The Grove Project

Greenfield Lake: Festival Muse

The 61st Annual N.C. Azalea Festival brings many visitors back to its source of inspiration this April, Greenfield Lake. Dr. Houston Moore planted the roots for this celebration of beauty and history in 1934. Moore spent many years reaching out to local civic organizations and Wilmington’s City Commissioners to aid in the beautification and protection of Greenfield Lake, and financed part of the project when City Commissioners later declined further funding. In 1947 Dr. Moore obtained endorsement for his vision of an annual azalea festival, and this dream was manifested in 1948.

My husband, architect Gordon Hall, designed and completed building our home in Greenfield Lake in May 2007. We had bought the lot a couple of years prior to that and had what many people considered to be better options at that time. Better in the sense that they would have grown in value more quickly, provided higher quality schools and a safer and more structured environment. I disagreed. I saw a bewitching garden full of mystery and danger that would be able to hold my interest. Greenfield Lake was my first true love in Wilmington. I was so smitten that I never perceived her faults until much later. Even then, I didn’t care. To me she was the bohemian queen cradling the beautiful life I desired above a swamp filled with alligators, while strangers danced in the shadows. Others, not so blinded by love, still find joy in the park’s many attractions and amenities.

The Wilmington Shakespeare On the Green Festival will perform “Comedy of Errors” and “Taming of the Shrew” in May and June. Admission is free, however donations are graciously accepted. While concessions are available, patrons are encouraged to bring their own picnic to enjoy. Once the performance begins the sun quickly descends, giving the dimly lit amphitheater an intimate mood. Shakespeare’s words ring through the treetops while frogs and crickets keep rhythm in the background. It is a hypnotic experience.

Greenfield Grind Skate Park has become increasingly popular among the local fearless and visiting thrill seekers. When observing, I try my best to look hip but can barely contain a shriek as they take flight. These are heroic artists who seem unconcerned with anything other than a ride on the perpetual wave of frozen sand we call concrete. If you are lucky enough to be there during these moments, it is magical.

More earth bound creatures will find serenity encircling the lake’s fragrant gardens during the five-mile scenic path. Passing the tennis courts may fuel inspiration when you hear rapidly pounding exchanges and happily expelled grunts.

Families can be seen on most weekends feeding the water birds and turtles or romping in the playgrounds. There are also several picnic shelters and grills for public use. Paddleboats and canoe rentals are available seasonally and provide opportunities to become more intimate with the wildlife. If your movements are graceful you will be introduced to close up views of Snowy Egrets dangling like jewels from Cypress branches and turtles bobbing on the waters surface. A deep splash may indicate that an alligator is near and if you’re lucky he’ll be wearing that famous smile. The Cape Fear River Watch offers weekly educational and wildlife observation tours, as well as events that bring the community together to cleanse the park of trash and debris. The next “Greenfield Lake Cleanup” event is scheduled for April 19th from 9:00 am-1:00 pm.

Greenfield Lake offers an abundance of entertainment opportunities in a stunning environment. Hopefully we’ll see a few new faces around the block.