Patton Park | Hendersonville

Patton Park, located in Hendersonville, North Carolina, is the city’s largest and most versatile public park, spanning approximately 19 acres. It serves as a vibrant community hub that caters to a wide range of recreational, athletic, and environmental activities, making it a focal point for residents and visitors seeking outdoor leisure and engagement.

Park Layout and Facilities

Patton Park is thoughtfully designed to accommodate diverse interests with a blend of active sports amenities, casual recreational spaces, and ecological features. Its layout includes:

Athletic Courts and Fields: The park offers multiple dedicated sports facilities including two full basketball courts, four racquetball courts, and two tennis courts. These courts support organized sports, pick-up games, and recreational play. Additionally, there is a multipurpose field equipped with four soccer goals, suitable for casual soccer matches or other field sports and activities.

Skate Park: One of the park’s standout features is its modern skate park, designed by the professional firm Grindline Skateparks Inc. This skate facility includes an 8-foot deep bowl with a waterfall feature, a 4-foot ramp, various ledges, grind rails, and quarter pipes. It caters to skateboarders and inline skaters of different skill levels, providing a safe and stimulating environment for skateboarding enthusiasts.

Walking Trail: Patton Park features a well-maintained, half-mile paved walking trail that loops throughout the park. The trail is lighted, making it accessible for early morning or evening walks and jogs. It crosses Brittain Creek using charming arched bridges and passes by a serene pond that attracts local wildlife such as ducks and herons. This trail provides a peaceful nature experience within the city, ideal for fitness or relaxation.

Environmental and Stormwater Management Features

A unique aspect of Patton Park is its incorporation of advanced green infrastructure aimed at managing stormwater and promoting environmental education. These sustainable design elements include:

Rainwater Cisterns: Devices that collect and store rainwater for irrigation and other non-potable uses, reducing runoff and conserving water resources.

Bioretention Ponds and Rain Gardens: Landscaped areas that absorb and filter stormwater, improving water quality by removing pollutants before they enter natural waterways.

Permeable Paving: Special pavement materials that allow water to seep through, reducing surface runoff and minimizing flooding risks.

Stormwater Wetland: A constructed wetland area within the park designed to manage stormwater naturally while providing habitat for native plants and wildlife.

These features not only enhance the park’s ecological function but also serve as practical examples of sustainable environmental practices for visitors to learn from.

Patton Pool – Swimming Facility

Historically, Patton Park has included an Olympic-size outdoor swimming pool known as Patton Pool. This pool has been a popular summer destination for swimming lessons, recreational swimming, and community events. However, due to substantial damage from Hurricane Helene, Patton Pool is currently closed and will remain so for the 2025 season. The City of Hendersonville is actively collaborating with federal agencies to secure funding for the pool’s reconstruction, focusing on improving resilience against future storms. While the timeline for reopening remains uncertain, rebuilding efforts aim to restore this cherished community amenity.

Picnic Areas and Pavilion Rentals

Patton Park provides two pavilion areas available for public use and private rental, ideal for family gatherings, parties, or community events:

Large Pavilion: Located near the pool area, this pavilion includes ten 10-foot picnic tables, a fireplace, and three charcoal grills. It offers ample space and amenities for larger groups. The rental fee is $50 for four hours or $100 for an entire day.

Small Pavilion: Situated closer to the basketball courts, this smaller pavilion features four 10-foot picnic tables and one charcoal grill, suitable for more intimate gatherings. The rental fee is $25 for four hours or $50 for the full day.

Reservations can be made through the City of Hendersonville’s Public Works Department.

Pet-Friendly and Usage Policies

Patton Park is welcoming to pet owners who wish to bring their dogs along, provided they are leashed and owners clean up after them using the waste bag dispensers available throughout the park. This policy ensures a safe and pleasant experience for all visitors. For safety reasons, bicycles, rollerblades, and skateboards are prohibited on the walking trail to prevent accidents and maintain a peaceful environment for walkers and joggers.

Connectivity via Oklawaha Greenway

Patton Park serves as a key access point to the Oklawaha Greenway Trail, a 3.25-mile paved multi-use trail connecting several parks and recreational areas throughout Hendersonville. This greenway facilitates walking, jogging, and cycling, and includes amenities like bike repair stations and water fountains. The trail enhances the city’s network of outdoor spaces and encourages active lifestyles by providing safe, scenic routes through natural and urban environments.

Location, Hours, and Contact

Address: 114 E. Clairmont Drive, Hendersonville, NC 28791

Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily

Contact Number: (828) 697-3084

Patton Park’s convenient location and extensive amenities make it easily accessible to both residents and tourists.

Summary

Patton Park stands out as a multifaceted community space that combines sports, leisure, environmental sustainability, and social gathering opportunities. Its comprehensive facilities cater to athletes, families, nature enthusiasts, and event organizers alike. The integration of stormwater management features demonstrates a forward-thinking approach to urban park design, balancing recreation with ecological responsibility. Despite the temporary closure of the iconic Patton Pool, the park remains a vibrant and essential green space within Hendersonville, embodying a commitment to healthy living, environmental stewardship, and community connection.