All American Park
This neighborhood park is located 8.5 acres and consists of open space, a small playground, and a small picnic shelter.
Walker E. Reid III Park
Mayor Walker E. Reid III passed away on November 30, 2023 and Gastonia City Council voted earlier this year to name the park in his honor. He dedicated his life to serving the Gastonia community, and this park stands as a testament to his vision for a vibrant city. The park features state-of-the-art amenities designed to foster community engagement and promote active lifestyles.
The park will host events such as festivals, soccer, flag football, lacrosse and rugby.
Key features of Walker E. Reid III Park include:
- Two regulation multipurpose fields that are suitable for a wide variety of sports.
- One youth multipurpose field for the City’s younger athletes.
- Two rentable shelters for family gatherings, parties, and community events.
- An all-inclusive playground, ensuring that children of all abilities can play together.
- A 0.29-mile walking track loop, perfect for leisurely strolls.
- A concession stand and restrooms for convenience during events.
For field rentals, please call the Gastonia Parks and Recreation main office at 704-866-6839.
Shelter rentals will not be available until 2025. More information will be posted when shelter rentals are available.
Contact Information:
Memorial Hall
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
(P.O. Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-866-6839 (office)
704-842-5104 (fax)
East Park
This neighborhood park, located on 7 acres, consists of open space, a small playground and two picnic tables.
Physical Address:
2104 Hemlock Ave
Gastonia, NC 28054
I.C. Falls Park
Hours of Operation:
Physical Address:
1353 Bradford Heights Rd
Gastonia, NC 28054
Ferguson Park
Hours of Operation:
The Athletics Office schedules all field use at Ferguson Park.
Contact Information:
Athletics Office
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
(P.O. Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-866-6836 (Athletics Office)
704-842-5104 (fax)
Physical Address:
1401 Golf Course Dr
Gastonia, NC 28054
Lineberger Park
Lineberger Park has been a community landmark for the citizens of Gastonia and Gaston County since the late 1920’s, providing both passive and active recreation opportunities for several generations. As Gastonia’s first park, Lineberger Park was the beginning of public recreation in the area. Located just seven blocks from downtown Gastonia, Lineberger Park began with a generous land gift from the Lineberger family, which was then matched by an equal property acquisition by the City. Today it consists of 18.5 beautiful acres containing both mature trees and open lawn space. Early work to the park was accomplished through the depression-era Works Progress Administration. From 2005 to 2012, improvements have included a privately-funded project, plus three phases of construction to renovate aging facilities and provide new amenities to meet current needs. Lineberger Park continues to be a favorite spot for family picnics and a place to bring children to play.
Lineberger Park fronts Garrison Boulevard and is accessed by the bordering streets of Chestnut to the east and Avon to the west. The park is naturally bisected by Avon Creek. On the eastern node there is ample parking for visitors in the linear lot along Chestnut Street. There is a trailhead for the Avon/Catawba Creek Greenway with a paved extension which circles a prominent Gaston County Vietnam War Memorial midway through the park; restroom building with water fountains; one large shelter; two small shelters; a gazebo; and large playground. The western node, as accessed via Avon Street, has adjacent parking to facilities, and is home to a miniature train amusement ride; a ticket booth/restroom building; an outdoor, lighted concrete basketball court with stadium seating; one large picnic shelter; two small picnic shelters; a sprayground; an outdoor pool with a slide, lazy river and other water features plus pool house with showers, dressing space, restrooms, and a concession area. The park is also encompassed by a series of paved walking trails as an addition to the adjacent greenway.
The swimming pool is open during summer months (Memorial Day through Labor Day). Each session is $4/person. No Cash Accepted.
Session 1 – 12:30-3:00 Cost: $4.00 per person (ages 1 and older)
Session 2 – 3:30-6:00 Cost: $4.00 per person (ages 1 and older)
Miniature Train Hours of Operation:
- Unfortunately the miniature train is not currently in operation
- CLOSED indefinitely
Please contact our Administrative Office to schedule Picnic Shelter Reservations for Lineberger Park.
Contact Information:
Administrative Office
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
(P.O. Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-866-6839 (Admin Office)
704-842-5104 (fax)
Physical Address:
632 E Garrison Blvd
Gastonia, NC 28054
Rankin Lake Park
The park features a clubhouse with tables and chairs to accommodate group rentals, a “warming” kitchen, and restrooms; two lakeside, corporate picnic shelters; one large picnic shelter; eight small picnic shelters; an 18-hole disc golf course; two horseshoe courts; an outdoor classroom; trailhead and connector to the Highland Rail Trail of the greenway system; two boardwalks over Kaylor Creek; an approximately 80 acre lake with a 1.569 mile paved trail around the perimeter; wooden boardwalk over the lake spillway; two fishing piers; one viewing pier; a lake office to handle boat rentals (jon boats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats) and fishing permits; and a restroom building.
