By Heather Wood

With our community living under phased stay-at-home guidelines and restrictions, the ability to go outside and get some fresh air and sunshine has never been so important. Getting outdoors to walk, jog, hike, ride a bicycle, or visit a park is a healthy way to stay active, spend time with your immediate household family members, and reduce stress and anxiety while practicing social distancing. Parks are a tangible reflection of the quality of life in a community. Parks and recreation services are often cited as one of the most important factors in surveys of how livable communities are and this current situation has really brought this need to the forefront.

Parks have always been essential, but during the COVID-19 pandemic it has become more apparent the role the parks system plays in our society. Recently we discovered Google Community Mobility, a tool to track the movement during COVID-19 and the change in activity in our parks. The reports chart movement trends over time by geography, across different categories of places such as retail and recreation, groceries and pharmacies, parks, transit stations, workplaces, and residential. Data proves over the past two months, parks in Forsyth County have seen a 95% increase in activity.  

As our community parks have remained open during this time, with appropriate restrictions and guidelines in place, the Kernersville Parks and Recreation maintenance staff have worked tirelessly to keep our parks safe, maintained and aesthetically beautiful for all to enjoy. Whether it is picking up trash, mowing, planting flowers, or fixing minor repairs the park maintenance role has become more important during this challenging time. In a long line of essential workers, we want to thank them for all they do and let them know how appreciated they are. Next time you are in one of our community parks, give them a “thumbs up” to say thank you.

Our town boasts an amazing variety of parks. If you are interested in visiting the multiple parks that Kernersville has to offer, see below for a list of our community parks and amenities. Visit kvparks.com for more information. (Stay up-to-date on COVID-19 restrictions/closures updates by checking our Kernersville Parks and Recreation Facebook page often).

Bagley-Cash Sports Complex
4700 Old Hollow Road

• Home to Kernersville Cannons and Triad Blackhawks lacrosse teams, Kernersville Parks and Recreation Adult Soccer League, and several East Forsyth High School sports teams.
• Features 1 multi-use champion field and 3 play in fields as well as floodlights for night games.

Century Lake Park
309 Century Blvd

• 6 acres of water are stocked with hybrid bluegill, large-mouth bass, black crappie and catfish.
• Fishing Pier, Canoe/Kayak Launch, 4 Picnic Tables, 4 Grills, Spray Fountain, Restrooms

Civitan Park
309 Nelson Street

The department is seeking state, federal, and private grant funding towards the renovation of Civitan Park. Once completed, Civitan will have a new look and focus and therefore a new name.  “Civitan Fitness Park” design will focus on fun and lifelong fitness with a Champion Challenge Course, an Outdoor Gym, and a 6-court tennis complex. 

• Great park with a mix of active and passive amenities.
• 2 Shelters, Sand Volleyball Court, Tennis Courts (Currently Closed), 2 Basketball Courts, Ballfield, Walking Trail, Restrooms, Playground

Founders Park
101 N. Main Street

• Downtown Passive Park
• Koi Fishpond, Picnic Tables and Benches

Fourth of July Park
702 W. Mountain Street

• “The Honeybee Festival,” “Carnaval” and “Pumpkin Run” are held at this location.
• 3 Shelters, Skate Park, Dog Park, Tennis Courts, Pickle Ball Courts, Basketball Courts, Restrooms, Walking Trails, All-Inclusive Playground, Individual Picnic Areas and Stand – Alone Grills

Harmon Park
152 South Main Street

• “Movies in the Park” and “Kernersville Christmas Tree Lighting” are held at this location.
• 1 Shelter, Declan’s Playground, Large Grassy Multi-Use Area, Restrooms, Gazebo, Memorial Fountain

Ivey M. Redmon Sports Complex
788 Beeson Rd

• 3 Lighted Baseball/Softball Fields, 2 Multipurpose Fields, 5 Soccer Fields, 1 Turf Field, 1 Cross Country Course, Concession Stands, Playground, Restrooms

Kernersville Mountain Bike Park
567 Smith Edwards Road

• 27 acres, 3/9 Mile Trail that ranges from intermediate to advance.
• Kernersville Cycling Club helps maintain this park.

Old Kernersville Lake Park
936 Lake Drive

• 5-Acre Stocked Lake, Walking Trails, Small Fishing Pier, Picnic Table, Fishing Pier

Rotary Park
134 Mountain Street

• 1-Acre Passive Park, Kernersville Farmers Market Shelter Location, Concert Staging Area, Bronze Statues, 4 Picnic Tables

Etta Lea and Lawrence Pope Memorial Park
(Located behind Lowes Foods)

Department administration is currently working on identifying possible construction phases of the park. The priority is to design these phases in order to develop the front of the park to produce events, programs, and for all to enjoy.

• 79.4 acres of land will be the future site of park