The 13 best parks and gardens in Concord

Relaxing park with nearly a 2 mile trail.. events nearly every weekend so I hit it as much as I can during the week. Nature all around throughout the year. Plenty of sheltered areas for get togethers, plenty of restrooms, seasonal paddle boats and mini golf. The only real downside is getting caught in here during an event as there is only one entrance. Other than that it’s laid out well.

I love how diverse and large this space is. Multiple sports areas, large fields, big playgrounds for the kids. There is a two mile walking path around the entire thing that is amazing to walk the dogs on. A disc golf course and a pond with so many cool birds.

Gorgeous park. Tons of trails, birds, a lake to walk around. There's also pickleball and tennis courts, soccer and baseball fields, mini golf course, plus Frisbee golf. Something for everyone!

Good gravel path for walking the dogs. You can just walk around the pond or you can make your walk longer by going through the woods. Not sure how long it is but probably at least 2 miles.

This is one of my favorite parks. I love to walk the trail around the lake and through the woods behind the lake. It is an absolute beautiful place with lots of convenient bathrooms. They even have mini golf, paddle boats, volleyball courts, tennis courts, pickleball courts, and so much more. I cannot say enough good things about this park. The staff is always extremely friendly and helpful.

Beautiful park! We were visiting from out of town and wanted a nice trail to walk, and we didn’t bring the right shoes for a hardcore hike. Perfect level paths for all fitness levels. Every outside activity you could want also! Clean bathrooms. Highly recommended.

Beautiful park with a pond, walking paths and fields for sports. Hundreds of people there watching their children playing soccer and a cross country event was going on. It would be nice if there was someone helping to direct traffic. What a night mare!

Hidden Gem in Concord: Dorton Park Delivers Fun for All Ages My wife and I, residents of Harrisburg, North Carolina, stumbled upon Dorton Park while heading to Afton Ridge for shopping—and what a delightful surprise it was! Tucked behind a charming neighborhood, this recently renovated park (reopened March 25, 2025, after a $60 million bond-funded overhaul) is a haven for outdoor lovers. Trails & Greenways: The park’s asphalt trails weave seamlessly into the Coddle Creek Greenway, offering smooth walks or bike rides with scenic views. A new 0.75-mile greenway extension connects to Poplar Tent Road, perfect for longer strolls. Two new pedestrian bridges over Afton Run stream add to the charm, making exploration even more enjoyable. Amenities Galore: - Playgrounds & Sports: The park boasts multiple playgrounds, including one enclosed for toddlers (a rarity!) and others for older kids. Sports enthusiasts will love the resurfaced tennis courts (one with pickleball lines), a multi-purpose field for football or soccer, and an 18-hole disc golf course (expanded from 9 holes). - Family-Friendly Facilities: We were impressed by the six clean, family-style restrooms—each a private room—and the park’s groundbreaking inclusive adult changing table, the first of its kind in Cabarrus County. - Picnic Spots: Several pavilions with tables dot the park, ideal for picnics or gatherings. Accessibility & Extras: The expanded parking lot (now 180 spaces) ensures easy access, while the stream restoration and lush landscaping enhance the natural vibe. The park’s thoughtful design—like ADA-compliant paths and the Willow’s Wish Foundation-funded changing table—shows Concord’s commitment to inclusivity. My Final Thoughts: Dorton Park is more than just a stopover; it’s a destination. Whether you’re into disc golf, pickleball, or lazy picnics, this park delivers. We’ll definitely be back—maybe next time to try the new Gametime playground or the greenway at sunset!

Nice paved path to walk the dogs on. It felt safe and close to a nice neighborhood. At first I thought the walking paths were very short, but it was much longer than I anticipated (and I couldn’t even tell you where the end was).

This park is awesome! It is safe for my autistic son who is 4.5 years old. I don't worry about him falling off of any open parts of the park. Plenty to do for you ger and older children.

After this park being closed, I expected some BIG changes and renovations. Well, NOPE! Where is all the new playground equipment? The playground at the entrance looks like it's for toddlers and small kids...and then there's a swing set. Along the trials there is one slide and a small climbing wall. There is so much that could have been done at this park. There is more than enough space to add slides and equipment for older kids (7-11). Or even add a fitness park (outdoor fitness equipment) for people that would like a place workout. There is lots of wasted space here. I mean a skating area or even a small basketball court in that big open field. I mean, endless ideas here. However, the walking trail is great. I love it and really enjoy walking this trail. There are some sunny areas but also plenty of shade along the trail. There are tennis courts, soccer field, and disc golf for those interested. Very cute and quiet park but it really could use some additions to make it a fun place for everyone, of all ages.

