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SPORTS, PARKS, and VENUES

       CHERRY PARK
Cherry Park, owned by the City of Rock Hill and operated by the Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department, is an award winning 68-acre recreational facility designed for family, group, and individual use by the citizens of Rock Hill and their guests. Admission is free to all areas of the park. Fees are charged for admission to tournaments beyond the local level.       

    Softball is the name of the game at Cherry Park!

The park is proud to host some of the largest state, regional, and national tournaments in the country. Softball is a very family oriented sport, and the staff at Cherry Park works hard to provide a family atmosphere, along with the opportunity for team competition. Through out the season our calendar is packed with exciting tournaments for both men and women in open and church leagues, college and high school teams, and youth teams. Team spirit abounds and spectators can look forward to action packed games and excellent quality of play.

    Softball Facilities
Located in the softball complex are five fenced diamonds with skinned infields, hybrid Bermuda grass outfields, underground irrigation, halide lighting, and score keeping equipment. Enclosed dugouts have water fountains and telephones that lead to the control tower. 500 spectators can be seated at each field

    Park Features
  • Five 300 foot softball fields
  • Modern halide lighting
  • Scoreboards for each field
  • Spectator seating for 500 for each field
  • Full-service concessions
  • First-Aid room
  • Public address system for each field
  • Press area
  • Enclosed and open picnic shelters
  • Picnic areas with tables and grills
  • Large grill
  • Multi-purpose control building
  • Five multi-purpose fields of various sizes
  • Two 1.5 mile lighted and paved bicycle/jogging trails
  • Tot lots and play areas
  • Public restrooms
  • Ample parking
  • Mighty Casey statue
Hours Of Operation

Office Hours Monday-Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Park Hours Open Daily -- 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. (March1 - October 31)
7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. (November1-February 28)

Location:1466 Cherry Road, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29732

Mailing Address:

   City of Rock Hill PRT/Cherry Park
   P.O. Box 11706
   Rock Hill, SC 29731-1706

Telephone Number: (803)329-5672
Fax Number: (803)329-5677

       HARGETT PARK
Hargett Park is a youth sports complex located on 19.7 acres of flat terrain on Deas Street across from Cherry Park . The park currently consists of 2 Dixie Boys (ages 13-14) baseball fields, two Dixie Youth (ages 9-12) baseball fields, one multi-purpose field for youth soccer and football, press box facility, concession and restroom facility. There is also a picnic area with tables, park benches, water fountains, playground, memorial garden and walking trails.

       THE ROCK HILL TENNIS CENTER


The Rock Hill Tennis Center, located next to Sullivan Middle School, provides a top notch facility for tennis enthusiasts and tournament play. The facility, which opened in 2005, is a joint effort between the City of Rock Hill and Rock Hill School District Three and consists of eight regulation courts, an observation deck, a pro shop, and concession area. The master plan for the facility includes a future championship court as well as 2 additional courts. Public play, memberships, clinics, lessons and summer camp opportunities are all available at the Rock Hill Tennis Center. The Director of Tennis and Tennis Pros are ready to help with scheduling, teaching, and assisting with tournaments. For tournament play, the Rock Hill Tennis Center is able to partner with the tennis complex at Winthrop University and other local facilities to offer a total of 50 courts. These additional courts are just a short walk or drive away.

Phone: 803-326-3842
Hours: Open 7 days a week (hours vary depending on season)
Location: 897 Maplewood Ave., Rock Hill, SC (next to Sullivan Middle School on Cherry Rd.)

       MANCHESTER MEADOWS


 

Manchester Meadows is a soccer complex nestled in a beautiful 70 acre park which opened in June of 2006, near Manchester Village in Rock Hill. This facility offers six natural turf fields with lighting and two championship fields with synthetic turf, lighting and electronic scoreboards. Stadium seating at the championship fields accommodates 1,500 spectators. A soccer pavilion features concessions, restrooms, park offices and a multipurpose meeting space that seats 150 people. Other amenities include a pond, lake pavilion, playground area, picnic shelters and trails for walking and biking. The meeting space and outdoor shelters can be rented for group events by contacting the park office. In addition to offering soccer programs for local residents, the facility also hosts soccer tournaments throughout the year.

