If you’re looking for a peaceful, family-friendly park in Wilmington that’s easy to navigate and not overly crowded, let me introduce you to one of our favorite hidden gems – James L. Wade Park. Located at 3500 Bethel Road, Wilmington, NC.
Tucked into a residential area, this 16.78-acre park offers the perfect mix of nature, play, and purpose, making it a great spot for families with young kids.
What Makes James L. Wade Park Unique
This isn’t just your average neighborhood park. James L. Wade Park is part of the Hewletts Creek watershed and was intentionally designed as a wetland system to capture and treat stormwater runoff before it enters the creek.
As water flows through the park, natural elements like soil and vegetation help filter out nutrients and bacteria, which in return help improve overall water quality. It’s a beautiful example of how nature and thoughtful design can work together.
Explore the Walking Trail + Wetlands
One of the highlights of the park is the ½-mile paved walking trail that loops around the wetland. It’s stroller-friendly, manageable for little legs, and perfect for a quick outing.
Along the way, you’ll find a boardwalk that brings you closer to the water and gives kids a chance to really explore the environment.
This wetland is made up of three distinct zones:
- Aquatic
- Riparian
- Upland
Each area supports different plants and wildlife, making it feel like a mini nature lesson every time you visit.
Make it fun for kids: Turn your walk into a scavenger hunt and see if you can spot the animals listed below.
Playground + Amenities
For families, the playground is always a deciding factor and this one delivers.
✔️ Shaded playground (a huge win, especially in the summer)
✔️ Swings with a “mom and me” type swing
✔️ Covered picnic shelters
✔️ Restrooms
✔️ Bike racks (Actually the starting point for the Cross City Trail)
✔️ Easy, but small parking
It’s not an overwhelming park, which is exactly why so many parents love it. You can relax a little more while your kids play, without worrying about them disappearing into a massive space.
A Little Wilmington History
The park is named after J.E.L. Wade (1889–1980), a longtime Wilmington leader who played a major role in shaping the community.
Wade served two terms as mayor of Wilmington—first in the late 1940s, and again following fellow council member Dan Cameron’s term in 1958. He also spent 36 years on City Council and served as Commissioner of Public Works in the 1930s.
During his time in public service, Wade helped secure funding through the Public Works Administration for renovations to Thalian Hall and played a role in creating one of Wilmington’s most iconic traditions—the World’s Largest Living Christmas Tree. That same era of funding also contributed to the development of Legion Stadium.
Beyond local projects, Wade was instrumental in broader statewide efforts, including helping establish the North Carolina State Ports Authority. The James Wade Scholarships at University of North Carolina Wilmington are also named in his honor.
Known by the nickname “Hi Buddy” for the way he greeted everyone he met, Wade left behind a legacy rooted in community connection and civic growth.
James L. Wade Park may not be the biggest or most well-known park in Wilmington, but that’s part of its charm.
It’s peaceful, functional, and thoughtfully designed, offering both a fun outing for kids and a meaningful connection to the natural environment around us.
If you haven’t visited yet, add it to your list, you might just find yourself going back again and again.
Sources
- UNCW Library archives and local historical records
- StarNews Online – Live in 1960’s
- University of North Carolina Wilmington historical references
- Five Former Wilmington Mayors You Should Know About
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