Ailey Young Park
Rate this placeNearby: Hl Miller Park Rolesville Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Ailey Young Park is a beautiful park located in the city of Wilmington, North Carolina.
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Summary
The park covers an area of around 13 acres and offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages. One of the best reasons to visit Ailey Young Park is to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The park is filled with lush greenery, walking trails, and a tranquil pond that is perfect for picnics and relaxation.
One of the main points of interest in Ailey Young Park is the pond. This tranquil body of water is home to a variety of fish and waterfowl, making it a great spot for birdwatching and fishing. Visitors can rent paddle boats and kayaks to explore the pond or just relax and enjoy the view.
Another point of interest in Ailey Young Park is the playground. The playground is designed for children of all ages and is equipped with swings, slides, and climbing structures. There are also picnic areas and pavilions available for families and groups to enjoy.
Interesting facts about Ailey Young Park include its history. The park is named after Ailey Young, a local civil rights activist who fought for equality and justice in the Wilmington community. The park was established in her honor in 2004.
The best time of year to visit Ailey Young Park is in the spring and fall. During these seasons, the weather is mild, and the park is filled with beautiful foliage. The park is open year-round and is free to enter.
Overall, Ailey Young Park is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Wilmington, North Carolina. With its beautiful natural setting, recreational activities, and historical significance, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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