Union Point Park | New Bern

Union Point Park is a scenic and historically rich public waterfront park located in the heart of downtown New Bern, North Carolina, at the confluence of the Neuse and Trent Rivers. Spanning approximately six acres, the park is a central gathering place for residents and tourists alike and plays a significant role in the cultural, recreational, and civic life of the city.

1. Historical Context

Union Point Park has undergone a dramatic transformation over the last century. What is now a lush, well-maintained civic park was once a city dump site in the early 20th century. In 1931, during the Great Depression, the New Bern Woman's Club spearheaded an ambitious revitalization project. They converted the unsightly area into a recreational space, with their headquarters built on the grounds—a structure affectionately known as “The House the Depression Built.” This early restoration was part of New Bern’s broader effort to modernize and beautify its historic riverfront.

In the 1990s and 2000s, further development and landscaping were undertaken to create a more inclusive, family-friendly environment. These efforts included the addition of walkways, lighting, gardens, a waterfront boardwalk, and a prominent gazebo. Today, Union Point Park is one of New Bern’s most visited public areas, often used for ceremonies, concerts, festivals, and quiet personal reflection.

2. Geographical and Natural Setting

Union Point Park is strategically situated at the junction of the Neuse River (North Carolina’s widest river) and the Trent River, giving it some of the most breathtaking panoramic water views in Eastern North Carolina. The park’s location provides:

Open water vistas, especially at sunrise and sunset

River breezes that cool the area during warmer months

Opportunities for observing waterfowl, fish, and boating activity

Due to its low elevation and proximity to the water, the park is periodically affected by tidal flooding or heavy rainfall runoff. The city has implemented drainage improvements and long-term resiliency planning to mitigate these concerns while preserving the natural beauty of the site.

3. Park Features and Amenities

Union Point Park is designed to be both functional and inviting, offering a wide array of features that appeal to all age groups and interests:

• Gazebo Pavilion

A prominent white-painted structure with a green metal roof and surrounding picket fence. The gazebo functions as a central focal point for:

Weddings and private ceremonies

Public concerts and performances

Holiday programs and community speeches

The gazebo is fully powered with electricity, making it ideal for events involving lighting and amplification.

• Children’s Playground

A well-maintained play area designed with safety and variety in mind. It includes:

Slides, swings, and climbing structures

Rubber safety flooring

Benches for parental supervision

The playground is located near open green spaces so children can move between structured play and free play areas.

• Picnic and Grilling Stations

There are multiple picnic tables and grill setups spread throughout the park:

Shaded and open-air seating

Ideal for family gatherings, reunions, or lunch outings

Trash and recycling bins nearby for convenience

• Fishing Pier

A modest wooden pier extending into the river allows for recreational fishing. Common catches include catfish, perch, and striped bass. The pier is accessible and safe for all ages.

• Boat Launch Access

Two boat launch areas serve small boats, kayaks, and canoes. They provide:

Direct access to both rivers

Opportunities for scenic paddling, bird watching, and river exploration

• Cornhole Court

In response to popular demand, the city installed permanent cornhole boards, encouraging casual recreation and social interaction.

• Boardwalk

The park features a paved waterfront walking and jogging trail that connects to nearby Bicentennial Park and provides a continuous stretch of scenic walking space, making it popular for:

Daily exercise

Dog walking (leash required)

Riverfront photography

4. Events and Community Life

Union Point Park functions as a community centerpiece, hosting various public events that bring residents and visitors together year-round:

• Field of Flags

An annual event that honors veterans and military service members. Hundreds of American flags are planted throughout the park, each one representing a fallen soldier or a loved one. The event is especially poignant during Memorial Day and Veterans Day weekends.

• Music and Cultural Performances

Local and regional artists frequently perform at the gazebo during:

Summer concert series

Patriotic events

New Bern’s MumFest and Fourth of July festivities

Attendees bring blankets and chairs to relax under the stars while enjoying live music.

• Charity Races and Ceremonies

The park often serves as a staging ground or finish line for 5Ks, 10Ks, and fun runs. It also hosts award ceremonies, memorial walks, and civic recognitions.

5. Accessibility and Visitor Services

Union Point Park is open to the public year-round, free of charge. Key visitor features include:

On-site public restrooms

Paved sidewalks and ADA accessibility

Parking: Free and conveniently located nearby, with street and lot options

Security lighting: For safe evening use

Trash and recycling stations

Pets are welcome, provided they are leashed and cleaned up after. Visitors are encouraged to be mindful of wildlife and water safety when near the rivers’ edge.

6. Symbolic and Civic Importance

Beyond its recreational use, Union Point Park plays an essential role in New Bern’s identity:

It is often the first point of contact for tourists arriving by boat or walking through downtown.

It visually and geographically connects New Bern’s past (as North Carolina’s colonial capital) with its present as a vibrant, waterfront city.

It symbolizes community resilience, transforming a once-neglected space into a flourishing example of urban renewal.

The park also serves as a physical and cultural bridge between New Bern’s diverse neighborhoods, drawing together people from different walks of life for shared experiences in a natural setting.

In summary, Union Point Park is more than a green space—it's a place of historic transformation, community pride, and natural serenity. Whether you're fishing, playing with children, attending a concert, or simply enjoying the riverside breeze, the park offers a peaceful yet dynamic slice of New Bern’s charm.