Awesome park! Disc golf tennis kite field! Also nice walking paths

Extremely disappointed in the new ‘renovations’ at the park. Afton Run has been absolutely destroyed by the tree removal. This stream was once beautiful and provided many ecosystem services and wildlife habitat. There are no longer any riparian buffers left to prevent soil erosion and flooding will continue to be an issue at this park. Do better city of Concord.

Just a few of the interesting critters we've seen while visiting Dorton Park.

I really like the trail at this park. It's full of wooden bridges and goes through the woods and into the park playground. It's right next the City of Concord so you can just walk the trail and hit up the city on the weekends.

THU 2025.08.21 ~06:30 The Entry Gate in to the Park wasn't open yet. After a minute or two, gazing at the light of dawn, the Ranger/Grounds-Keeper arrived. We chatted for a bit. Then went in; he for his Work, while i went for a (~5+ mi walk CCW Loop): Parking > Wilson Street Park > the neighborhood > Parking - every one of these places was nice and clean👍 A few people were out and about; walking or jogging. Btw, it was very nice to have chance met Apollo (a friendly Pitbull) and his Owner .. they were both very friendly 👍👍👍

My new favorite park! This park has the most beautiful trails, you really feel like you’re in the middle of the forest at some parts. There’s moss growing on the sides of the trail, perfectly landscaped with some untouched areas, and even a few creeks with relaxing trickling water. Cute walking bridges/platforms and slight elevation, even a hidden bamboo area! There’s also some stretching zones along the way, paved paths, and 911 zones so you feel safe the entire way.

I love this park! This is a safe, clean, nice park and definitely above average and safer than most other greenways nowadays. It’s also a good place to also ride a bike or to walk your dog.

Park isn't so big, but it's nice they have a creek along the walking road. I like the bridge there. They have 2 benches there so you can take a seat and relax. There's nothing there except nature and it's nice. It's nice for jogging or walking with a dog. They have a children's playground at the begging of the park.

Beautiful park connected to the greater Downtown Concord loop and McEachern Greenway (part of the Carolina Thread Trail). The Greenway is a nice paved and boardwalked path that weaves through trees and over mini bridges - great for walking and running - and the playground at McGee even has a circle sidewalk around it so you can do laps while your kids play if you like. Great place for fitness and families.

My family loves this park. My son has an amazing time every time we go!! There is so much for everyone to do. Enjoy the park and the nature scenery on the path, with the stream along the way....

Park centralized around tennis and pickleball. Two good play areas for the kids with great seating for adults and an outdoor amphitheater.

Large community park with community building, paddleboard court, tennis courts, two playgrounds, a large children's play area, a paved walking path that connects with the greenway, lots of parking, clean restrooms, and an outdoor amphitheater. Covered areas with picnic tables and benches and a small trading books library. Fenced in ballpark. Lots of trees and plenty of open green space. Hilly setting in Concord, North Carolina. Ideal community park for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and local community members to enjoy indiviallu or in larger groups. Definitely a park worth visiting. ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.5 stars

Large park with a soft ball field, tennis courts, playground, concrete skating rink, community buildings and walking trail. There are 8 lighted hard tennis courts. There are two different parking lots with ample parking spaces. The park trail connects to McEachern Greenway which runs along side Rte 3. The Greenway connects to JW McGee park and further connects to downtown Concord with the Greenway downtown connector.

MON 2025.08.11 ~06:00, after i arrived and parked my vehicle in Les Myers Patk, i went for an ~4+ mi CW Loop walk of the neighborhood, the Greenway, and back to Les Myers Park. It was nice and cool high 60s_F during my ~2 hrs walk. Encountered a total of ~10 people and 3 dogs; walking, jogging, or cycling). Everyone was cheery and friendly. The neighborhood, Concord Historic District, the Greenway and Les Myers Park were nice; well-maintained and clean.

