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Empie Park

4.6
·751 reviews·Wilmington, United States

A vibrant community park featuring 19 tennis courts, basketball, a playground, and a popular, well-maintained dog park.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for dog park

CrowdLow
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Ballfields.....

Empie Park

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, ideal for dog park

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant community park featuring 19 tennis courts, basketball, a playground, and a popular, well-maintained dog park.

4.6
(751 reviews)

"A beloved community hub offering diverse recreation from tennis to a top-notch dog park."

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TIP

🐾 Dog Park Pool Check

The splash pools can get stagnant; report if needed or bring your own dog's favorite toy.

🅿️ Parking Patience

Dog park parking can be taken by other groups; arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dog Park Oasis

Dog Park Oasis

Designated Dog Park Area

Shaded runs, water bowls, and splash pools make this a paradise for pups. Well-maintained and secure.

Tennis Courts

Tennis Courts

Tennis Court Area

19 well-kept tennis courts offer ample space for players of all levels to enjoy a match.

Community Playground

Community Playground

Playground Area

A classic playground that brings joy to younger visitors, perfect for family fun.

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Dog Park Etiquette & Amenities

Empie Park boasts a popular dog park with shaded runs, water bowls, and even kiddie pools for splashing. While groundskeepers keep the area tidy and bags stocked, some visitors note stagnant water in the pools and inconsiderate parking by other park groups. Remember to always pick up after your pets to maintain this community-loved space. Reddit

Sports Facilities & Family Fun

Beyond the dog park, Empie Park offers a variety of sports facilities including 19 tennis courts, basketball courts, a playground, and a ball field. It's a great spot for family outings and exercise, with many visitors appreciating the well-maintained grounds and opportunities for active recreation. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, ideal for dog park
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Cooler temps for outdoor play
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Hole 1 at Empire park🥏⛳️. You guys have been insane lately, we thank you for the support🙌. #fyp #innovadiscs #discgolf #Outdoors #viral #trending
@discgolfbros
55K likes • 559.5K views

🐾 Dog Park Pool Check

The splash pools can get stagnant; report if needed or bring your own dog's favorite toy. Reddit

🅿️ Parking Patience

Dog park parking can be taken by other groups; arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit. Reddit

On Set Cinema 30th anniversary screening of “Empire Records” in downtown Wilmington, North Carolina at the actual building where the movie was filmed. Thanks so much to everyone who came out. Happy Rex Manning Day! Damn the man, we saved the Empire. See you next year!! 💜 ••••• #rexmanningday #empirerecords #happyrexmanningday #wilmingtonnc #northcarolina #90s #1995 #90snostalgia #1990s #fyp
@myershousenc
9.8K likes • 77.6K views
📚 Back to school doesn’t mean back to boring! The fun never stops at Empire Adventure Park. Starting Sept 29:
🎟️ $40 All-Day Jump Pass
🕒 Mon–Fri | 3 PM – Close (Tickets are available until 8 PM) ⚠️ Please Note:
🧦 Jump socks required & sold separately
🚫 No other specials/discounts apply
❌ Excludes holidays & school closures #EmpireAdventurePark #AfterSchoolFun #FallVibes #TrampolinePark #Adventure...
empire_adventure_park
0 likes • 2K views

🎾 Tennis Gear Ready

Bring your rackets and balls for the 19 available tennis courts. Reddit

💧 Hydration Station

Water bowls are available, but bringing extra water for pets is always a good idea. Reddit

Old school fun at Empire Park in East Moline, IL Get lost in the best parts of childhood with this classic, wooden playground that brings back all the nostalgia vibes for parents! #comeplaywithus #eastmoline #quadcities #quadcitiesillinois #woodenplayground #tireswing #youbelonghere #visitquadcities #qcplaygrounds #qcparks #empirepark #splintersarepartofchildhood #seeyouattheplayground
qcplaygrounds
11 likes • 396 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐾 Dog Park Pool Check

The splash pools can get stagnant; report if needed or bring your own dog's favorite toy. Reddit

🅿️ Parking Patience

Dog park parking can be taken by other groups; arrive early or be prepared to walk a bit. Reddit

🎾 Tennis Gear Ready

Bring your rackets and balls for the 19 available tennis courts. Reddit

💧 Hydration Station

Water bowls are available, but bringing extra water for pets is always a good idea. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(751 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Empie Park is a well-loved community space, particularly praised for its dedicated dog park with shaded runs and essential amenities. Visitors appreciate the clean grounds and the variety of sports facilities, including numerous tennis courts and basketball courts. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the cleanliness of dog splash pools and parking availability, with other park user groups sometimes occupying prime spots.

"Great large and small dog park. Park grounds crew keep it tidy since 2006. Still unobservant dog owners who fail to pick up, but there are two big shaded runs, Water bowls and kiddie pools, benches and a gazebo. Balls for chasing hoses for cleaning off the sand (no mud). Everyone is engaging and cares for the facility. No escaping or digging under the chain link fence. Hats off to the grounds keepers who keep the bags stocked. Folks if you see them, thank them. They are underappreciated and dedicated."

Adam Hunger

"First time here, close by. Decently sized with shade, access to plenty of water. There is soft vinyl pool there for dogs to splash around in which was quite stagnantly gross, and doesn't appear to be cleaned often. Which was reported to me by other dog owners. Pet owners friendly. 🚻 not too far away. Inadequate parking for designated for dog park visitors that are taken over daily by womens running group or cyclist groups, that meet pretty regularly. This complaint was also brought to my attention per local pet owners during our visit. When pet owners have kindly asked that they not take up the majority of parking spaces right at the dog park and to please utilize parking closer to towards the 🚻, which are plenty. They disregard and appear to have no consideration, as though they are entitled. It's always nice to find a place to bring your dogs to be out in nature, socialize, and get their needed exercise. I am grateful/thankful. Yet, that pool must go or be regularly cleaned by park staff."

