If you’ve never been to Keeley Park, you’re missing one of Greensboro’s most impressive outdoor destinations. Located just outside Greensboro, Keeley Park is a sprawling 200-acre park offering a wide range of activities for visitors — and it’s the kind of place where you can genuinely spend an entire day without running out of things to do. Having formerly served as a 138-acre family farm and then a City-owned plant nursery, Keeley Park is the City of Greensboro’s fourth regional park.

The Up in the AIR playground is the largest inclusive playground west of Raleigh. The park also boasts the city’s first fully accessible playground, making it one of the most thoughtfully designed public parks in all of North Carolina. Whether you’re bringing kids of all abilities, training for a race, playing disc golf, fishing in one of the five ponds, or simply walking the paved trails around the lakes, Keeley Park delivers.

What’s at Keeley Park

“Up in the Air” All-Inclusive Playground

Keeley Park in McLeansville, NC outside of Greensboro — Keeley Park Playground

The Up in the AIR playground is the largest inclusive playground west of Raleigh. This isn’t just a great playground — it’s a landmark. Designed for children of all abilities, the Up in the AIR inclusive playground is physically accessible by someone using a mobility device and has additional characteristics to make it more usable by individuals with varying abilities. Reviewers consistently rave about the unique play areas, the cleanliness, and the thoughtful design that ensures every child can participate fully. Educational activities for kids are incorporated throughout, making it a thoughtful destination for relaxation and learning in nature.

Best for: Families with children of all abilities, inclusive play, educational outdoor experiences

Sprayground (Splash Pad)

A free interactive sprayground with a lounge chair area and surrounding picnic tables — perfect for summer visits. The sprayground deck expansion allows for lounge chairs and more picnic tables. Free to use with no advance booking required. One of the most popular summer features for families.

Best for: Families with young children, summer visits, cooling off

Cost: Free, no booking required

18-Hole Disc Golf Course

The Keeley Park Disc Golf Course was professionally designed by Andrew Duvall at Innova to provide an exceptional playing experience. A tournament and recreational-level 18-hole course that draws serious disc golfers from across the Triad. Free to play, well-maintained, and designed to challenge players of all skill levels. One of the best free outdoor activities in northeast Greensboro.

Best for: Disc golf enthusiasts, families looking for a free outdoor challenge, all skill levels

Mountain Biking — Pump Track & Beginner Trail

The Keeley Park Pump Track features two tracks of continuous dirt loops of rollers and berms. The park gets its name from the pumping motion that requires the use of both the upper and lower body, a method of propulsion the cyclist uses to navigate around the track without pedaling. Surface: red clay dirt. Amenities: one advanced riders track, one beginner’s track, one skills area, picnic tables, restrooms nearby, a sprayground, and a Bike Fix-it Station with bike tools and air.

A beginner mountain bike trail was added as part of Phase II, making the pump track area accessible for newer riders who aren’t ready for the advanced loops. This facility is a low-risk opportunity due to the flat nature of the course — your speed is limited by your skill level, making it safe.

Best for: Mountain bikers of all levels, pump track enthusiasts, beginners learning trail riding skills

Cross-Country Course

For outdoor enthusiasts, there are mountain biking trails, a cross country course, disc golf course, and an outdoor fitness area to enjoy. The cross-country course at Keeley Park is well-regarded among runners in the Greensboro area and has hosted competitive events. Trail runners and fitness enthusiasts use it regularly for training.

Best for: Runners, cross-country athletes, fitness training, competitive events

Outdoor Fitness Area

Inclusive outdoor fitness equipment designed to be usable by visitors of varying abilities. Inclusive outdoor fitness equipment is physically accessible by someone using a mobility device. Free, outdoors, and a great complement to a walk around the ponds or a round of disc golf.

Paved Walking Trails

Miles of paved pathways wind throughout the park, connecting its major features and looping around the scenic fishing ponds. The paved surface makes the trails accessible for strollers, wheelchairs, and mobility devices. Visitors consistently praise the well-maintained grounds and peaceful ambiance. Morning walks around the lake are a particular favorite of regulars.

Best for: Morning walks, stroller-friendly outings, mobility device users, birdwatching

Five Fishing Ponds & Pier

The first phase of the park included five ponds with fishing. Stocked fishing ponds and a fishing pier make Keeley Park one of the best accessible fishing destinations in the Greensboro area. The natural wooded trails and meadows make this a perfect spot for bird watchers as well. The area around the fishing ponds can be perfect for photo shoots.

Best for: Fishing, birdwatching, nature photography, peaceful afternoons on the water

Note: A valid NC fishing license is required for ages 16 and up

Community Garden & Greenhouse

The community garden is comprised of raised beds, additional plots, and a teaching deck. One of the most distinctive features of any Greensboro park — a full community garden with a greenhouse where community members can grow their own produce. A wonderful resource for the northeast Greensboro community and worth a walk-through on any visit.

Also to be viewed is a large area of composting opportunities, which is a great educational activity for children.

Best for: Gardening enthusiasts, community connection, educational visits

Visitor Information

Address: 4110 Keeley Rd, McLeansville, NC 27301 (northeast Greensboro area)
Phone: (336) 373-4547
Hours: Dawn to dusk daily
Admission: Free
Parking: Free, ample on-site parking
Accessibility: Inclusive Up in the AIR Playground, inclusive outdoor fitness equipment, community garden, cornhole court, fishing pier, paved trails, picnic shelters, sprayground, restrooms, and parking are all accessible for mobility device users.
Dogs: Welcome on leash
Directions from Greensboro: Take I-40 E towards Burlington, then take exit 126 for NC-150 E/US-29 S. Turn right onto NC-150 E/US-29 S, then turn left onto Keeley Rd. The park entrance will be on your right.

Tips for Your Visit

Plan a full morning or afternoon — between the disc golf course, playground, trails, fishing ponds, and sprayground, there is genuinely enough here to fill 3–4 hours without rushing
Come during weekdays or early mornings for the most tranquil experience — the park gets busy on summer weekend afternoons, particularly around the sprayground and playground
Bring a disc if you want to play the course — no rental equipment is available on site
The Bike Fix-it Station at the pump track has tools and an air pump — great for cyclists who need a quick tune-up before hitting the trails
Fishing requires a valid NC license for anyone 16 and up — pick one up at a local sporting goods store before visiting
Download the Piedmont Discovery app for trail maps and navigation throughout the park
The ponds and meadows are exceptional for birdwatching and nature photography — bring binoculars if you have them
Keeley is about 20 minutes east of downtown Greensboro — plan it as a destination in its own right or combine with a stop in Burlington

More Greensboro Parks & Outdoor Guides

Information from this blog is sourced through the Keeley Park Website.