Park Hours: Open Daily 7am-11pm (Mar. 1–Oct. 31); 7am–9pm (Nov. 1–Feb. 28)
Office Phone: (803) 326-3792
Office Hours: Mon.–Fri. 8:30am–5pm
Location: 337 E. Mt. Gallant Rd.


       KNIGHTS STADIUM
Located directly off Interstate 77, exit 88 on Gold Hill Rd., The Charlotte Knights are members of the International League and are a Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The state-of-the-art 10,000 seat stadium with video scoreboard features the Home Plate Cafe sports restaurant, 22 luxury skyboxes, meeting space, picnic areas, playground with carousel and miniature golf. Open April through September. For further details on Knights baseball or how to reserve your next banquet or meeting space, phone 803-548-8050 or 704-36-HOMER, fax 704-329-2155, email or visit the Charlotte Knights Website.

       YORK RECREATION COMPLEX
York's 20-acre recreation complex features five softball/ baseball fields, 1 mile of lighted walking trails, 2 picnic areas, a playground, and an 18 court regulation horseshoe facility. The Complex offers recreational opportunities for every age group in a safe secured environment. 803-684-1726 or 684-3742.

       WINTHROP COLISEUM
Home of the Eagles, Winthrop Coliseum is located near Winthrop University on Eden Terrace in Rock Hill. The 6,100 seat coliseum and sports complex in Rock Hill hosts more than 200 sporting and special events annually. From concerts to trade shows, planners and promoters enjoy the Coliseum's accessible location, ample parking, flexible meeting space and competitive costs. 803-323-2129.

Winthrop Athletics Website

       EAGLE PARK
Eagle Park is a 12 acre park which includes four lighted softball fields. It is located on Eden Terrace. Eagle Trail is 1.3 miles and connects to .5 mile loop around Winthrop Coliseum.

       TERRY FIELD
 


REGIONAL PARKS
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       RIVER PARK
Everyone can enjoy River Park's environmentally sensitive 70 acres of pristine Catawba River. Nearly two miles of trails, including handicapped accessible trails, wander through the park and along the scenic river. You can enjoy a picnic while observing plants, birds and animals in a peaceful undisturbed setting. River Park is the perfect setting to learn about the delicate balance between man and our natural resources. And as the park continues to grow, the unique natural habitat will always be respected. Located at Red River Road at Quality Circle in Rock Hill, SC.       

       ANNE SPRINGS CLOSE GREENWAY
       Horseback Riding on the Trail
Photography by Kelly Culpepper
The Anne Springs Close Greenway operates a trail system that is 32 miles long and growing. Trail maps are posted at all entrances to the Greenway. The colors shown on these maps correspond to blazers or diamond shaped signs posted on the trails. Yellow is used for horseback riding trails. Green is used for bicycling trails. Red designates trails that are set aside for hiking only. Hikers may use ALL trails.

Anne Springs Close Greenway Website

       HUCKLE GROVE PARK
Huckle Grove is an historic tree park located in downtown Rock Hill. This pedestrian park offers visitor's a unique look into our country's past. May of the trees in the park were cultivated from trees which witnessed historic events in the founding of our country, and each has its own story to tell. Huckle Grove includes a walking trail, benches and lovely perennials and annuals. For an elementary school educational tour with one of Rock Hill Parks, Recreation & Tourism's teaching "mascots" please contact Jane Hayes at 803-329-5620. Located on the corner of Black Street and Dave Lyle Blvd.