This is one of my favorite parks! There are multiple playgrounds for kids, a beautiful amphitheatre that I hope to some day see a production in, and tennis courts with a Tennis coach available for hire (Chad from AMP Tennis). The walking trail has a hill to climb near the amphitheatre (or go down to have a lesser incline on the other side). There is a beautiful creek that runs alongside the park. Picnic shelters and it connects to the McEachern Greenway. Love this Concord hidden gem!

These are fabulous tennis courts!!!!! Plenty of courts. Plenty of parking. Great restroom facilities.

My recent move to NC and saw this park. I checked it out and was surprised to see the amphitheater. I love the various activities which can be done there.

My wife and I just visited this garden today! We were absolutely astounded by the beauty and magnificent atmosphere of the overall environment! We did go on April 6 which is the middle or beginning best time of spring! There were families, young kids, older people younger people all kinds! This is an excellent place to gather around perhaps on a Sunday afternoon after church with the family! Very peaceful and tranquil, very nice escape from the busyness of life. Have fun, my loving friends.

Such a great little spot downtown. Very serene. My favorite visit was in Spring. All the tulips and colors surrounding me was a happy experience. I have yet to do so, but I will be grabbing lunch (to go) just so I can eat it there. There are a few spots one can sit and eat. Disclaimer: not sure if food is allowed. Will have to double check before I go through with my plan.

A gem amongst the downtown area. This place is very peaceful with plenty of areas to sit and enjoy the scenery, meditate, or read a good book. The flowers are gorgeous in early spring and worth a trip to see every year. The tombstones are neat to see, dating back to late 1800s on some. The weekend can be busy due to it being a popular photo backdrop for proms, senior pics, etc but weekdays are less crowded and my favorite time to go.

Beautiful garden. I've jogged past it dozens of times, and always thought it was just a cemetery. It really is something worth seeing if you are in the area. The trees are amazing!

Awesome experience, very beautiful and tranquil environment, A MUST SEE, brilliant blooms, 200 year old trees, and a very peaceful place with the old headstones intertwined throughout the park, water fountains, and stone paths and walkways, gates were open, a box to leave contributions if you would like to, NO pets allowed

Love coming here such a beautiful place!

This is a wonderful, hidden gem in downtown Concord. A splendid, well-maintained garden that's always a pleasure to visit.

We love this park and it's our favorite place to stop on our way to our inlaws. The bigger playground next to the pond has a sunshade over it which is great for the kids on hot days. The kids love running across the bridge on the pond and watch the turtles and ducks. This park also has clean bathrooms, basketball hoops, disk gold, volleyball ball courts ans walking trails. I wish we has this park close to where we live!

My babies were pleasantly surprised at the amount of turtles and wildlife in the pond! There’s a covered playground, even when it rains the kiddos can play!

Beautiful scenery. Big playground. Picnic pavilion with big grill. Volleyball bench’s open fields. Dog park. Walking trails. Perfect for family outings. Definitely coming back. Bathrooms

Veterans park offers a fantastic environment for enjoying quality time with both family and friends. It provides opportunities for leisurely walks, recreational activities, relaxation, and hosting gatherings. Additionally, the park boasts impressive amenities including shelters, playgrounds for children, walking trails, volleyball courts, and restroom facilities. The pond within the park adds to its charm, providing a serene spot for unwinding and capturing beautiful moments through photography.

The park is very clean. We were there for our church family in the park day. It was hot but, the park has large pinic gazebos to shelter from the sun and rain. I dont suggest the elderly or the disabled, spending too much time, out in the high tempatures we had to endure, on this day. The people maintaining the cleaniness of the park, drove over to us, close to our end time. We were cleaning up but, the park's crew told us not to worring about hauling the trash bags to the dumpster, they take care of that part. There is a basket ball court, playground, rest rooms and a small walking bridge. It's felt nice and peaceful. Warning: Walking across the bridge felt a little creepy because the trees and full and hoovers as shelter over the bridge. I was prayed us and covered by the blood, that no weapons of snakes and spider bites, could fall on top of me, thus enanling venomous pision to form agaist me! Go see for yourselves. It is very a well organinzed and clean park.

I have been here twice. Both times were amazing. I used the basketball court, the trail, the exercise equipment, and visited the turtles. Everything was clean, maintained, and safe. The bathrooms were clean and smell good. Normally bathrooms at parks have a weird smell.