The clubhouse and picnic shelters may be rented by families, churches, companies or other groups for a variety of social and business functions.
The Administrative Office schedules clubhouse and shelter reservations for Rankin Lake Park.
Contact Information:
Administrative Office
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
(P.O. Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-866-6839 (office)
704-842-5104 (fax)
Physical Address:
1750 Rankin Lake Road
Gastonia, NC 28052
For more information on Rankin Lake Boating and Fishing, see the Quick Links section to the right.
Martha Rivers Park
The park features four, lighted soccer fields; three, lighted youth baseball fields; one lighted youth softball field, two batting cages, and a scorers’ tower with a concessions stand and restrooms. There is one small play area within the baseball complex area. Paved walking trails loop around the outer edge of the baseball fields, playground and soccer fields with several adjoining crossovers to vary distance and geography. There are two large picnic shelters, a sand volleyball court, two horseshoe courts, and a restroom building.
Please contact our Administrative Office to schedule picnic shelter reservations for Martha Rivers Park with daily sessions of 10AM-2PM and 3PM-7PM.
Please contact our Athletics Office to schedules all field use at Martha Rivers Park.
Contact Information:
Administrative Office
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
(P.O. Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-866-6839 (Admin Office)
704-866-6836 (Athletics Office)
704-842-5104 (fax)
Physical Address:
1515 Neal Hawkins Rd
Gastonia, NC 28056
Optimist Club Park
This neighborhood park includes 6 developed acres thus far, and consists of a playground, open space, picnic area, walking trail and butterfly garden.
On Saturday, November 23, 2013, the Gastonia Parks and Recreation Department celebrated an historic day as it opened Phase One of Optimist Club Park, the City’s newest park, and first major public/private/non-profit partnership to build an entire park from the ground up.
The Optimist Club donated the land for the park, near the West Gastonia Boys’ and Girls’ Club it operates, and raised $170,000 in public contributions for park equipment. Several private companies donated in-kind products and services. The City provided the designing, planning, engineering, and actual labor to build the park. It is estimated that the project would have cost at least twice as much to build had it been done so through the usual bid process with contracted developers.
Phase One includes paved sidewalks around four distinct areas that feature a large playground with special apparatus for toddlers; an open lawn area; a butterfly garden; a picnic grove with tables; and a commemorative paver section at the base of a lighted flag pole that is flanked by wall seating. Phase Two will create a connecting trail between the park and the West Gastonia Boys’ and Girls’ Club property.
Physical Address:
359 S Vance St.
Gastonia, NC 28052
Sims Legion Park
Hours of Operation: By schedule only for Buddy Lewis Field. Dawn - Dusk, daily for recreational fields. Lighted outdoor fields operate independently when scheduled.
The Athletics Office schedules all field reservations for Sims Park.
Athletics Office:
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
(P.O. Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-869-1019 (office)
704-842-5104 (fax)
Physical Address:
1001 N Marietta St
Gastonia, NC 28054
Smyre Millennium Park
Hours of Operation:
Physical Address:
2851 Millstone Dr
Gastonia, NC 28054
Bradley Station Dog Park
The Bradley Station dog park is separated into two distinct areas for dogs under 25 pounds and dogs more than 25 pounds. Please practice social distancing while enjoying the dog park!
Bradley Station Dog Park Rules:
- Park hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Patrons can use the park at their own risk
- Handlers must use appropriate signed area for their dog
- Handlers are liable for any injury or damage caused by their dog(s)
- Handlers are limited to 3 dogs
- Dogs shall be licensed and vaccinated with a tag on their collar at all times
- Handlers must be 16 years of age or older
- Children under 12 are not permitted without a responsible adult
- All dogs must be leashed before entering and exiting the park
- Dogs must be under the control of their handler at all times while in the park
- Handler is responsible for picking up and disposing their dog's waste in designated receptables
- Handler must carry a leash with them at all times while in the park
- Dogs in heat are prohibited
- No dogs under the age of 4 months
- No aggressive dogs
- Handlers must stop their dog(s) from digging and are responsible for reparing any holes their dog makes
- No excessive barking
- No grooming or bathing of dogs within the park
- No food or smoking within the park
The City of Gastonia is not responsible for the behavior of any dog. Bites or injuries should be reported to the Gaston County Animal Control at 704-922-8677. The rules are intented to protect everyones use and enjoyment of the park. Violation of park rules may result in a citation or removal from the park.
Physical Address:
181 N. Oakland St.
Gastonia, NC 28052
Contact Information:
Administrative Office
109 W. Second Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
(P.O. Box 1748, Gastonia, NC 28053-1748)
704-866-6839 (office)
704-842-5104 (fax)
