City Lake Park | High Point

High Point City Lake Park is a landmark recreational destination in the Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina. Located at 602 W. Main Street in Jamestown, the park is a shared resource between the cities of High Point and Jamestown and is managed by the High Point Parks and Recreation Department. Rich in history and recently modernized through extensive renovations completed in 2023, the park blends traditional charm with state-of-the-art facilities, serving as a year-round attraction for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and tourists.

🏞️ Park Overview

City Lake Park covers approximately 180 acres along the shoreline of the 340-acre City Lake, also known as Oak Hollow Lake. Originally developed in the 1930s during the New Deal era, the park was constructed as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), and many of its early features remain visible today, contributing to its historic appeal.

The park is organized into distinct zones including water-based recreation, amusement rides, greenways, event venues, and sports and leisure areas. Following a significant renovation and expansion project completed in 2023, the park now offers improved accessibility, new facilities, and enhanced environmental sustainability.

🏊 Aquatic Center

The High Point City Lake Park Aquatic Center is one of the park’s signature attractions. Rebuilt during the 2021–2023 renovation phase, it now serves both recreational users and competitive swimmers with high-quality facilities:

50-Meter Olympic-Sized Pool: Ideal for serious swimmers and hosting swim meets, with diving boards and designated lap lanes.

Leisure Pool with Zero-Depth Entry: Family-friendly, designed for small children and non-swimmers, featuring gentle slopes and interactive splash features.

Lazy River and Vortex Area: Allows guests to float along in tubes through a circular current and twisting flow areas, ideal for relaxation and play.

Dual-Racer Slides: Two tall twisting slides with timing systems for friendly races.

Sprayground (Splash Pad): Ground-level fountains and interactive water jets, catering especially to toddlers and young children.

Locker Rooms and Showers: Modernized, gender-inclusive facilities with ADA-compliant design and private family changing rooms.

The aquatic center operates seasonally from late May through Labor Day, with daily open swim times, early lap swim sessions, and party rentals available.

🎡 Amusement Area & Attractions

The park includes a quaint amusement area that harkens back to mid-20th century Americana. It features:

Classic Carousel: A restored, hand-painted merry-go-round that has been a centerpiece since the mid-20th century.

Miniature Train Ride: A rideable train that loops through wooded areas of the park, offering a nostalgic and scenic view.

Mini Golf Course: An 18-hole course designed for fun, not difficulty, making it suitable for children and casual players.

Playground Complex: A large, modern two-story structure with slides, climbers, rope bridges, tunnels, and inclusive features like ADA-accessible equipment.

These attractions are open primarily from spring through early fall on weekends and daily during the summer.

🚣 Lake & Marina Activities

City Lake provides ample opportunity for water recreation, with a fully equipped marina and scenic lakeshore access:

Boat Launch Ramps: Public ramps for private boats under 9.9 horsepower, maintaining a quiet, safe boating experience.

Boat Rentals:

Single and tandem kayaks

Canoes

Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)

Fishing boats with electric motors

Excursion Boat Tours: Operated seasonally, these tours take groups on a narrated cruise around the lake, ideal for leisure and educational outings.

Fishing: Both shoreline and boat fishing are permitted with a valid North Carolina fishing license. Common catches include bass, bream, and catfish.

All rental equipment is affordably priced and available at the marina, which operates most of the year depending on weather conditions.

🍽️ Picnics & Event Spaces

The park is a popular location for reunions, corporate outings, school field trips, and birthday parties, thanks to its ample space and facilities:

Ten Picnic Shelters: Ranging in size from small family pavilions to large group shelters that can accommodate up to 600 people. All include tables, grills, electrical hookups, and nearby restrooms.

Freestanding Picnic Tables: Located throughout the park in shaded areas, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Meeting and Event Center: A newly built indoor facility ideal for receptions, conferences, community events, and educational programs. It features AV technology, climate control, and catering prep areas.

Shelter and venue rentals are managed online or by phone through High Point Parks and Recreation.

🚶 Trails & Greenway Connections

City Lake Park is connected to several regional greenways, offering visitors access to miles of biking and walking paths:

High Point Greenway: A 4-mile urban trail connecting to downtown High Point and residential neighborhoods.

Bicentennial Greenway: A longer corridor linking Jamestown to the Piedmont Environmental Center and parts of Greensboro.

Nature Paths: Within the park itself, there are short loop trails along the lake and wooded areas for casual walking and birdwatching.

The trails are paved and suitable for walking, jogging, strollers, and bicycles. Informational signage and rest areas are located along the paths.

🛝 Accessibility and Renovations

The most recent renovation focused heavily on ADA compliance, environmental upgrades, and aesthetic improvements. Notable enhancements include:

Ramps and wide walkways throughout the park

Updated restrooms and changing areas

Sensory-friendly play features

Improved drainage and stormwater systems to protect the lake and parklands

These updates ensure that City Lake Park serves as a truly inclusive and eco-conscious destination.

🕒 Visitor Information

Address: 602 W. Main Street, Jamestown, NC 27282

Phone: (336) 883-3498

Typical Hours:

General Park Grounds: Open daily, dawn to dusk

Aquatic Center: Seasonal (typically May–Sept), 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Amusement Rides: Weekends in spring/fall, daily in summer

Marina: Year-round, depending on weather

Admission to the park itself is free, with fees for specific amenities like pool entry, boat rentals, and shelter reservations.

Summary

High Point City Lake Park is a multi-faceted recreational treasure that balances the nostalgic charm of its historic roots with the amenities and inclusivity of a modern urban park. Whether you're visiting for a day of swimming and boating, organizing a family reunion, or simply enjoying a lakeside picnic, the park offers something meaningful for everyone. With its blend of natural beauty, recreational facilities, and accessible design, it remains a cherished part of the High Point and Jamestown communities.