The park is nice and clean. The kids play area is new and nice. Nice to have a picnic or walk around the park. The lake has lots of turtles. It's a good place to spend time with kids and families

Visited today with my dog, Spencer, and his friend, Leo. Very clean. Sectioned off into two sections, one for 20 lbs and the other for over 20 lbs. Has restrooms outside. Lots of parking. Poppy bag booths. Nice park area if you prefer to walk. Don't forget to pick up after your dog. Great time.

Great place to take your dog for some exercise and to meet new friends. Park is very well kept clean. There are some toys for the dogs to play with and a couple places for people to sit in the shade while their dogs go play and get worn out for a good nap.

This was my first visit to the Weddington Dog Park. I liked the large play area, and my dog seemed to have a good time with the other dogs. The locking gate did not work properly, but I was told it would be fixed soon.

What a wonderful place to let your dogs run free and play. They do have a large and small park for certain sized breeds. Plenty of seats for owners to sit back and watch their furry best friends run around. There are also restrooms for use as well as plenty of parking along with a playground for kids. I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting a day out with you dog.

I went with a new friend and her pup along with my own for the first time last weekend. This place is really nice, separate areas for little dogs and big dogs. (0-20 lb and more than 20lbs) my friend and I both have larger dogs so I only went on that side, there was a large area to play fetch or Frisbee and a wooded area to explore. They had a few agility equipment pieces, but the jumps were not set up. They have a water station/paw rinse station and several shared benches for people to sit under. Of course there are owners who don't pick up after their dogs so watch your step a bit (there are baggies and trash bins in the park) and some dogs that may be reactive, but that's no fault of the park. Overall this is a wonderful path and in a convenient location!

Nice, large area, but with lots of bare patches of dirt and some puddles. If your dog is like mine (likes to dig and roll around), be prepared for a dirty vehicle and bring towels. Just like any dog park, most people/dogs are nice, but every so often there's that one you try to avoid. It stays mostly picked up, with bags/trash available on site. There is also water for the dogs. There is also a small dog (20lbs and under), but I have no experience with it as both of my dogs are larger.

Very large open space for dogs of all sizes. Separate section just for 20lb and smaller to be away from big dogs. Secure gates, easy access. Lots of parking, generally clean and lots of fun for pups! Oliver loves being here every time whether there are others here or not.

Looks like a nice park. Note we did not camp or stay here but visited to see the facilities. They have a pool, pond for fishing, archery area, bathhouse with showers and more. They have group camping but maybe 7 sites in the group camping. There may be more not sure. People seemed nice. Cabins looked nice and rates seemed reasonable/good. No electric at tent sites. No water at group camping site.

Had a great trip! Even with cold rainy weather we thoroughly enjoyed staying in Cabin 6 (has big front steps but it closest to bathhouse!) Lots of area to explore. My parents joined me and my 3-year-old. Beautiful trails and ideal views of the changing leaves without having to go far from home!

Great place to camp! Facilities are clean and well maintained; park is well taken care of. Everyone in our family loved spending the weekend here, ages ranged from 6 to 70. We caught at least 30 fish between us. It was so quiet peaceful and relaxing even on a holiday weekend. Park rangers are also super friendly.. Will stay again soon!!

We had our Family Reunion there. Everything was great! My Rodger Family loved the lake, the hall and the swimming pool.

We camped for two nights at Site 4 in September. Our site backed up to the pond and has a little pad for two chairs, perfect little nook for fishing, though we caught nothing in our futile attempts. The site was clean and well shaded. Tent sites are $15, Cabins $50. Trash and recycling bins are on each site. You are not allowed to keep your vehicle here so that’s a bit of a downer, especially with wanting to keep all food inside each night. We ended up just keeping it locked up tight in our camping bin outside without issue. There is no potable water, so be sure to bring your own. No electric hookup. There are no outlets anywhere, not in the bathrooms, the pavilions, etc. so be sure you have a converter to inflate your mattresses and charge your devices via your vehicle. There is a BBQ grill on site as well as a fire pit with grill over top. Check in was easy and they escort you to the site, so not to worry if you get in right before dark. Gate locks at 8pm and you can’t get back in if you leave. Quiet hours were not observed but we have noticed this is a common issue nowadays. You can hear dogs barking from the area housing, so be sure to bring something to play some white noise. We enjoyed it and will be back. If you have a family wanting to camp together, perhaps some wanting to tent and others wanting to cabin, our tent site #4, was right next to a cabin that would be perfect for sharing with other family.

