Thursday, July 19, 2018

Village Park in Kannapolis

The ornate, hand-painted, double-decker carousel is reason enough to visit Village Park in Kannapolis, about 40 minutes north of Uptown Charlotte. But it's just one of a handful of features that make this a fantastic, family-friendly outing destination, especially during the summer.

The other draws? How about the Rotary Express Train, a g-24 scale replica CP Huntington engine and three coaches that visitors can ride on a winding track that circles the park (complete with working miniature crossing arms at pedestrian footpaths).

And the splash pad, with jets, geysers and water cannons. This area includes shaded picnic tables and benches and restrooms.

And, of course, playground equipment.

There's also a fantastic paved greenway, part of which is part of the Carolina Thread Trail, that loops Kannapolis.

The best part? A visit here is budget-friendly. Cost ranges from free to $1.50 per attraction.

If you, like us, enjoy sneaking in a bike ride or hike on your adventures, here's an outing for your consideration:

Park at Baker’s Creek Park, less than a mile away from Village Park, where there’s plenty of parking, a couple of large sets of playground equipment, two giant picnic shelters and a miniature golf course (open weekends only).

You could easily spend the morning here alone. But when you're ready to venture on to the attractions at Village Park, hop on the greenway trail behind the playground.

Take a right, which puts you on the Baker’s Creek Greenway that connects Baker’s Creek Park with Village Park a little under a mile away. It's an easy, flat, paved trail that winds through wooded areas and a quiet neighborhood. (Take a quick look at the map to familiarize yourself with the route.)

When you’re finished at Village Park, you can retrace your path back to Baker’s Creek by way of the Baker’s Creek Greenway. Or, if you’d prefer, you can take Loop Rd from Village Park toward the opposite end of the 8th Street Greenway and come full circle to Baker’s Creek in just over two miles round trip. 

Attractions at both Baker’s Creek Park and Village Park are seasonal. You can find run times and prices by visiting the Kannapolis Park and Recreation site. Both parks have bathroom facilities.

If you’re looking for new ground to cover – and certainly if you’re in the Kannapolis area already – Village Park, Bakers Park and the greenway between them are worth a visit.

How to get there:
Village Park is located at 700 West C Street, Kannapolis, NC, 28081.
Baker’s Creek Park is located at 1275 West A St., Kannapolis, NC, 28081.

Don’t forget to take:
  • Water and snacks: Keep the essentials handy! There are facilities for refilling water if needed.
  • Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses: Village Park is not heavily shaded.
  • Bikes and helmets, strollers or comfortable shoes: If you want to take the greenway route. Otherwise, all the Village Park attraction are within a stone's throw of each other.
  • Swimsuits and towels: In case you want to enjoy the splash pad.
  • Cash: You’ll need to pay a small fee to ride the train or carousel or to play miniature golf.

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