THE PARKS OF TOPSAIL

Lifestyle May 26, 2021

The Parks of Pender and Onslow

Topsail Island and the mainland are best known for the water that surrounds us here. We enjoy swimming, boating, and fishing on Chadwick Bay, Stump Sound, and the New River, among many other inlets and bays, as well as the Intracoastal Waterway and the Atlantic Ocean. Our area also features a number of beautiful parks that are perfect for an afternoon stroll, a picnic, or a place for the kids to play.

The Hampstead Kiwanis Park, located at 586 Sloop Point Loop Road in Hampstead, features playgrounds, including an inclusive playground, picnic areas, practice fields, baseball and softball fields, football and soccer fields, batting cages, volleyball courts, and a half-mile walking trail with six fitness stations.

Spanning 63,580 total acres, Holly Shelter Game Land offers hiking trails, camping areas, a public fishing area, and a boating access area. The park is open for hunting from September through the first of January. The rest of the year, you can enjoy long hiking trails and an abundance of natural beauty. The park is a popular viewing ground for the Venus flytrap and other carnivorous plants, in addition to deer, bears, turkeys, foxes, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, quail, doves, and waterfowl.

With access off Highway 17 in Hampstead as well as off Shaw Highway in Rocky Mount, the Holly Shelter Game Land offers a wide range of exciting activities. The park also features prominently on the Mountain-to-Sea Trail, with over 19 miles designated as part of the statewide hike.

The North Topsail Beach Town Park has been recently renovated and updated. The park, on New River Inlet Road, features a sound side gazebo and pier, a kayak launch area, a nature trail, as well as a new tennis court, basketball court, and volleyball court. Kids can play on the remodeled playground and everyone can enjoy the grills and picnic areas now available.

Stump Sound Park on Hwy 172 in Sneads Ferry spans 52 acres and features a 1600-foot nature trail with 17 interpretive stations as well as a 1785-foot fitness trail. The park offers a lot of open space for the entire family to enjoy, in addition to a baseball and softball field, a basketball court, a football field, picnic areas, a playground, two tennis courts, and two football and soccer fields.

In Surf City, Soundside Park is a favorite among boaters, families, and anyone who enjoys an evening stroll along the water. With a public boat ramp and fishing pier, this park is the place to be on the Intracoastal Waterway. The park also features a pirate-ship themed playground and a very enjoyable boardwalk for sunset walks. Located at 517 Roland Avenue, Soundside Park offers something for everyone in the family.

There are so many more parks throughout our area, including playground areas and dog-friendly “bark parks,” that you’re sure to find one for your family to enjoy throughout the year. Parks in Pender and Onslow counties offer everyone on Topsail Island and on the mainland a pleasant place to go for fresh air and fun!

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