       EBENEZER PARK
Located on Lake Wylie, this park offers 71 campsites with water, electric and sewage hookups. Picnic shelters, boating, fishing and swimming are among amenities. Operated by York County. Season parking passes available. Entrance fee Memorial Day - Labor Day.
4490 Boatshore Road Rock Hill, SC 803-366-6620

Ebenezer Park Website

       LAKE WYLIE
Lake Wylie is a 12,139 acre man-made lake on the South Carolina/North Carolina border. It is operated by Duke Power Company and is known for summer water sports. Public access to the lake is through several public boat ramps and local parks.

Lake Wylie Website

       CANE CREEK PARK
This 1,050 Union County park is located in Waxhaw, NC. The park's forests and meadows surround the 350-acre Cane Creek Lake. Fourteen miles of wooded bridle trails wind along pathways and are shared with hikers and bicyclers. The park has a camp store that provides concessions, firewood, ice, picnic and fishing supplies (704-843-3919). Overnight horse camping, hiking, biking, backpacking, fishing, boating, canoeing, family and group camping, lake swimming, recreational areas, picnicking.

       WOODS FERRY
The rolling hills of Sumter National Forest near Chester are home to nine miles of easy-to-moderate loops known collectively as Woods Ferry Horse Trail. Because Woods Ferry abuts the Broad River, a variety of animals live here. There's a chance of seeing deer and wild turkey, in addition to red tail hawks, quail, blue heron, and even the rare osprey. Horses must be shod. Woods Ferry Recreation Area includes access to 8 equestrian campsites and 10 horse corrals. Campsites include restrooms with hot showers, drinking water, tables and grills.

Sumter National Forest: 864-427-9858

       CROFT STATE NATURAL AREA
Once part of a World War II Army training camp known as Camp Croft, this area continues to play an important role in preserving green space in Spartanburg County. Croft's rolling terrain of 7,054-acres and two lakes support an excellent habitat for a variety of flora and fauna.
The park also offers diverse recreational opportunities for the adventurous guest that includes a hiking trail, fishing, picnicking, seasonal swimming, camping, equestrian facilities and more. In addition to its history as a military installation, the park's cultural features include remnants of a Native American soapstone quarry, registered as a Heritage Trust Site.

Contact Information: 450 Croft State Park RD Spartanburg,SC 29302
Phone: (864) 585-1283

       ANDREW JACKSON STATE PARK
This 360-acre park was established to honor the seventh President of the United States, Andrew Jackson. The museum (temporarily closed for renovations) tells the story of Jackson's boyhood experiences during the Revolutionary War and highlights life in the South Carolina backcountry from Andrew Jackson's birth in 1767 until he left South Carolina in 1784. The focal point of the grounds is an equestrian statue of young Andrew Jackson by famed sculptress Anna Hyatt Huntington, cofounder of Brookgreen Gardens. A replica of a late 18th-century one-room schoolhouse plus an herb garden and orchard enhance the historical aspects of the grounds. Recreational opportunities include a campground, fishing lake, picnic shelters and nature trails.

The museum is open on Sat & Sun 1-5 p.m. and by appointment. Location: US 521, 9 miles north of Lancaster.

Contact Information:196 Andrew Jackson Park Rd. Lancaster, SC 29720
Phone: (803) 285-3344
      

       LANDSFORD CANAL STATE PARK
This 460-acre park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, includes historic ruins of canal-culverts, stone bridges, locks, an historic mill site and a lockkeeper's house, which contains interpretive exhibits about the canal system in South Carolina. In addition to its rich cultural history, Landsford Canal offers visitors an abundance of natural beauty. The rocky shoals on the Catawba River are home to one of the world's largest populations of rocky shoals spider lilies. The park is located along the fall line of South Carolina. This geological feature gives the Catawba River its elevation change, producing the shoals or rapids in the river.

Contact Information:
2051 Park Drive Catawba, SC 29704
Location: In Catawba, off US 21, 15 miles south of Rock Hill; 7 miles north of Fort Lawn.
(803) 789-5800.

