Park Pulse
Parks and Grounds Leadership
Caroline Jeffries
Parks and Grounds Administrator
Brian Flynn Horticulturalist
Tim Hall
Parks Supervisor
Greg Lucero
Grounds Supervisor
Eddie Deal
Grounds Lead
Parks Commission
John Cotton Dean
Mark Lyczkowski
Albert W. Roethlisberger
Derek Borrell
Crystal Williams
Carson Wilson
Robert L. Bridwell
Chadburn Spivey
Kelli Laudate- Ex Officio
Walter Ferguson – Council Liaison
A Letter from the Administrator
Welcome!
Dear Residents of Sanford,
I’m thrilled to welcome you to our vibrant parks and programs here in the City of Sanford. As your Parks and Grounds Administrator, I take great pride in the green spaces, greenways, and recreational opportunities that make our community a special place to live, play, and explore.
Our parks are more than just places to visit they’re where connections are made, nature is embraced, and wellness is supported. Whether you're looking to enjoy a peaceful walk along our greenways, attend a concert in the park, or simply relax at one of our playgrounds or picnic areas, there’s something for everyone.
Our team has worked hard to ensure that our parks are safe, accessible, and full of activities that bring our community together. We’re excited to offer a variety of programs for all ages, including concerts and seasonal events that highlight the beauty and spirit of Sanford.
I encourage you to take advantage of all that our parks and recreation programs have to offer. Step outside, explore, and create lasting memories in our beautiful outdoor spaces.
Thank you for being part of our growing community, and I look forward to seeing you in our parks!
Warm regards,
Caroline Jeffries Parks and Grounds Administrator
City of Sanford
Map of Our Parks
Special Events
Big Rig Adventure
February 22nd 2pm-4pm at Kiwanis Family Park
Get ready for a fun, hands-on experience at Big Rig Adventure, where kids can explore a variety of vehicles, equipment, and tools used in park maintenance and beyond! Children will have the chance to climb aboard, honk horns, and learn about the machines that help keep our community running smoothly With interactive stations and plenty of photo opportunities, this event is perfect for families and young adventurers eager to see these vehicles up close! Come out for an exciting day of discovery and exploration fun for the whole family!
Egg-A-Palooza
Busking in the Boro
March 29th 10am-4pm in Downtown Jonesboro
Celebrate the season with live music, local talent, and a lively atmosphere at Busking in the Boro! This street festival will fill the heart of Jonesboro with sounds from local bands, craft and food vendors, and musicians Stroll through the festival, enjoy the performances, and experience the energy of spring as we kick off the warmer months With food vendors, art, and entertainment for all ages, this is the perfect event to soak in the vibrant community spirit!
April 12th 1pm-4pm at Kiwanis Family Park
Egg-a-Palooza is an exciting springtime celebration designed for families and children of all ages! This festive event brings the community together from both Sanford Parks and Lee County Parks and Recreation for a fun-filled day of egg hunts, games, and seasonal activities Kids can enjoy a thrilling search for eggs, while parents can relax and soak in the lively atmosphere. With a variety of crafts, prizes, and entertainment, Egg-a-Palooza offers something for everyone to enjoy. Join us for a memorable day of laughter and fun as we celebrate the joys of the season!
Beach Bash
May 23rd 2pm-7pm at Kiwanis Family Park Splash Pad
Join us at the Splash Pad for Sanford’s ultimate summer kick-off Beach Bash! Get ready for a day of fun in the sun with something for everyone Cool off at the Splash Pad, enjoy delicious eats from local food trucks, and take a shot at the dunk tank Live music from a beach band will set the perfect summer vibe, making this the can't-miss event to start your summer right Bring your family, friends, and sunscreen, and let’s celebrate the season together at Beach Bash!
Summer Concerts
Join us for our Thursday Night Concert Series, where live music fills the park with energy and excitement! These lively performances feature a diverse lineup of local and regional bands, perfect for a fun evening out with family and friends. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy an unforgettable night of great tunes in a relaxed, outdoor setting.
For a more laid-back vibe, don’t miss our Sunday Acoustic Set. Unwind with mellow, unplugged performances in a cozy, intimate atmosphere Perfect for a chilled Sunday afternoon, these acoustic sessions are a great way to end your weekend on a relaxing note
Stay tuned for more dates, which will be announced in the next edition of our brochure!
May 29th June 8th June 12th June 22nd June 26th
Solo Adventure Series
Step into the New Year
January 1-31st
Start the new year on the right foot with our 31-Mile Walking Challenge! Throughout January, challenge yourself to walk a total of 31 miles one for each day of the month across Sanford’s parks and greenways. Whether you take a daily stroll or tackle longer walks on weekends, this challenge is the perfect way to stay active and enjoy the fresh air as you ring in 2024. Track your miles, reach your goal, and you’ll be entered to win a special prize for your hard work!
How It Works: Register by emailing tim.hall@sanfordnc.net, track your miles, and complete 31 miles by the end of January! Take your first step toward a healthier, more active year!