Great place to go with the family. Very well kept and monitored. Don't go here if your looking to party. This is a family environment which is what we love about it.

Bring my dog for walks here all the time. Has great, cheap campsites, lakes and a pool during summer time. The workers are friendly and caring and there are many benches to sit around the park. The playground has a few slides, swings, and a large pavillion that can be used for parties. Calming and nice place.

This park has fallen off tremendously. It used to be nice with a wonderful playground but they tore that out a few years ago in the name of “safety”. Now it’s a junk pile with graffiti and used condoms littering the parking lot every day (photos taken 2-9-24). This is a common occurrence and not a one day observation as I visit the park several times a week. Sad to see this decline as lots of little kids running around.

SAT 2025.09.27 ~07:00, i was the 4th to arrive and parked at W.W. Flowe Park. Noticed in a distance, a person walking. It was drizzling .. nice for a fun "walking in the rain" ~4+ mi walk (CCW-Loop): the neighborhood, and back to W.W. Flowe Park. The Park was well-maintained, clean and nice. The neighborhood was nice too. Unfortunately, there were litter on the "open spaces" along the roadsides at the vicinity of NC_49 & Zion Church Rd, and NC_49 & Central Heights .. would be nice if these receive some TLC 😅

I go to this park once a week, cause it's nearest park from where I live, but i can say there's not so many things you can do. You can walk around, there's no children playground except 2 small swings. Also you can find few areas for sports, but I've never seen anyone playing. There're few benches where you can rest, and there's no equipment for BBQ. There's a trail that leads in a small forest, but I've never gone there, cause it looks deserted for me. In general if your main goal is just to walk, to have jogging or walk with a dog it's good place for that.

It's a nice place to go for a walk. Seems like more of a softball/baseball rec area. There's no playground but for 2 baby swings.

Cricket pitch is very good for cricket games and is clean.

Our dog loves to run...plenty of open land, well maintained and plenty of parking!

Clean, spacious park with fields, trails, and playground. I've been a dozen times and we're often the only family there.

The children and our dog really enjoy this park which has plenty of shade trees. My only complaints are the women’s bathroom and the wasp nests under the park shelters.

Why is this closed? When will it reopen?Will it take forever like the concord downtown fiasco ?

Nice place....not a lot of people there...great place to practice at...only thing I don't like is the sewer smell every now and then

Lots of parking in and around this park. We're had a baby shower in the center and there was no hot water. Everything else was perfect. Nice size room and clean well stocked restrooms.

New sawdust down for swings vs mulch, causing a lot of dust and irritation. Swings now are so low they can’t be used properly (or improperly). Toilets often locked even when shelter reserved.

Great park to enjoy the small things in life at. Always lite always fun. If u can't ball ⛹ doesn't really matter what sport baseball soccer tennis football basketball (of course) stay on the sideline and watch magic happen real talk.

This park is good for walking. There is shelters, Amphitheatre and park areas. No parking fees. Dogs are allowed. You will find restrooms here. No lake. But the view is nice. The city is also beautiful.

We have driven by this park many times and decided to stop in today. It seems deserted but quaint, my kids loved the older playground that doesn't fit the cookie-cutter mold of all the new playgrounds. Very nice and shady and the shelter with picnic tables is large and would be perfect for a family gathering. We are all curious about the school that was built there that closed in 1947 and can't find any information about it online. On the way out the little ones enjoyed the small creek. We will definitely be back!!

Nice clean small park in quiet area. Lots of trees. Quiet path that leads to basketball court and baseball field. There are no signs of any trails that may connect to this park. Pet friendly, with avaliable poop bags on the walking path. Playground for kids with separate swing area as well as a snap volleyball court. Small family friendly park in Concord.

It's a very small park that located close to living houses. It has children playground, few benches and place for barbecue. Also a small volleyball area. This park had fountain with drinking water but it's not working right now. I was a bit disappointed I expected this park should be bigger. But anyway it's nice foe people who live close by

Gorgeous new playground was put in. Rubber floor, swings, baby swings, swing for people with disabilities, bathrooms, playground is for ages 5-12 but really great!

Nice and quiet..Beautiful scenery. Great for kids and Pets.Their is also a Rec Center near the park.A nice community park.

My Grandson loves playing at this park.

Nice place for kids play… beach volleyball court also there