       KINGS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Kings Mountain State Park rests in a picturesque setting adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, a prominent Revolutionary War battle site. This traditional state park, which encompasses 6,883-acres, offers outdoor recreation activities such as hiking trails, picnicking, fishing from a rental jon boat, seasonal canoe rentals, equestrian trails and more. Guests can also re-live the life styles of early pioneers by visiting the Living History Farm. The park was originally built in the 1930's by the Civilian Conservation Corps and evidence of their stonework and craftsmanship is still present today.

The 20 -mile equestrian loop trail offers gorgeous riding through rolling hills and granite outcroppings. Small mountains, called manodnocks just above the surrounding flatland and offer spectacular views. Check availability for overnight equestrian camping.

Park Information:
Kings Mountain State Park, 1277 Park Road, Blacksburg, SC, 29702. 803-222-3209.
Office hours: 11 am to Noon and 4 pm to 5 pm.
Location: SC 161, approximately 15 miles northwest of York, Blacksburg.
      

       SUGARLOAF MOUNTAIN (SAND HILLS STATE FOREST)
Quiet, shady seclusion, rustic stone and timber picnic shelters, a fishing lake and nature trail combine with this unique geological formation to make Sugar Loaf one of the most popular recreation areas in the sand hills region. Sugar Loaf Mountain, a traditional gathering place for over a century, is maintained on Sand Hills state Forest as a family recreational area. Known locally as "The Mountain", Sugar Loaf is an unusual geological phenomenon towering a hundred feet above the surrounding terrain. Composed of sand, it was at one time capped with ferrous sandstone, much of which has now weathered away. Vegetation on the mountain is also quite unusual for this area. It includes mountain laurel and the diminutive pixie moss.       
       Quiet, shady seclusion, rustic stone and timber picnic shelters, a fishing lake and nature trail combine with this unique geological formation to make Sugar Loaf one of the most popular recreation areas in the sand hills region. Opportunities abound for other forms of recreation such as bird watching, nature study, primitive camping, and horseback riding.

Information: Sand Hills State Forest, P.O. Box 128, Patrick, SC, 29584.
843-498-6478

       DEVILS FORK STATE PARK
Located along the southwestern shore of Lake Jocassee, this park provides outdoor recreation amid the beauty of the Blue Ridge at the Jocassee Gorges. Lakefront camping, hiking and picnicking are among some of the favorite activities, along with vacationing in the park's contemporary mountain villas. The park provides access to the cool deep waters of the Jocassee, where anglers try their luck for trout and other species, and boaters drive to remote islands or sites of waterfalls spilling into the lake.

Information: 161 Holcombe CIR Salem, SC 29676 Phone: (864) 944-2639

       PARAMOUNT'S CAROWINDS THEME AND WATER PARK
Experience the magic of a 105-acre theme and water park that straddles the South Carolina/North Carolina state line. One of the most popular family entertainment attractions in the Carolinas, the park offers more than 50 state-of-the-art rides, attractions, and shows for all ages. Visit your favorite cartoon stars and take a ride on one of the three exciting attractions in Nickelodeon Central. Get inverted on Top Gun: The Jet Coaster, a steel roller coaster featuring six stomach-swirling inversions! Enjoy thrills, spectacular shows, and the 13-acre WaterWorks water park.

Visit our website at Carowinds Web Site.

       KINGS MOUNTAIN NATIONAL MILITARY PARK
On Oct. 7, 1780, a group of Patriot militia from what is now Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia and Georgia defeated British Major Patrick Ferguson and his band of Loyalist forces. Historians consider the Battle of Kings Mountain the "turning point of the Revolutionary War in the South," as it was the first significant patriot victory following the demise of the Continental Army at Charleston and Camden. The park features a 27-minute film, exhibits, and a self-guided battlefield tour. Hours 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily.

