Our next stop is one of my favorite parks in all of Raleigh: Fred Fletcher Park. Located at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and St. Mary’s Road, the city purchased this beautiful 21-acre park in 1982. It’s nestled right in Downtown Raleigh, offering a peaceful retreat amidst the fast-growing city.
As you wander through the park, be sure to visit the Borden Building. This Queen Anne-style building was once an orphanage and is now owned by the city of Raleigh. It’s a stunning venue often rented out for receptions, weddings, and meetings. The architecture alone is worth the visit, providing a glimpse into the area’s history.
Sports enthusiasts will appreciate the sports courts and ball fields. The park’s trails are perfect for walking your dog or enjoying a leisurely stroll. Picnic areas are scattered throughout, and there’s even an amphitheater for local events. It’s truly a vibrant community space.
A Closer Look at Fred Fletcher Park
From playing sports and walking to having picnics and viewing the numerous gardens, there’s a variety of activities to enjoy at Fletcher Park. Located at 802 Clay St inside the beltline, the park offers plenty of parking along Washington St or in a nearby lot. The entire park is magnificently landscaped with stone walls, edged lawns, and gardens filled with crape myrtles, gardenias, magnolias, hostas, butterfly bushes, and daylilies. It’s BEAUTIFUL!
One of my favorite activities here is enjoying a picnic lunch. You can sit on a bench, spread out on the lush green grass, or use the amphitheater-style seating. There are plenty of private spots to lay down a blanket and soak up the sun with a good book. And hey, it’s even a fantastic spot for taking headshots, if that’s your thing!
The Borden Building, built circa 1900, has been beautifully restored and is available to rent for events. From the Borden Building, you can get a fantastic view of the baseball fields below. As you walk around, you’ll find labeled species of daylilies and other beautiful plants.
Water Gardens and Wetlands
One of the park’s highlights is the water gardens, which were under construction in 2008. The Forebay is the deepest pool in the garden, and it’s designed to capture sediment and pollutants from stormwater. The water garden also serves as a habitat for wildlife such as ducks, dragonflies, and butterflies. Informational plaques along the walkway and on the deck provide more details about the benefits of the water gardens. It’s a great spot for kids to explore and learn about the environment.
Additional Facilities
Fred Fletcher Park also features basketball and tennis courts, making it a popular spot for sports enthusiasts. There’s an art sculpture nearby and a shaded playground area along Washington St. The large pavilion with picnic tables and a charcoal grill is perfect for gatherings. Plus, the walking paths throughout the park make it easy to explore all these features.
Historical Significance
The park is situated on the former campus of the Methodist Home for Children and was purchased by the City in 1982. Entrances to the park are located off St. Mary’s Street and Glenwood Avenue. This historical background adds another layer of interest to the already captivating environment.
Contact Information
For shelter rentals, you can contact (919) 996-6833. Field rentals are managed by (919) 996-2154, and the Borden Building & Amphitheater can be reached at (919) 996-4363. 919-996-4363. Whether you’re planning a picnic, a sports event, or a special occasion, Fred Fletcher Park has the facilities to accommodate your needs. Fred Fletcher Park is a testament to Raleigh’s dedication to preserving green spaces and providing recreational opportunities for its residents. For a more immersive experience, watch the full video on YouTube where I take you on a tour of Fred Fletcher Park and explore it firsthand!
Video Transcript:
“All right. And our next stop is one of my favorite parks in all of Raleigh. It’s the Fred Fletcher Park which is located at the corner of Glenwood Avenue and St. Mary’s Road. The city purchased this in 1982 and it’s over 21 acres. Right here in Downtown Raleigh. And while here at the park, make sure to stop by the Borden Building, which was formerly an orphanage, now owned by the city of Raleigh. And it’s a Queen Anne style building. Beautiful. It’s got – they rent it out for receptions, for weddings, for meetings and it’s just a cool place to check out when you’re here.
Fletcher Park offers so much to the people around here. It’s got sports courts, we have ball fields, we have a trail that every, we’ve got people walking their dogs everywhere around here. So multiple trails. We have picnic areas, an amphitheater for local events. You know, it’s got so much to offer. So again, make sure to check it out.”
