Empie Park

3405 Park Avenue, Wilmington, NC 28403. Follow internal signs for Althea Gibson Tennis Complex, dog park, playground, shelter, basketball, restrooms, or Gary Shell Cross-City Trail.

Use 3405 Park Avenue and select the area closest to tennis, dog park, playground or trail. Tournaments and events can fill the main lots.

The outdoor park and dog park are open dawn to dusk. Tennis clubhouse, lighted courts, reservations, tournaments, events, and restrooms can use separate operating schedules.

General park, playground, basketball, dog park, trail connection, and walk-up tennis court use are free. Reserved tennis courts, tournaments, rentals, programs and events may charge.

Restrooms near the playground are temporarily closed for maintenance. Public restrooms at and adjacent to the Althea Gibson clubhouse remain open; plan the walk before settling at the playground.

Developed parking, routes, tennis complex, clubhouse, playground, shelter, restrooms, dog park and Cross-City Trail connection provide accessible options, though exact court and event access varies.

Empie Park is an official parking and restroom stop on the 15-mile paved Gary Shell Cross-City Trail. Internal paths connect recreation areas to the through-route.

Families can use the playground, basketball, shelter, trail and tennis areas, but children under 12 are not permitted inside the dog park.

The free fenced dog park has separate large- and small-dog areas, shade, water and waste stations. Children under 12, puppies under four months, food and toys are prohibited; leash dogs entering and leaving.

A picnic shelter and tables support meals and gatherings. Reserve organized use and note that the nearest playground-side restrooms are currently closed.

The primary destinations are Althea Gibson Tennis Complex and clubhouse, small- and large-dog areas, playground, basketball courts, shelter, and Gary Shell Cross-City Trail connection.

Playground-side restrooms are closed until further notice, while clubhouse restrooms remain open. Tournaments, maintenance, storms, reservations and trail work can affect other facilities.