At the Southport Parks & Recreation Department, we work hard to make sure that Southport’s children, teens, and seniors are offered age-appropriate activities that are fully supervised by our trained staff.
CITY OF SOUTHPORT PARKS & RECREATION AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
Ages: Kindergarten through 4th GRADE
Description: Staff members provide transportation for children from the Parks & Rec facility to school, and pick children up after school.
Children come in after school and get a snack and start on their homework. On Teachers Work Days we have the children all day for planned field trips or other fun activities.
Schedule: Before school starting at 7:00 am, After School until 5:00 pm
Resident Cost: $50/Week Non-Resident Cost: $60/Week
Campers will receive one camp t-shirt to wear on Teacher Work Days and trips.
YOUTH BASKETBALL PROGRAM
Ages: 5 to 16 years
Game nights are Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday nights. Coaches pick practice days around this schedule. Games usually begin at 5:30 pm and all games are held in the City Gym.
Resident Cost: $60 Non-Resident Cost: $70
We do offer open gym from 5:00 pm-9:00 pm which is free every day unless posted otherwise.
YOUTH SUMMER PROGRAM
When school gets out for Summer break, we offer field trips and fun activities for the kids such as Jungle Rapids, Bowling Skating, and more.
Summer Hours: 7:00am – 5:00pm
Resident Cost: $85/Week Non-Resident Cost: $95/Week
For more information on Parks & Recreation Programs call: Maureen Moore at 910-279-3331 OR 910-457-7945
The City of Southport Parks & Recreation department holds several fun programs throughout the year for the community to enjoy!
Movies on the LawnWhat’s better than sitting under the stars on the Garrison Lawn as the beautiful Cape River River flows by?WATCHING A GREAT MOVIE AT THE SAME TIME!!
Grab your chair or blanket and join us for a FREE monthly movie on the Garrison Lawn at Ft. Johnston! These family-friendly movies are brought to you by the Southport Parks & Rec department.
Movies begin at dusk. Free.
Easter Craft Goodie BagsThe Easter Bunny always makes sure that the Southport Parks & Rec department is well stocked with special holiday bags, full of goodies and craft projects!When: TBD April 2022
Location: Parks & Recreation Building, 209 Atlantic Avenue
Cost: Free. Reserve your Easter crafting bag (choice of youth or senior) by calling 910-457-7945.
Southport Summer ConcertsThe Southport Summer Concert Series is held at beautiful Franklin Square Park! Bring your blanket or chair and enjoy an evening of music at this lovely historic location.When: Concerts are held on Thursday evenings from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. June through September, with the exception of July 1st.
Location: Franklin Square Park
Cost: Free.
Children’s Crab DerbyThe Annual Children’s Crab Derby, hosted by the City of Southport’s Parks & Recreation Department, is a free family fun event!The Crab Derby (catch & release) is held at the recently restored Southport City Dock. After significant damage from Hurricane Matthew, the dock had been closed to the public until its long-awaited repair and grand re-opening in the Spring of 2021.
Many community members who grew up enjoying the Southport Crab Derby as a highlight of their summer activities can now bring their children to participate in this fun event.
When: Labor Day Weekend
Location: Southport City Dock
Cost: Free
Captain Charlie‘s Children’s Fishing TournamentThe Annual Captain Charlie’s Children’s Fishing Tournament is a Southport tradition! Held at the iconic Southport Fishing Pier, kids enjoy casting a line on the beautiful Cape Fear River.When: October
Where: Southport Fishing Pier, 178 E Bay St.
Cost: Free
Christmas Craft Goodie BagsGrab a fun, festive holiday bag filled with crafts to keep you busy and entertained for the holidays! Kids of all ages will enjoy this!When: TBD – December 2021
Location: Santa’s Workshop (the Southport Parks and Recreation Building) at 209 Atlantic Ave.
Cost: Free. Reserve your Christmas crafting bag (choice of youth or senior) by calling 910-457-7945.
The following is a listing of public parks in Southport. These facilities may be rented for private functions through the Parks & Recreation Department. All city parks are open from dawn to dusk.
Are you looking to host a public event in our parks? Click here to submit an Event Request Form!
- Alvin C. Caviness Park
This 3/4 acre park contains one full and one half-court basketball arena and children’s playground equipment, as well as a picnic shelter, charcoal grill, and stage.
Located on West Owens Street between North Caswell Avenue and Clarendon Avenue.
