Sports and Recreation
If you’re seeking the perfect place to call home, there’s no better place than right here in Garner – a town that offers all those big “quality of life” amenities for which everyone searches, all in one convenient package.
Garner boasts access to:
a temperate yearly climate featuring four distinct seasons;
world-class performing arts, museums and cultural festivals;
sports teams ranging from major league hockey to collegiate basketball to recreational league offerings.
And when you need to get away from it all, vacation options abound, practically in our own backyard. Whether you prefer the mountains, the beach or somewhere in between, you’re within hours of your destination. It’s all here – life doesn’t get any better than in Garner.
Parks and Facilities
Whether you’re an avid nature lover or are simply looking for a great place to relax and enjoy some fresh air, Garner’s got the perfect place. The Town of Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department manages 11 parks totaling 350 acres, 271 of which are active acres. The town offers a plethora of recreational options, including over 4 miles of paved trails, 12 playgrounds, 12 picnic shelters, 14 athletic fields, six tennis courts, an indoor recreation center, a center for seniors and a seasonal boathouse.
+ Parks and Facilities
- Avery Street Annex — 201 Avery St.
- Avery Street Recreation Center — 125 Avery St.
- Centennial Park — 1015 New Bethel Church Road
- Cloverdale Park — 1603 Meadowbrook Drive
- Creech Road Elementary School Park — 440 Creech Road
- Creech Road Tennis Courts — 190 Creech Road
- Garner Performing Arts Center — 742 W. Garner Road
- Garner Recreational Park — 221 E. Garner Road
- Garner Senior Center — 205 E. Garner Road
- Greenbrier Park — 613 Winterlochen Drive
- Jaycee Park — Sycamore Drive
- Lake Benson Park — 921 Buffaloe Road
- Lake Benson Boathouse — 975 Buffaloe Road
- Rand Mill Park — 608 Rand Mill Road
- South Garner Park — 1210 Poole Drive
- Thompson Road Park — 550 Thompson Road
- White Deer Park (and Nature Center) — 2400 Aversboro Road
Recreation Programs and Events
From athletics and special events to the arts and the outdoors, Garner offers a full slate of activities for people of all ages and walks of life. The Independence Day Celebration is the town’s biggest signature event, eagerly awaited all year by the 20,000 people that typically attend. Other signature events during the year the Spring Eggstravaganza, the Music Off Main downtown concert series, the Halloween-themed Goblins in the Park and Light Up Main and the Christmas Parade in early December.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department distributes an activities brochure for town residents three times a year. Non-residents can receive the brochure by calling the department at 919-773-4442. To learn more about the department’s various programming, you can phone the following areas:
+ Program Area
- Adult and Senior Adult Programs — 919-779-0122
- Arts and Theater (adults) — 919-661-4602
- Arts and Theater (youth) — 919-661-4602
- Athletics — 919-662-5051
- Athletic Field Reservations — 919-773-4438
- Avery Street Recreation Center — 919-662-5051
- Garner Performing Arts Center — 919-661-4602
- Garner Senior Center — 919-779-0122
- Nature and Outdoor Programs — 919-661-6982
- Picnic Shelter Reservations — 919-773-4442
- Preschool Programs — 919-890-7301
- Special Events — 919-773-4442
- Summer Day Camp (GEKO) — 919-890-7301
- Youth and Teen Programs — 919-890-7301
Cultural Resources
The Garner Performing Arts Center presents nationally renowned entertainment including top Broadway performers, beloved comedians and a variety of American musical traditions ranging from jazz to bluegrass. For more information on GPAC and the performing arts in Garner, visit www.garnerperformingartscenter.com.
Community Support
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department also supports many of the community groups that provide additional activities and services to the Garner area.
