Quarry Park & Waughtown Connector

Quarry Park & Waughtown Connector Greenway is a large publicly owned park southeast of downtown Winston-Salem. The 228-acre site was an active Granite Quarry from the mid-1920’s to the late 1980’s. For the next 15 years, the City utilized the park as a City Yard until voters approved $5M in tax bonds for improvements in November 2014. In 2015, the design process of reinvigorating one of the City’s hidden gems began with the team of Stimmel and Stitch.

In line with the City Council’s strategic objective for expanded open space, recreation facilities & promoting a healthy environment, the design team specifically targeted Phase 1 to entice people to come out & explore this hidden gem. Capitalizing on the natural setting, the quarry water body & stunning panoramic views, the park includes a dramatic observation pier, nicknamed “The BOOM”. In addition to the observation deck, the park includes a large open 2-acre greenspace, 1-acre Amphitheater, 3 Overlooks, 1.25 mile greenway, hydration stations, picnic areas, comfort stations, benches & bike racks.
Rather than a park that has playgrounds & picnic shelters, Quarry Park is more of a place for nature activities & relaxation. The park can host concerts & events, such as Yoga at the Quarry & food trucks, cycling & hiking. One of the key features of the park is its connections to the city greenway system. On the south side, the 1.25-mile greenway connects to Waughtown St via Marble St. From the north, a link to the Salem Creek Greenway makes it possible for walkers & bikers to access Quarry Park, link over to Salem Lake or connect to Long Branch Trail downtown. The park showcases, honors & celebrates the City & its rich history, all while offering an unexpected, vast & exciting escape for the park’s visitors.