outdoor space.

This summer kids can enjoy playing on the new inclusive playground unveiled in November, thanks in part to a large grant from Lowes Hometown. This addition to Smoot Park provides a space where every child can enjoy playing. Designed for ages 2-12 to enjoy interchangeably, the zero-entry access makes it accessible for wheelchairs and other types of accessibility equipment, and soft rubber mats throughout also help with access and provide a safe place for kids to land while jumping around from one feature to another.

Another grant from the Wilkes Medical Center Foundation helped fund creation of a challenge course adjacent to the new playground. This provides more adventurous activities for teenagers and adults to enjoy. The course includes a climbing wall, agility pods, parallel bars, ninja steps and other activities. “It’s modeled after the American Ninja Warrior courses,” says Meredith Detsch, planning director for the Town of North Wilkesboro. “It’s made for all ages and abilities, and you can make it as competitive as you want, timing yourself or racing against others.”

The new splashpad expands water fun at Smoot Park

The inclusive playground isn’t the only new feature at Smoot Park. In 2022, a new splash pad area opened in conjunction with the pool. Pop up sprays, spinning water features and a mushroom umbrella that drops water on kids bring a variety of new ways to get cool on a hot summer day. Access to the splashpad and pool, with its lanes for lap swimming, diving board, and concession stand, is all included in one low rate of just $5 a day, or $50 per person for a summer pass.

“Splash pads and water features like these have become a popular way for city pools to expand their offering in a fun and safe way for young children,” Detsch says. “It’s much safer than having a kiddie pool, and kids of all ages can enjoy the different features.”

Blueways, greenways and recreational opportunities

One of the great things about Smoot Park’s location is that not only does it provide easy access to many residents of North Wilkesboro, it also runs adjacent to the Yadkin River for other recreational activities. A river’s edge access point allows paddlers to put in on the Blueway Trail of the Yadkin. The Yadkin River Greenway also runs through the park, connecting Smoot Park to Memorial Park with a 1.18 mile trail that also is part of the Overmountain Victory Trail.

A picnic shelter, basketball court and skatepark provide even more options for people to enjoy the outdoors. Now the only skate park in the county, the facilities at Smoot Park are popular with the skating crowd who need a safe place to practice.

“Having a good park for our citizens to enjoy is such an important asset for North Wilkesboro and all residents of Wilkes County,” Martin says. “It not only helps encourage outdoor activity for improved health and wellness, it’s a great boon to the economic development prospects in our area, as many people look at schools and parks when relocating to a new place.”

Smoot Park Hours:

Daily, 7 a.m.- 8 p.m.

Pool Hours:

Memorial Day through Labor Day

Monday-Saturday 10:00-5:45

Sunday 1:00-5:45