TALIA Will Tell Ya

"My pups love to walk around Empie Park. My beagle-basset tries to pick up errant tennis balls. And my other pups loves that someone put a water bowl by the drinking fountain. She loves drinking the fresh filtered water. They both love the attention they get while visiting the courts."

Francisca Oller

What People Like

Well-maintained dog park
Ample shaded runs
Numerous tennis courts

What People Dislike

Stagnant dog pools
Parking competition

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Empie Park is accessible by car and public transport. Check local transit schedules for bus routes that stop nearby. Parking is available, though it can be competitive during peak times, especially for dog park visitors. Reddit

Yes, parking is available. However, some reviews mention that parking spaces designated for the dog park are often occupied by other park user groups like runners or cyclists, so arriving early is recommended. Reddit

Absolutely! With its diverse amenities like tennis courts, a playground, and a dog park, Empie Park offers plenty for a full day of recreation and relaxation. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Empie Park is a public park and generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for general park access. Reddit

While park entry is free, some activities like using the tennis courts might have associated costs or require reservations depending on local regulations or league play. The dog park and playground are free to use. Reddit

Park hours typically align with daylight hours, but it's best to check with the local parks department for specific opening and closing times, as these can vary seasonally. Reddit

🎫 🎾 Onsite Experience

Empie Park offers a wide range of activities including playing tennis on 19 courts, basketball, enjoying the playground, and visiting the popular dog park. Reddit

The dog park is generally well-maintained with grounds crews keeping it tidy, stocked with bags, and providing water bowls. However, some visitors have noted issues with stagnant water in the splash pools. Reddit

Yes, the dog park features shaded runs, water bowls, and kiddie pools for dogs to splash in. The fence is secure, preventing escapes or digging. Reddit

Yes, Empie Park has basketball courts available for public use. It's a great spot for casual games or pick-up basketball. Reddit

Empie Park is very family-friendly, offering a playground for kids, open spaces for play, and sports facilities like tennis and basketball courts for all ages. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Empie Park itself does not typically have on-site food vendors. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks or dine at nearby restaurants after your visit. Reddit

Yes, picnicking is a great option at Empie Park. There are open spaces and benches where you can enjoy a meal outdoors. Remember to clean up any trash afterward. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The well-maintained tennis courts, the vibrant playground, and the lively dog park offer great opportunities for candid shots. The general park grounds also provide scenic backdrops. Reddit

Yes, Empie Park is quite photogenic, especially with its variety of recreational areas. The green spaces, sports facilities, and happy park-goers make for appealing photos. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Empie Park is a fantastic destination for families. The playground provides a dedicated space for children to play and burn energy. Parents can relax on nearby benches while keeping an eye on their little ones. The park's open spaces are also perfect for impromptu games or picnics. Reddit

For families with dogs, the dog park offers a safe and engaging environment for furry friends to socialize. The availability of water bowls and shaded areas makes it comfortable for both pets and their owners. The tennis and basketball courts also offer opportunities for older children and adults to engage in active play together. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

The dog park at Empie Park is a major highlight, featuring separate large and small dog runs with ample shade. Groundskeepers are praised for keeping the area clean and stocked with waste bags. Water bowls are provided, and there are even kiddie pools for dogs to cool off in, though some visitors note these can become stagnant. Reddit

While the park offers great amenities, be aware of potential parking challenges, as spots can be taken by other park user groups. The secure fencing ensures your dog's safety, making it a reliable spot for off-leash fun and socialization. Reddit

🎾 Tennis Players

With 19 well-maintained tennis courts, Empie Park is a dream for tennis enthusiasts. You'll likely find an available court for a casual game or practice. The courts are a central feature of the park, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. Reddit

While reservations aren't typically mentioned, it's wise to check with local park authorities for any league play or booking systems that might be in place, especially during peak seasons. Bring your rackets and balls and enjoy a game in a pleasant park setting. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Empie Park Dog Park Experience

The dog park at Empie Park is a significant draw for pet owners, offering two large shaded runs designed for both large and small dogs. Visitors consistently praise the groundskeepers for their dedication to keeping the area tidy, ensuring waste bags are stocked and the grounds are clean. The park provides essential amenities like water bowls and hoses for rinsing off sandy paws, and the chain-link fencing is secure, preventing any escapes. Reddit

Despite the positive upkeep, some recurring feedback points to the kiddie pools used for dog splashing as being less than ideal, sometimes appearing stagnant and infrequently cleaned. This has been a point of concern for some pet owners, who suggest either more frequent cleaning or removal of the pools. Additionally, parking can be a challenge, with dedicated dog park spots often taken by other user groups, leading to minor frustrations among pet owners who feel their needs are overlooked. Reddit

Overall, the dog park remains a beloved spot for socialization and exercise, with a strong sense of community among the regulars who appreciate the facility and its caretakers. The friendly atmosphere and dedicated amenities make it a worthwhile visit for dog owners looking for a safe and engaging space for their pets. Reddit

Sports and Recreation at Empie Park

Empie Park is a hub for sports enthusiasts, boasting an impressive 19 tennis courts. These courts are well-maintained and provide ample space for players of all skill levels, from casual matches to more organized play. The park also features basketball courts, making it a versatile destination for various athletic pursuits. Reddit

Beyond the courts, a playground offers a fun area for children, ensuring that families can enjoy a day out with activities for everyone. The presence of a ball field further adds to the park's recreational offerings, catering to team sports and community events. This variety of facilities makes Empie Park a comprehensive destination for exercise, family fun, and outdoor enjoyment. Reddit

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