Up & Coming Weekly

September 07, 2010

Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.

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Best Picnic Area and Best Local Fishing Hole Lake Rim Park 2214 Tar Kiln Dr. 910.424.6134 www.fcpr.us A community is judged by a lot of things: its people, its schools, its commitment to the arts, and yes, its green spaces. Cumberland County may be lacking in a lot of things, but it definitely isn’t lacking in the preservation of greenspaces as evidenced by the many parks that thread their way through the landscape of our com- munity. The city and the county together have three regional parks; four community parks; nine neighborhood parks; three linear parks; six special use parks; three sports complexes; and 17 recreation centers. One of its jewels is, and will continue to be, Lake Rim Park. Situated on the western side of the city off of Raeford Road, Lake Rim Park has a little bit to offer everyone. If you are into nature, there is the lake, where you can do some great fishing. It helps that there is a wildlife fishery attached to the park. People can learn a lot about fish, even how to fish, and then spend some quiet time with their line in the water and their faces in the sun. If the idea of sitting quietly on the banks doesn’t appeal to you, you can al- ways meander around the walking trail or take in one of the many athletic com- petitions that unwind on the playing fields located at the park. If your children are too small to play sports, you can watch them cavort on one of the playground sets that are situated throughout the park, or if you want some activity for your- self, you can spend some time on the tennis courts. Fayetteville residents know that they can be proud of their parks and rec program, and they showed that pride by voting Lake Rim Park their favorite one more time. Best Tennis Court Mazarick Park 1368 Belvedere Ave., Fayetteville 910.433.1547 www.fcpr.us There is a dearth of tennis courts in our community, and with the closing of Dark Branch, the pickings got even slimmer, but Mazarick Park has some of the finest courts in the community. The Milton E. Mazarick Park contains 80 acres of greens- pace and a variety of activities for county residents. From fishing at Glenville Lake, to walking, disc golf and picnics, this park meets many recreational needs. But our readers believe it has exceptional tennis courts. So grab your racquets and a bucket of balls, find a friend — or three for doubles — and head over to the park for an afternoon of tennis. Best Place for a Bike Ride Cape Fear River Trail www.fcpr.us The Cape Fear River Trail is a 10-foot wide paved path for walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and others utilizing non-motorized transportation. It a four-mile trek through some of the most beauti- ful landscapes our community has to offer, with a diverse blend of trees, plants and wildlife and some of the best views of the river you’ll find anywhere. The terrain can be flat or slightly hilly. In addition to the wooden WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM bridges, including one covered bridge, there is a 700-foot boardwalk through the marsh and wetlands near Clark Park. Along the trail are interpretive signs explaining the wildlife and plant life found in the area. There are more than 700 species of plants and trees, and 150 species of birds. The River Trail area is also home to an unusual combination and diversity of hardwood trees. Frogs, lizards and turtles are common sights, with an occasional deer. But if you are riding your bike, don’t try to read all of the signs as you are whizzing by, that’s an accident waiting to happen! The trail is designated as part of the East Coast Greenway. The Greenway is a series of urban trails and greenways that will eventually connect from Maine to Key West, Florida, similar to the Appalachian Trail. The trail is not a loop, so be sure that you only ride out as far as you know you can ride back. Some sections of the trail are steep and therefore hazardous. Bicyclists are to maintain speeds under 15 mph and yield to pedestrians. Carefully control your bike on slopes. Best Place to Walk a Dog The Riverside Dog Park 555 N. Eastern Blvd., Fayetteville www.fcpr.us If you are a dog lover and a city dweller, finding a place to let your favorite hound out for a little exercise used to be a little bit harder. Most of the city’s parks do not welcome dogs, but the Riveside Dog Park is an exception, in fact, it is a park made strictly for your dog! Located near the Cape Fear Botanical Gardens, the park opened in September 2008 to the jubilation of many county residents. A joint effort be- tween the Bark for a Park Committee and Fayette- ville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Depart- ment, Riverside Dog Park is open each day dawn to dusk; dogs outside the enclosed area must be on a leash. A small enclosure is provided for small dogs that weigh less than 25 pounds and another, larger area is set aside for larger dogs. All dogs must be legally licensed and have current vaccinations; tags must be securely attached to the dog’s collar. Remember if Fido doesn’t have a good personality and doesn’t play well with others, you might need to find another place to take him for a walk. Best Golf Course Baywood 904 Four Wood Dr., Fayetteville 910.483.4330 www.dsgolfcenters.com/baywood Located just two miles off I-95 at exit 55, the serene atmo- sphere of Baywood Golf Course entices golfers who desire a qui- eter way of life. The course has 18-holes on 140-acres with Tifton 419 fairways and TifEagle greens. It is one of the premier golfing facilities located in Fayetteville with 18 holes of championship golf, available 12 months a year, and allows every caliber of player to play at their own level. Multiple sets of tees make the course challenging for all ages and skill levels. Baywood has been described as the type of course you never tire of playing. The layout provides generous fairways and elevated greens, which reward good shot making. Along with the golf, Baywood offers a large swimming pool, fully stocked golf shop, 15-acre practice area and a separate bar and grill. SEPTEMBER 8-14, 2010 BEST OF FAYETTEVILLE 25

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