Restrooms: yes
Rental Cost: $75 (4 hour minimum) Residents, $150 (4 hour minimum) non-Residents.
- Franklin Square Park
This 1-acre park’s main attraction is its large gazebo and stage, used primarily for plays and concerts.
Located on the corner of N. Howe Street and West Street.
Seating: Benches, picnic table
Restrooms: yes
Rental Cost: $150 (4 hour minimum) Residents, $300 (4 hour minimum) non-Residents.
- Keziah Park
Best known for its 800-year-old Indian Trail Tree, this 1/2 acre park also has a gazebo.
Located on the corner of W. Moore & Lord Streets.
Seating: Benches, picnic table, gazebo
Restrooms: No
Rental Cost: $75 (4 hour minimum) Residents, $150 (4 hour minimum) non-Residents.
- Kingsley Street Park
Kingsley is a passive park with a dock extending out into the Intracoastal waterway with views of the Cape Fear River and islands.
Located on the corner of Kingsley and East Bay Streets.
Restrooms: No
Rental Cost: $75 (4 hour minimum) Residents, $150 (4 hour minimum) non-Residents.
- Lowe-White Memorial Park
Lowe-White Park is our largest and most varied city park. It has 2 tennis courts, 1/2 basketball court, restrooms, hiking trails, playground equipment, and plenty of room for picnics and other gatherings.
Located on East Leonard Street.
Restrooms: No
Rental Cost: $150 (4 hour minimum) Residents, $250 (4 hour minimum) non-Residents.
- Salt Marsh Boardwalk
This long boardwalk begins along Brunswick Avenue on the edges of the busy downtown and ends, essentially, in the middle of nowhere, with incredible views of the Cape Fear River, Elizabeth River, and miles of the waterfront.
Located on Brunswick Avenue
Restrooms: No
Rental Cost: $75 (4 hour minimum) Residents, $150 (4 hour minimum) non-Residents.
- Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park overlooks the Cape Fear River and is equipped with a public fishing pier, sheltered picnic tables, water fountains, lights, and walkways.
Located on Bay Street between Howe and Davis Streets.
Seating: Benches, swings, and picnic table under the gazebo.
Restrooms: No
Rental Cost: $150 (4 hour minimum) Residents, $175 (4 hour minimum) non-Residents.
Download the Facility Rental Agreement
For rental information and reservations for Parks, please contact Heather Hemphill at (910) 457-7810.
Open Gym
Thursday: 5pm – 9pm
Friday: 5pm – 9pm
Saturday: 5pm – 9pm
Sunday: 5pm – 9pm
Monday: 5pm – 9pm
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Renting the City Gym
Movie Rental ONLY: $1000/day
Taylor Field Park Grand Opening
TAYLOR FIELD MASTER PLAN: Adopted by the City of Southport Board of Aldermen on April 11th, 2019.
Taylor Field PARTF Site Plan
About the Playground
We believe that recreation and recreational opportunities are every person’s right. Taylor Field of Dreams will be a place where all children and adults are accepted for who they are and not what they can and cannot do. This playground will break down barriers and bring people of all ages and abilities to come together to create a sense of community where everyone feels nurtured, valued, encouraged, and respected. We are healthier together when we are all inclusive.
Southport’s new inclusive playground will embrace the coastal town’s pirate history with play elements designed to all ages and abilities to set sail. Ramping from the ground-level to highest point ensures that every matey can play! Additionally, this playground features a variety of sensory experiences and opportunities for parallel play for children to explore as they search for treasure together.
Community Narratives
“Cameron is 31 years old, born with Down syndrome and autism and has difficulty playing with others. Because of Cameron’s age and physical disabilities, it is difficult to find a place for him to enjoy outdoor space such as swings and playsets. It would be wonderful to have a place that is all inclusive so close to home. It would provide a supportive environment where he can enjoy outdoor activities without facing physical barriers. Community support and involvement could help turn this idea into a reality.” – Elizabeth H.
“Aaron is an 8-year-old with Spina Bifida. His physical limitations can make it hard for him to enjoy the standard playground. Most parks use sand or mulch. This can make it hard for a person in a wheelchair or one with physical limitations to access the playground. Steps are another obstacle. We need a playground where people of ALL abilities can enjoy the simple act of play.” – Kathryn H.
Cameron H., 31
Aaron H., 8
2023 Southport Symposium featuring Parks & Recreation
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