Parks and Recreation

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Recreation Department
The Recreation Department coordinates a wide variety of activities within the Town and Wilkes County. Our facilities offer picnicking opportunities, exercise on the greenway, playgrounds and various sports fields and courts. Other recreational opportunities are listed below. If you have questions about the Parks and Recreation offerings, please contact Nate Reavis. 

Town-Owned Park Facility Rentals

Please visit https://northwilkesboro.recdesk.com/ to view the available town facilities and the current reservation calendar. 

*After clicking the link, click facilities and follow the on-screen instructions to reserve the town facility.


Memorial Park BBQ Pit Rental

Memorial Park Chicken Que PitPlease visit https://northwilkesboro.recdesk.com/ to reserve your dates for the year. 

Smoot Park Redevelopment Project

The Smoot Park Redevelopment Project is expected to complete the construction phase soon. The Smoot Park Pool is expected to be ready to open in time for Memorial Day, 2026, featuring a new pool slide and splash pad area.  

Parks and Facilities
  • Highland Hills Park: Features a playground, 2 small picnic shelters, and a large shelter with public restrooms. Highland Park is also the home to the WYLD Lands Forestry Camp since summer 2025. 
  • Historic Jefferson Turnpike TRACK Trail: 1.33-mile scenic hike along the Reddies River, rich in nature and local history (former Giant Lumber Company Log Flume). Part of the Yadkin River Greenway.
  • Kids in Parks

    Kids in Parks TRACK Trails: Find engaging nature trails for kids along the Yadkin River Greenway at Jefferson Turnpike, Smoot Park, and Mulberry Fields.

  • Main Street Park ("B Street Park"): Downtown green space. Note: Public restroom currently closed due to hurricane damage (Fall 2024).
  • Memorial Park: Baseball/softball fields, concession stand, lighted tennis courts. Access to Yadkin River Greenway and a covered BBQ/Chicken-Q grill for non-profit groups.
  • Smoot Park: Features two Playgrounds, picnic shelters, a skateboard park, and a 1/4 mile connected trail (completion expected May 2026). Reservable covered picnic areas and pool. Home to StoryWalk® for outdoor literacy fun.
  • StoryWalk® at Smoot Park is an innovative idea that brings books out of the library to outdoor community spaces. It gives children the opportunity to develop literacy skills while playing, and the whole family can partake in fun, healthy outdoor exercise.
  • Trout Fishing the Reddies River.
  • Woodlawn Community Center: Features Indoor and outdoor basketball courts located at 1302 Second Street. Also home to A Child's Life Daycare and an Adult Co-Ed Sports League.
  • Yadkin River Greenway

    7.5 miles of scenic greenway with trailheads at Smoot Park and Memorial Park.

  • Yadkin Valley Marketplace: Home to the Wilkes County Farmers' Market, Concerts on the Deck, and other year-round events. Covered facility with stage, restrooms, and a pocket park available for rent (call 336-667-7129).

Parks & Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks & Recreation Advisory Board advises staff on updates and needs to the Parks and Recreation Department.  They are a volunteer board that was created in 2000. 

Board members:
  • Floyd Barber- Chair
  • Tamera Shephard- Secretary 
  • Nancy Watson
  • Jackie Chapman
  • Susie Barber