Nature Quest
January-May
Get ready for an outdoor adventure with our Nature Scavenger Hunt! Perfect for families and nature lovers of all ages, this self-guided hunt will take you through Sanford’s parks and greenways as you search for natural treasures From spotting wildlife to identifying unique plants, the scavenger hunt will challenge you to explore and discover the beauty of our local environment Each month we will have a new list of things to find!
How It Works: Email tim hall@sanfordnc net to get your scavenger list emailed to you and explore Sanford’s parks and greenways to find all the items
Sanford Park Hopper
June-July
This summer, embark on an outdoor adventure with our Park Hopper program! From June through July, we invite you to explore all of Sanford’s beautiful parks and greenways Collect stamps at each location you visit, and unlock a special prize when you’ve completed your passport! Whether you’re picnicking, playing, or just enjoying the fresh air, the Park Passport program is a fun way to experience everything our parks have to offer It’s the perfect family-friendly challenge to keep you active all summer long!
How It Works: Pick up your passport at Public Works front Desk, visit each park, and collect stamps to win! Once your passport is filled, bring it back for a special swag bag
Weekends in the Park
Flow and Grow Yoga in the Park
March 1st, April 5th, May 3rd and June 7th 10am at Kiwanis Family Park
Embrace the outdoors and find your flow with Grow & Flow: Yoga in the Park! This free and rejuvenating yoga session will help you stretch, strengthen, and center yourself in the peaceful surroundings of Sanford’s Kiwanis Family Park. Whether you're new to yoga or a seasoned yogi, this all-levels class is the perfect way to connect with nature, improve your well-being, and grow your practice
Sunny Side Cinema
March 8th, April 26th, May 10th and June 14th at 9am at Kiwanis Family Park
Sunny Side Cinema invites you to kick back and enjoy a free outdoor screening of your favorite cartoons, complete with a complimentary continental breakfast Bring your blankets and chairs as you settle in for a relaxed morning under the sun With a selection of breakfast favorites, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a leisurely morning in the park with family and friends Join us for great entertainment, good food, and a fun way to start your day!
Movie Nights at OT Sloan
April 11th and May 9th 8:30pm at OT Sloan Park
Join us for Movie Night in the Park, a special collaboration between the City of Sanford and Lee County Parks and Recreation! Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for a cozy evening under the stars, watching a family-friendly movie on the big screen. This free community event is perfect for all ages, with plenty of space to relax and enjoy the show. Grab some snacks, settle in, and enjoy a night of fun and entertainment with your neighbors. Don't miss out on this exciting partnership bringing the community together!
Neighborhood Craft Pop Ups
Bring the whole family for a fun, creative afternoon in the park! Enjoy free snacks while your little ones get crafty with hands-on activities designed for all ages. Parents or guardians must accompany their children throughout the event to help them with crafts and enjoy the community atmosphere. This is a great opportunity to relax, socialize, and tap into your artistic side all for free! Come join us for a day of creativity, tasty treats, and quality family time in the park Every event will be held from 3:30-5:30pm and it is drop-in style, so come when you can!
Carr Creek Park
2645 Mt. Pisgah Church Road
March 27th 3:30pm-5:30pm
Maple Avenue Park
305 S. Fourth Street
April 3rd 3:30pm-5:30pm
Sunset Park
533 Sunset Drive
April 10th 3:30pm-5:30pm
Third Street Park
228 North Avenue
April 24th 3:30pm-5:30pm
Walter McNeil Jr Park
917 Martin Street
May 1st 3:30pm-5:30pm
What is a PARTF Grant?
The Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant is a program in North Carolina that provides funding to cities and towns to help improve their parks and recreational spaces. This state-supported grant is used to upgrade park facilities, build new amenities, and create spaces that encourage people to spend more time outdoors, enjoying their local parks.
For the City of Sanford, the PARTF grant is a game-changer for the future of Walter McNeil Jr. Park. This beloved local park, named after a community leader, has served our residents for years, but it's time for some exciting improvements to make it even better. With the help of this grant, we plan to bring new features and amenities that will make the park more enjoyable for everyone in our community.
Our plans include adding new picnic shelters, horseshoes, and accessible pathways where families can gather and relax We’ll also be updating and expanding the playground to make it more inclusive and fun for kids of all ages. The upgrades will ensure the park is a place where families can come together, spend time outdoors, and enjoy safe, clean spaces to play and unwind.
In addition to these new features, we’ll be enhancing the landscaping and making sure the park is well-maintained for years to come. With a focus on creating a welcoming environment, we want Walter McNeil Jr Park to be a destination for residents and visitors alike, where everyone can experience the beauty of the outdoors in Sanford
The PARTF grant is helping us bring these improvements to life, transforming Walter McNeil Jr. Park into a vibrant community space. By investing in these updates, we are creating a park that not only honors its past but also serves the future needs of our growing city. We look forward to seeing the positive impact these changes will have on Sanford, offering our residents a beautiful, welcoming space to enjoy for generations to come.