Location: Kings Mountain, NC. From York/Rock Hill, SC 161: From Charlotte, I-85 or from Spartanburg, I-85
(864) 936-7921. .

www.nps.gov/kimoe

       CATAWBA RIVER CANOE TRAIL (CHESTER COUNTY)
Before you begin this trail you should be aware of the rate of flow. By calling Duke Power you can find how much water is being released from the Lake Wylie Dam. If the release is as little as 80 cubic feet per minute, you may not be able to navigate the river. If the release is high, such as 11,800 cubic feet per minute, the normally Class I rapids can approach Class II or III. Starting from Lansford Canal State Park you will not be in the main current of the river. An island diverts the river, and the main current passes on the eastern side of the island. When you reach the south end of the island, cross to the left side of the channel to get the best flow through the shoals.

Park Information:
Landsford Canal State Park, 2051 Park Dr., Catawba, SC, 29704.
803-789-5800.

       BROAD RIVER CANOE TRAIL - 24 miles
Starting from the Peak access, you will enjoy a leisurely float on the tree lined Broad River. If you enjoy being alone, this is a very secluded part of the Broad River. You may not see many people, but wildlife such as otters, raccoons, deer, and a variety of birds abound, and possibly an eagle. In the spring you can also enjoy blooming Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies in the shallows. There are only two places, Harbison Forest and the Columbia Rowing Club landing where you can take out, and both require that you get permission. Do not go beyond the Rowing Club landing, because there is a diversion dam a short distance downstream.

Information: River Alliance, 506 Gervais St., Columbia, SC 29201

       ROSE HILL PLANTATION STATE HISTORIC SITE
This early 19th Century Federal style house was home to former SC "Secession Governor" William H. Gist. The park also includes rose gardens, a picnic shelter, exhibit buildings and a short hiking trail.

Park hours are 9:00 am - 6:00 pm Thur.-Mon.
Mansion tour hours: Thur.-Mon. 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Admission fee.
Shelter can be reserved for a fee.
Location: 2677 Sardis Road, 8 miles South of Union
(864) 427-5966

       CHESTER STATE PARK
This quiet 523-acre park provides a tranquil setting which is enjoyed by campers, day-users and nature lovers. The park's 160 acre lake offers excellent fishing opportunities. Also available is an equestrian show ring and archery range.

Hours: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
Location: Hwy. 72, 3 miles SW of Chester. (803) 385-2680.

       LAKE WATEREE STATE RECREATION AREA
72 campsites with water and electricity. Bathhouse with hot showers, dump station, picnic area, ice, playground, swimming, nature trail, biking & walking, camp store & tackle shop, fishing, pets allowed on leash.

Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. daily. Location: SC 10 east of US 21 (I-77, Exit 41), Winnsboro.
(803) 482-6126.

       HISTORIC BRATTONSVILLE/WALT SCHRADER TRAILS
A 720-acre living history village and Revolutionary War battlefield site featuring 29 historic structures and programs chronicling Carolina Piedmont development from the 1750s through the 1840s. A film location for the Revolutionary War epic "The Patriot". Includes the Walt Schrader Trails, eight miles of hiking, bicycling and horseback riding trails. Horseback riding is only available on certain weekends. Living history activities on the second and fourth Saturdays.

Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m, and Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.
Call (803)684-2327 for details.

       SOUTH MOUNTAINS STATE PARK
Nestled deep in the woods, South Mountains State Park is the perfect place to enjoy nature. Here you can see a majestic mountain range peeking out from the gently rolling landscape of the piedmont. The park includes elevations up to 3,000 feet, a waterfall dropping 80 feet and more than 40 miles of trails. From equestrian camping to trout fishing, mountain biking to picnicking, a number of activities are available at South Mountains State Park. Visit one of the state's most rugged parks. Hike the trail to High Shoals Falls to witness the roar of the waterfall as it pours into a large pool. Backpack through the woodlands for primitive camping. Fish for trout in miles of mountain streams, or bicycle along the 18-mile mountain-bike loop. Visit one of the state's most rugged parks. Hike the trail to High Shoals Falls to witness the roar of the waterfall as it pours into a large pool. Backpack through the woodlands for primitive camping. Fish for trout in miles of mountain streams, or bicycle along the 18-mile mountain-bike loop.

