Happy Hill Park

A Glimpse into History

Positioned in one of Winston-Salem's oldest African American neighborhoods sits Happy Hill Park. This land has quite the backstory - originally used by Moravians for farming before becoming a town plantation and slave quarters.

In 1814, Dr. Frederich Schumann established his plantation here. What makes his story noteworthy is that he eventually emancipated the people he enslaved, some of whom went on to become among the earliest American settlers in Liberia.

Get Moving

If you're looking to stretch your legs, Happy Hill Park offers several options. A section of the Salem Creek Greenway runs through here, excellent for walking, jogging, or cycling adventures. For runners who prefer a more forgiving surface, there's a dedicated rubber jogging track that's easier on the knees than concrete.

Sports more your thing? The park offers tennis and basketball courts plus a soccer field for those competitive souls. One nice bonus: while getting your workout in at the track, you can catch some pretty impressive views of downtown Winston-Salem's skyline.

Kid-Friendly Fun

Got little ones in tow? The playground area features rubber flooring that helps soften the inevitable tumbles. It's especially hit with younger children, but worth noting there aren't any swings if that's a dealbreaker for your tiny humans.

The real star attraction for kids has to be the splash pad. Spacious and refreshing, it's a fantastic spot to cool down during those hot North Carolina summers. Just remember to pack hats and sunscreen - both the playground and splash pad are pretty exposed with limited shade options.

Take a Break

When hunger strikes, head to one of the picnic shelters equipped with large tables. They're conveniently positioned near the playground, making it easy to keep an eye on the kids while enjoying your lunch.

The park maintains clean restroom facilities with showers - always a plus when you've worked up a sweat. There's also plenty of parking available in the spacious lot.

You can visit daily from 9AM to 7:30PM, as part of the city's Recreation and Parks Department.

William C Sims Neighborhood Center

The park is also home to the William C Sims Neighborhood Center, which offers additional indoor amenities including a gymnasium, internet access, a kitchen, and meeting rooms.

Just note that the center operates on its own schedule, separate from the park's hours.

Community Hub

Happy Hill Park functions as a gathering place for the community. Year-round, you'll find various events happening here, from holiday food distributions to neighborhood celebrations.