J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center

Thank you jaklew for suggesting this! Jaklew says: "we've gone a couple times to Loblolly Garden Tuesday mornings in Clark Park- they have a toddler/ preschool playtime there where the kids help the gardener and sing songs and play in the garden. the nature center is neat too"

Here's what I could find about the park:

Location:

631 Sherman Dr
Fayetteville, NC 28301-4183

(910) 433-1579‎

I found this review on Insiderpages.com to be helpful.

From the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation website:
The park is dedicated to preserving the environment and educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife. The ranger staff maintains three trails and the nature center in this 76-acre facility. Groups can arrange for guided tours of the park. Schools can also schedule a ranger to visit a classroom. Annual events at Clark Park include the nature fair and summer outdoor adventure camps.

Clark Park is the city’s second largest regional park and is considered a gem those who frequent it. It was designed, and remains, a natural woodland area dedicated to preserving the environment and educating the public on North Carolina plants and wildlife. Three trails wind through the park and along the Cape Fear River. The Nature Center showcases both static displays and live reptiles and amphibians. Certified park rangers educate visitors at the center, along the park trails and through school visits. They conduct yearly events at the park such as nature fairs, basic astronomy and animal print tracking.

A visit to the Nature Center can include a picnic at one of the eight tables on the back deck overlooking the woods and waterfall. The park also has a put-in point on the Cape Fear River for canoes. You must provide your own canoe and equipment.

For those interested in walking, jogging or bicycling, use the main parking lot to start your visit to the Cape Fear River Trail, a four mile paved trail running between the park and the Jordan Soccer Complex. A sign at the corner of the parking lot directs patrons to the trailhead.

Amenities: nature center w/restrooms, walking trails, trailhead for Cape Fear River Trail, primitive camping, canoe put-in on Cape Fear River.

Camping
Camping can also be an added part of your adventure by staying overnight at Clark Park. A semi- primitive campground is available for rent that includes a fi re-ring and outdoor restrooms with a cold shower. There is no electricity. An advance reservation with payment is necessary.

Rates:
Family - $10/day
Groups up to 25 individuals - $25/day
($1 each additional person over 25)

Educational Opportunities
The Rangers at Clark Park offer a variety of Ranger-guided environmental interpretative programs dealing with natural history, flora and wildlife for organized groups. These programs are by reservation only Tuesday-Friday.

Call 433-1579 for more information.

After reading through the info I found, I realized that I have actually been here, when my 3 year old was much younger. It is a beautiful park! We didn't get to take advantage of the nature center b/c it was not open. We'll have to go back now! Has anyone else been here? What did you think? Does anyone else have a favorite park?