Western District Park

Monday - Sunday: Sunrise to Sunset
* The park remains open in the event there is a SCPR organized event game being hosted past sunset.

For the safety and enjoyment of all please observe all County ordinances and the following park specific rules:

Playground Rules Prohibit:

• Adults except in the company of children

• Littering and glass bottles

• Bicycles, rollers-skates, scooters or skateboards

• Using illegal drugs, alcohol or smoking

• No concealed weapons

• Amplifying sound (except by permit) 

• Disorderly conduct

• Entering the playground after it is closed

• Standing on swings

• Vehicles

Playground
The park boasts a 10,000 square foot playground which helps children exercise creativity and develop imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and emotional strength. Children will enjoy swings (ranging from tot seats to the standard heavy-duty swing), slides (straight, wavy, spiral, and double), hanging mechanisms (monkey bars, roped seats, and other hanging components), climbers (sidestep climber, rock climbs, vertical and parallel step climbs, and pole climbers), spring riders, and a host of other bridges, decks, platforms and tunnels.

Walking Trail
Park visitors can enjoy the 1/2-mile asphalt walking/jogging trail which encompasses the park. Three (3) perfectly positioned rest stations allow users to pace their workouts. Whether you prefer a serene walk or an energetic evening jog, the benefits of walking can be literally life changing. Research has shown that the benefits of walking and/or jogging for at least 30 minutes a day can help you maintain mental, emotion, and physical health. Come and visit WDP and take the steps to better health.

Baseball/Softball Fields
The WDP's 3 baseball/softball fields are used primarily for regular season games, but also play host to some weekend tournaments. Field #1 is geared towards older kids and adults, with a 300' field, lights and a state-of-the-art LED scoreboard. Fields #2 and #3 provide a225' depth playing field, ideal for recreation play. Field #3has a state-of-the-art LED scoreboard as well. The fields are used for a variety of other programs and activities including other field sports such as kickball in the infield areas, and football, soccer, and ultimate frisbee in the outfield areas.
The baseball/softball fields are not for public use. For rental information, visit Sampson County Parks and Recreation.

Picnic Shelter
For visitors seeking to get out of the sun, grill some hot dogs, or to host a birthday party, there is a large 30'x65' picnic shelter on site that can be rented or used at your leisure. The shelter has two grills, four 6-foot picnic tables, and power outlets just in case entertainment is desired (within park guidelines). Positioned directly in between the playground, the concession stand, and one of the ball fields, the picnic shelter is in perfect position for you and your family to enjoy the day.

What started as a wooded area has been transformed into a convenient place for family-friendly activities and events for visitors from all over North Carolina. In 2002 a citizen expressed an interest in donating a tract of land for the development of a countywide park. In 2003, the county held meetings to receive ideas and suggestions on the developing of parks countywide. Based on the public meetings, citizens indicated that they would like to see walking trails, picnic areas, outdoor basketball courts, a swimming pool, and a community recreation and fitness center. Originally, the park's strategic plan was divided into 3 phases, which would ultimately include a variety of amenities including: a walking trail, a playground, lighted baseball/softball fields, a concession stand, restrooms, water fountains, lighted multi-purpose fields, picnic shelter(s) with grills, parking and an activity plaza, which would include a skate park, splash pad, playground, outdoor basketball court, and a community recreation center.

In 2004, SCPR and the Sampson County Board of Commissioners recognized the need to develop a county-wide Comprehensive Master Plan, and as a result hired Joel Moulin, Landscape Architect and Kathy Hamilton-Brown, CPRP to develop the plan. In 2005, the Board adopted the Master Program Plan, and in November 2005 the Department received a $500,000 PARTF Matching Grant (NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund) fund to develop this much anticipated park. Following this vision and with public monies and business sponsors, including a sizable donation by Waste Industries, the park development was underway.

In 2009, Phase 1 was completed and on October 24, 2009, the Western District Park was officially opened. Phase 1 included a 1/2-mile paved walking trail with 3 rest stations, a state-of-the-art playground area, 2 lighted baseball/softball fields which serve as multi-purpose fields for other field sports (a 3rd field was added in 2012), a covered concession stand with restrooms and a storage room, a large 30' x 65' picnic table area with grills, open play areas, and a separate parking lot.

Since opening, the park has added more facilities including, a 3rd baseball/softball field, lights for field # 2, two state of the art LED scoreboards, two grass surfaced bocce courts, and two additional parking lots. As the excitement and enthusiasm of the park continues to spread, we are sure WDP will continue to be a family-friendly environment that everyone loves to visit!