Bailey Park

Urban Oasis

Located in Winston-Salem's Innovation Quarter, Bailey Park is a 1.6-acre green space in the city center. What was once an RJR Tobacco Company power plant and parking lot has been converted into a community space since 2015. The park welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 8PM, and yes, there's free WiFi throughout - ideal for those remote work days when you need a change of scenery.

Design Features

The park cleverly uses the natural landscape to create an amphitheater-like setting. Head to the northern end and you'll discover a covered stage and an amenities building with restrooms (which are generally well-maintained, but they might be closed outside business hours).

What makes this place special is its flexibility - the stage area features movable panels and furniture that can be rearranged for different events. A water feature adds to the park's atmosphere.

Bailey Park is split into two sections: an elevated area with the stage, seating, and facilities, and a lower portion with a well-maintained lawn that locals often call the "greenest grass in the city". It's an ideal spot to spread out a blanket and enjoy a leisurely afternoon.

Amenities and Accessibility

Throughout the park, you'll discover movable tables and chairs - some with umbrellas for those sunny North Carolina days. These spots are well-suited for enjoying takeout from nearby eateries or grabbing something from one of the food trucks that occasionally pull up to the park.

Four-legged friends are more than welcome here - Bailey Park is decidedly dog-friendly, however your pup will need to stay leashed. Thoughtfully placed waste stations make cleanup easy.

As for parking, you'll find limited street options around the park, with some offering 1-2 hours free. Several parking decks are nearby, but keep in mind some might be closed on weekends.

Community Events

Bailey Park offers a year-round calendar of free events. From centering yourself at outdoor yoga sessions to enjoying movie screenings under the stars, there's always something happening. The park hosts everything from intimate concerts to lively food truck festivals and meaningful cultural celebrations like Juneteenth.

The park's intimate setting works well for performances, hosting both local musicians and national acts like Old Crow Medicine Show.

Of course, sometimes the best park days are the quiet ones: walking your dog, enjoying a picnic, or simply sitting back and watching the world go by.

Surrounding Area

Bailey Park benefits from its central location. You're surrounded by a variety of restaurants, coffee shops, and breweries, making it easy to grab something to enjoy in the park. Locals favor spots like Incendiary Brewing, Cugino Forno, and Barcelona Burger & Beer Garden, all just a short walk away.

Safety is also a priority here, with a 911 emergency call station positioned at the corner of the park.

Historical Context

While thoroughly modern in function, Bailey Park's design thoughtfully nods to the area's industrial roots. The space connects Winston-Salem's past with its present, offering green space for Innovation Quarter workers, residents, and visitors.

The surrounding buildings, once part of the RJ Reynolds Tobacco Company complex, have been reimagined for today's needs while preserving their historical significance. It's this blend of old and new that gives Bailey Park its distinctive character in Winston-Salem's evolving landscape.