3001 South Mountains State Park Ave., Connelly Springs, NC 28612
(828) 433-4772

EMAIL South Mountains

       CROWDERS MOUNTAIN STATE PARK
Raptors soar gracefully in the wind; vegetation reaches to the sky; sheer vertical cliffs drop 150 feet. Enjoy the spectacle from a front-row seat. High atop Crowder's Mountain, the highest point in Gaston County, views stretch for more than 20 miles. For a closer view of nature's marvels, walk the park's many miles of trails. The gently rolling landscape of the North Carolina Piedmont offers a variety of terrain. Dip into the valleys; cross the foothills; climb to the peaks. Quiet woods, trickling streams and melodious birds await. These spectacular surroundings, like the unique habitats in many other state parks, would not exist were it not for the efforts of concerned citizens dedicated to protecting our environment from continued threats by man. Visit this mountain treasure.

522 Park Office Lane, Kings Mountain, NC 28086
(704) 853-5375

EMAIL Crowders Mountain State Park

       FORTY ACRE ROCK HERITAGE PRESERVE (Lancaster County)
This moderately strenuous, out and back trail provides a unique break from the normal terrain of South Carolina. Starting from the lower trailhead, you will wind through a sandy, high grass, but well marked section that is very easy to follow. You will pass through a thick forest, where you may see many different types of animals, such as Prairie warblers, indigo buntings, red-tailed hawks, vireos, cottontail rabbits, and deer. Continuing along flat creek, you will come to a beaver pond, which is small, but full of water lilies and very colorful during the summer months. You will pass a small waterfall as you make the moderate climb to your destination, the vast opening on top of a huge standing rock called Forty Acre Rock. Though actually 14 acres, it is still a breathtaking site. During the spring, water collects in depressions and you will be treated to the sight of a variety of specialized plants such as lichens, mosses, sedum, and the endangered pool sprite. The trail continues across the standing rock and into a forest of thick vegetation including red cedar and several species of hardwood trees.

Information: Heritage Trust Program, PO Box 167, Columbia, SC 29202, 803-734-3893.

       JONES GAP STATE PARK
Trailside camping in one of South Carolina's most pristine wilderness areas in the Upcountry can be enjoyed at this 3,346-acre park. Located in the 10,000-acre Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, this park encompasses the Middle Saluda River, designated the state's first scenic river. In addition, the park is an access point to the Foothills Hiking Trail. More than 400 species of flora including rare and endangered plants and state record trees, are also found here. The park's Education Center offers nature exhibits and a lab area. Portions of the old Cleveland Fish Hatchery have been restored and are stocked with trout for observation only. Jones Gap is part of the State Park Services' Project Green Program, designed to reduce trash and encourage recycling. Trash cans have been removed to improve the appearance and to ensure a more enjoyable experience for visitors. Pack it in, pack it out.

Park Information: Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC 29661, 864-836-3647

       CAESARS HEAD STATE PARK
Caesars Head, along with Jones Gap State Park and other wildlife preserves in upper Greenville County, create the protected Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. With more than 50 miles of easy to strenuous hiking trails dotted by trailside camping, visitors to Caesars Head can avail themselves of majestic Blue Ridge Mountain panoramas in the verdant, secluded valleys of the area. Marvel at the beauty of Raven Cliff Falls, the excitement of mountain river fishing in the Middle Saluda, or just enjoy the sights and sounds of abundant wildlife during a picnic outing with family and friends.
Caesars Head is part of the State Park Services' Project Green Program, designed to reduce trash and encourage recycling. Trash cans have been removed to improve the appearance and to ensure a more enjoyable experience for visitors. Pack it in, pack it out.

