Recreation & Parks is one of the most active departments for the City of Winston-Salem in the community. The team interacts with residents daily, whether at a recreation center, in a park, or at a community event. While programming runs year-round, summer is the department's busiest season, bringing with it summer camps and open pools and splash pads across the city.

Here's a fun fact: most municipalities name their departments "Parks & Recreation," but Winston-Salem's is called "Recreation & Parks." The name reflects its history — the department was originally created for recreation centers and facilities, with parks brought under its umbrella later on.

The department's offerings are extensive. Winston-Salem Recreation & Parks maintains more than 80 parks, over 50 playgrounds, more than 50 shelters, and numerous ball fields and courts. Residents can also enjoy 8 swimming pools, 10 splash pads, 17 recreation centers, 2 golf courses, Salem Lake, The Quarry at Grant Park, 3 dog parks, Historic Bethabara Park, and a network of trails and greenways. Beyond facilities, the department runs year-round programs and recreation league sports for all ages, starting as young as 3 years old, along with community events throughout the year.

What sets Recreation & Parks apart is its reach: the department offers programs for every age group, all year long. It connects with the community through hands-on programming, hosted events, and everyday engagement at its parks and facilities — making it a constant, familiar presence in residents' lives rather than a seasonal one.

Looking ahead, the department's parks and facilities are continually being upgraded and improved. Residents who want to follow ongoing projects and improvements can visit WePLAY.ws for the latest updates. And for anyone with a question, issue, or concern about a park or facility, the advice is simple: contact CityLink at 311, and they'll route it to the right person.

Recreation & Parks invites the community to stay connected online and in person. Reach the department at WePLAYevents@cityofws.org or online at WePLAY.ws, and follow along on Facebook at "City of Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks" and on Instagram @ws_recreationparks.