Looking for a free place to enjoy the great outdoors around Rutherfordton, NC? Check out our complete guide to the city parks in Rutherfordton, NC, all with FREE parking and located conveniently within 5 minutes of historic downtown!
Main Street Park
This precious piece of brickscape is located right in the center of historic downtown Rutherfordton! If you are looking for the perfect place to stop while browsing along Main Street, look no further.
With brick buildings on either side, shade covers this broad alley most of the day. There are benches and tables with chairs, and the archways, trellises, and a water feature make it easy on the eyes. There is even a stage where you might catch a street performer, or where little ones can put on a show of their own while mom and dad rest their feet!
Location: Right between 195 & 187 N Main Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Kiwanis Park
Kiwanis Park is easily the crown jewel of Rutherfordton’s city parks. Here, you’ll find everything in one convenient place! The main building offers restrooms, water fountains, a town map, and a community bulletin board. A paved path winds throughout, perfect for walking, biking, and more.
Two different scenic bridges lead you over Cleghorn Creek, and on the other side, you find a double-decker wooden playground! There is also a cozy covered pavilion, two separate dog parks, and the perfect starting point to venture down the Purple Martin Greenway.
Location: 142 Green St, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Check out our Kidding Around Review of Kiwanis Park in Rutherfordton!
Fairview Park (2nd Street Park)
If you are looking for a quick play-and-potty stop, Fairview Park is just the ticket! Part of Rutherfordton’s redevelopment efforts, this small neighborhood playground offers a single-covered picnic shelter, unisex restroom, and water fountain.
There is an incredibly unique climbing structure to engage curious explorers, a basketball court, and a swing set. This park is also accessible just by walking uphill on 2nd Street from the Purple Martin Greenway.
Location: E 1st Street on the block between N Toms Street & N Cleghorn Street
Crestview Park
If you are looking for the perfect play spot for little ones, the playgrounds at Crestview Park are
FANTASTIC! There are multiple options ideal for your littlest climbers, toddlers, and big kids.
There is a toddler playground, one geared towards slightly older kiddos, a climbing dome, and a
swing set. There is a paved loop path around a wide-open greenspace, perfect for free play or
riding bikes.
But one of the highlights of this particular park is the incredible expanse of baseball fields, basketball courts, and tennis courts—Come at the right time, and you could easily catch a game underway!
This park also connects by a paved path to the Purple Martin Greenway.
Location: 223 Park Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
Norris Recreation Complex
It may not look like much for now, but Norris Recreation Complex is under construction and bound to be a major attraction by the end of 2025! The complex will be located right behind the hospital and feature a community garden, walking track, greenway, and disc golf course.
Location: 191 Twitty Ford Street, Rutherfordton, NC 28139
BONUS: Purple Martin Greenway
While not technically a park, Purple Martin Greenway deserves an honorable mention! This is a
nearly 3-mile paved trail that follows closely along Cleghorn Creek, conveniently connecting to 3 of the major parks in Rutherfordton: Kiwanis, Fairview, and Crestview! It is handicap-accessible and open to bikes and pets.
The trail is mostly level with a few hills, and there are scattered stretches of both shade and sun. One note of caution: The Purple Martin Greenway does cross several intersections, so may not be ideal for little ones! Hikers are encouraged to use the buddy system, and there is a walking club that meets on the trail twice weekly.
Location: Best access points at Kiwanis Park and Park Crossing Apartments!