Contact Information: 8155 Greer HWY Cleveland,SC 29635
Phone: (864) 836-6115

       TABLE ROCK STATE PARK
Table Rock Mountain provides a towering backdrop for an upcountry retreat at the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. This 3,083-acre state park encompasses challenging hiking trails, two park lakes, a campground, rustic mountain cabins, meeting facilities and many other quality outdoor activities. The view at Table Rock is as breathtaking today as it was to the Cherokee Indians who once inhabited this area. Built in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park still features many of the quality architecture and stonework of the CCC.

       LATTA PLANTATION NATURE PRESERVE
Latta Plantation Nature Preserve forms a green peninsula extending into Mountain Island Lake, the drinking water source for over 600,000 residents in Mecklenburg and Gaston counties. Its diversity of natural communities includes upland and bottomland hardwood forests, open fields, streams, and a Piedmont Prairie restoration site protecting the federally endangered Schweinitz's sunflower and Michaux's sumac. The Preserve is part of the Mountain Island Lake Important Bird Area, designated by the National Audubon Society due to its diversity of wintering waterfowl, breeding and migratory songbird species, and protection of bottomland hardwood forests, a threatened natural community in North Carolina.

Latta Plantation Nature Preserve preserves habitat for 97 species of birds, 17 species of mammals, 14 species of reptiles, and 9 species of amphibians. Among the unusual species that have been found at the Preserve are: bald eagle, wild turkey, bobcat, red fox, gray fox, mink, and red-spotted newt. The Preserve also protects two federally endangered plants (Schweinitz's sunflower and Michaux's sumac), a federal candidate species (Georgia's aster), and the largest population of puttyroot orchid in Mecklenburg County.

In addition to Carolina Raptor Center, there are three other entities located in Latta: Latta Equestrian Center The Latta Equestrian Center is a 25-acre facility that features show grounds, lighted arenas, horse rentals, trail rides, horseback riding lessons, and a tack shop.


GARDENS
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       GLENCAIRN GARDEN
A gift of love, Glencairn was begun in 1928 by David and Hazel Bigger when they received a gift of a few azaleas. Their private garden boasted some 400 profuse and colorful blooms by 1940. In 1958, Dr. Bigger's widow deeded Glencairn Garden to the City of Rock Hill. Under the expert direction of renowned landscape architect, Robert Marvin, Glencairn Garden was transformed into a botanical experience with over 3,000 azaleas, complete with a tiered fountain, Japanese footbridge, and trails that pass beneath canopies of dogwood, stately oaks, cherry trees, wisteria, winding past camellias, crepe myrtles, day lilies, lily ponds and thousands of bulbs.       
       Glencairn Garden's exquisite beauty brings hundreds of tourists to Rock Hill. While the height of the bloom season is late March - April, the garden holds year round interest. A master plan is currently in the works to expand Glencairn Garden into a national tourism destination. The garden also displays "The Wall of Whimsy" - a tribute to long time Rock Hill resident, Vernon Grant, artist best known for his "Snap" "Crackle" and "Pop" characters. Tour buses welcomed. Located at the corner of Edgemont and Charlotte Avenue.

       WING HAVEN FOUNDATION GARDENS AND BIRD SANCTUARY
Built in the late 1920s, these gardens offer a wealth of flowering varieties. The site of Wing Haven Gardens was once the property of Mr. and Mrs. Clarkston. Having been willed to a non-profit organization, the gardens were opened to the public. Also features a variety of rare and regional bird species. This small quaint garden is both romantic and lovely.There is a gift shop.

Tours by appointment By appointment Tue 3pm-5pm, Wed 10am-noon, Sun 2pm-5pm
Location: 248 Ridgewood Ave, Charlotte, NC 28209 · 704-331-06

       MCGILL ROSE GARDEN
This garden spot originally resulted from one woman's attempt to renovate and landscape her husband's business. This now public site is home to more than 500 rosebushes. A must-see during the spring and summer months when the glorious flowers are in full bloom. Appointments are available.

