Southern Pines offers several no-cost choices for outdoor activities while practicing safe social distancing under the COVID-19 pandemic Phase II.
Martin Park is an off-leash dog park that offers over 50 acres of wooded and open areas with a creek, and seating is offered at random intervals. The rules are posted at the entrance, and there is parking at the cul-de-sac. Martin Park is located at 350 Commerce Ave.
Maranda Weeks exercises dogs at Martin Park in Southern Pines.
During COVID-19’s Phase II restrictions, Maranda Weeks took time to walk her dogs at Martin Park.
“Krypto has a lot of energy and needs to get his exercise,” Weeks said. “We come here a couple times a week.”
Krypto is a mixed breed puppy that she recently adopted, and her other dog, Braxton, is a Pomeranian and Chihuahua mix.
Reservoir Park is located at 300 Reservoir Park Road and has 165 acres of wooded and cleared areas with trails and a 95-acre lake. Activities include fishing, boating, observing nature, hiking, and a natural Disc Golf Course.
Restrooms, covered picnic areas, a bike repair station, seating areas around the lake and several grill sites are features of this park.
It is open every day of the year from dawn to dusk.
A military family who moved to Moore County last week from the Midwest enjoyed feeding the geese and ducks and walking the family dog, “George.” There are 12 miles of trails at the park.
Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve is home to longleaf pines, aging in the hundreds, rare species of wildlife, including the red-cockaded woodpecker, and has opportunities for ranger-led hikes along four miles of trails.
Cierra Little contemplates a wet hike at Weymouth Woods Nature Preserve in Southern Pines.
“Take the longest trail because it’s worth it,” Hiker Cierra Little said.
Little is in the Navy and moved to Moore County from Texas. She has seen snakes, dogs, and horseback riders on the trails. She hikes there several times a week and loves it because it “is so lush and green.”
Southern Pines is home to several unique parks that offer walking environments to suit a diversity of desires and needs, and during pandemics, it is good to know where to walk.
Feature photo: Young girls enjoy the swimming geese and ducks at Reservoir Park.
Article and photos by Sandhills Sentinel Journalism Intern Stephanie M. Sellers.
