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Richard Ray Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 719 Google reviews · Running trail in Jacksonville, North Carolina · Posted hours
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Paved
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Posted hours
Confirmed from Richard Ray Park's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Green space housing a playground, trails, benches & restrooms, plus a pond, picnic shelter & gazebo.
What runners say about Richard Ray Park
“Very nice, no rif raff, clean and well maintained by Jacksonville parks and recreation.”
“The park has cute benches under Big Beautiful trees that give the perfect shade and I felt a cool breeze despite the very hit day.”
“We really enjoy the beauty and peaceful ness of this park.”
“Not a huge park but good enough for a shorter, easy walk on paved path.”
Love this park! Nice place to walk. Fed the turtles and geese. Came back tonight to hear the music and see some big turtles and a baby turtle.
I love how clean and serene this park is. I found myself walking all the paths and appreciating the beauty of nature. The park has cute benches under Big Beautiful trees that give the perfect shade and I felt a cool breeze despite the very hit day.
We have been coming to this park for 10 years. My kids have always enjoyed playing on the park and walking around the little garden path. The new addition of the outdoor area with the water fountain and grassy seating area is really nice.
Beautiful park! Very clean and spacious. Community event going on in the area the day we went. This park is known for holding free events if you go on the right day. Restrooms are available, and the fountain with the ducks is very calming during your walk.
Trail conditions & character
“All the trails are paved and there is so much to see in this little oasis.”
“Restrooms are available, and the fountain with the ducks is very calming during your walk.”
“You can bring leashed dogs and there are several dog poop stations in the area as pictured.”
“We really enjoy the beauty and peaceful ness of this park.”
“The park has cute benches under Big Beautiful trees that give the perfect shade and I felt a cool breeze despite the very hit day.”
“The walking paths are great for wheelchairs and strollers.”
“The new addition of the outdoor area with the water fountain and grassy seating area is really nice.”
Plan your run at Richard Ray Park
The practical stuff
- AccessPosted hours — posted hours below; park gates sometimes close earlier than the listing says
- SurfacePaved — asphalt or concrete. Fast and predictable, runnable year-round, and fine with a stroller
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- At the trailheadrestrooms, water — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitejacksonvillenc.gov
- Phone(910) 938-5312
Hours
| Monday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Tuesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Wednesday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Thursday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Friday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Saturday | 7 AM–9 PM |
| Sunday | 7 AM–9 PM |
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