Location: Uptown - 940 N Davidson St, Charlotte 28206 · 704-333-6497

       DANIEL STOWE BOTANICAL GARDEN
Located only 20 minute from Rock Hill, in Belmont, NC, the Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden is nestled amidst 450 acres of meadows, woodlands and lakefront property. This four season garden currently has 110 acres which are developed into four themed gardens, a dozen fountains, Gift & Garden Shop, Woodland Trail and Visitor Pavilion. Open year round, 7 days a week.

Admission: $6-$8 Adults(depending on season/day) $3-$4 Children
6500 South New Hope Road, Belmont, NC 28012 704-825-4490

Daniel Stowe Web Site


CITY NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
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Arcade Park - Sidney Street. This 20 acre park features two-lighted softball fields and a playground.

Arcade-Victoria Park - Roddey Street. A 5 acre park with a youth ball field, playground, and two basketball courts.

Armory Park - South Confederate Ave. A 4 acre park with picnic shelter, basketball court, playfield, playground, youth ball field, and walking trail.

Carroll Park - Simrill Street. This 11.4 acre park has a lighted ball field, a multi-purpose court, and a playground.

Cedar Crest Park - Charlotte Ave. Features a small (.8 acre) fenced tot lot and picnic area.

College Downs - Crawford Road. Basketball court, picnic shelter and playground on 8 acres.

Confederate Park - North Confederate Ave. This 10.5 acre park features an amphitheater, four lighted tennis courts, basketball court, picnic shelter with restrooms, playground, soccer field, and a youth ball field.

Eagle Park - Eden Terrace. Four lighted softball fields on 12 acres. Eagle Trail is 1.3 miles plus a .5 mile loop around Winthrop Coliseum.

East Moore Street Park - East Moore Street. A basketball court, playground and volleyball court on .8 acres.

Friedheim Park - Friedheim Road. This 4.2 acre park offers a lighted basketball court, picnic shelter, play field, playground, lighted softball field, .4 mile trail and a volleyball court.

Glencairn Garden - Charlotte Avenue. Features 7.6 acres of azaleas, dogwoods, wisteria and perennials. Other attractions include bridges over trickling springs, a goldfish pond, and a fountain that hurls a miniature geyser into the air.

Grove Park - North Jones Avenue. Three acres with a lighted youth ball field, playground, basketball court, and picnic area.

Lige Street Park - Lige Street Lighted youth ball field, picnic area, picnic shelter, playground, and basketball court on 2.4 acres.

Northside Greenway (.6 miles) and Techpark Lakeshore Trail (.9 mile) include walking and bicycle trails.

Oakwood Acres Park - Montclair Drive. This 10 acre park has a swimming pool, playground, sand volleyball courts, and two youth ball fields.

Peoples Park - Oakland Ave. & Peoples Place. A chin-up bar is located at this .1 acre park in the midst of downtown Rock Hill.

River Park- Red River Road at Quality Circle (70 acres). Boardwalk over wetlands, walking trails, picnic tables, canoe access. Open 8 am-6 pm., Nov, _Feb; 8 am-8 pm., Mar.-Oct. All other parks open to the public from dawn to dusk.

Southland Park - Pearson & Winchester. A basketball court, picnic area, playground, ball field, picnic shelter, ¼ mile cardiovascular walking trail to Blackjack Oaks Heritage Preserve are all part of this 6.7 acres park.

Spencer Park - Eastwood Drive. This 9.8 acre park offers a basketball court, picnic area, picnic shelter, playground, basketball court, and a youth football field.

Winthrop Park - Cherry Road. Five acres with a youth football field, basketball court, picnic area, picnic shelter, playground, two lighted tennis courts, and a lighted youth ball field.

Workman Street Park - Workman Street. A basketball court and ball field are part of this 4.8 acre park.