Greenfield gems: A few things to look for when you take a walk around Greenfield Lake

Taking a walk around Greenfield Lake in Wilmington, there are lots of things you might see.

There's also lots of things you might miss. Of course, the nature of walking in, uh, nature at Greenfield Park and the lake that bears its name is that it's going to be pretty much the same each time, but with small and possibly major differences here and there. Sometimes you'll see alligators, for example, and other times you won't.

So, as Greenfield Park celebrates its 100th birthday this year, let's take a walk around Greenfield Lake. I'll point out a few things you might not have seen before and drop a few facts you might not know about things you have seen.

Original sign and giraffe sculpture

The original sign welcoming visitors to Greenfield Park is hidden in a fenced-in area near the pickleball courts.

Located within a fenced-off area overgrown with weeds near the pickleball courts and the park's main parking lot is the original metal sign that used to extend over Lake Shore Drive (formerly Community Drive). It's a little off the beaten path, so you probably won't see the sign unless you go looking for it.

Also within the fenced-off area is a 13-foot-tall giraffe sculpture made out of rebar and covered in vines. The giraffe's name is Gracie, and the sculpture, which was designed to have vines grow on it, was made by Wilmington artist Michael Van Hout with help from children at Dreams of Wilmington, a nonprofit center for arts education, in 2008.

Vine-covered giraffe sculpture by Wilmington artist Michael Van Hout was made out of rebar and installed at Greenfield Park in 2008 on the former site of a petting zoo.

Gracie was installed on the site of a former petting zoo. Look closely, and you can see a wire heart designed by Wilmington artist Mitzy Jonkheer within Gracie's wire body.

Skate park sculptures

Sculpture at Greenfield Grind Skate Park by artist Tom Risser, installed in 2001, pays tribute to late brothers Chris and Chad Edwards.

There are a couple of sculptures around the Greenfield Grind Skate Park, including one of what looks like a robot, and the site will soon be a getting a new mural from Dreams of Wilmington.

Another sculpture depicting two stainless steel figures on a ramp has a rather somber backstory. According to a 2017 StarNews story, the sculpture by artist Tom Risser, installed in 2001, is a memorial of sorts to late brothers Chris and Chad Edwards. Chris was 10 when he was hit by a car while skateboarding at Wrightsville Beach in the late 1980s, and Chad, a snowboarder, was 22 when he died after hitting a tree snowboarding near Boone in 2001.

Chess Arbor

Historic Chess Arbor at Greenfield Lake dates to the 1930s.

The distinctive Chess Arbor in Greenfield Park's so-called "core" dates to the 1930s and is one of the oldest elements of the park. With its pyramidical design, it gives off an ancient Aztec architecture vibe, and is a very chill place to relax with a book or laptop.

Historic bathroom and concession stand

Historic "stone bathrooms" at Greenfield Park date to the 1930s.

Like the Chess Arbor, Greenfield Park's so-called "stone bathrooms" date to the 1930s, but unlike the Chess Arbor the bathrooms need some TLC ASAP. Most of the windows, including to the former concession stand, are boarded up, and the women's bathroom wasn't operational during a recent visit.

But with a super-cool arbor covered in vines and a retro-looking wall design, the bathrooms could enhance Greenfield's historic vibe if they're restored to their former glory, as a city-funded master plan from 2024 recommends.

Landmark sign

Parking lot signage noting historic landmark status of Greenfield Park.

Blink and you'll miss it, but this sign in the main parking lots notes the "local historic landmark" status of Greenfield Park & Gardens, which date to 1925.

Walking trail markers

Marker in Greenfield Park dedicated to late Wilmington City Councilman J. Rupert Bryan.

These markers at what some might consider the start of the 4.8-mile loop around Greenfield Lake aren't visually stunning or anything, but they do provide some valuable historical context.

For example, did you know that the walking/bike path, which dates to the 1970s, is technically called the Bryan Bike Path? It's named for late Wilmington City Councilman J. Rupert Bryan, who "promoted biking as an alternative form of transportation" during his time on council from 1975-1980, according to the graffiti-flecked marker. Bryan was only in his late 30s when he died while still in office.

Across from the Bryan marker, another stone marker, installed in 1952, pays tribute to "a people of undaunted spirit" who installed Community Drive, now known as Lake Shore Drive, around Greenfield Lake during the Great Depression.

Sunken Gardens

Gazebo in the Sunken Gardens at Greenfield Lake dates to the 1930s.

Like the Chess Arbor and the historic Greenfield Park bathrooms, the Sunken Gardens, located by the lake's northeast corner, date to the 1930s. It's a nice, secluded spot, especially now that Lions Bridge has been removed and is awaiting replacement. There are couple of cute little footbridges, and a really cool wrought-iron gazebo that could use some repairs and a fresh coat of paint.

Jackson Point Picnic Area

The Jackson Point Picnic Area just off E. Lake Shore Drive in Wilmington.

This little area off E. Lake Shore Drive near Jackson Drive has several seating areas, and offers great views of the lake.

Veterans' memorial

Veterans' memorial was installed at Greenfield Lake in 1950.

Just past the Jackson Point Picnic Area, a marker erected in 1950 pays tribute to "those from Wilmington and New Hanover County who fought for justice and right in all American Wars."

Gator holes

If you want to see alligators at Greenfield Lake, especially now that the deconstructed Lions Bridge is awaiting replacement, your best bet is probably the southern tip of the lake near where E. Lake Shore Drive turns into W. Lake Shore Drive. I saw two there the other day: one a little guy ("he's here every day" a lady smoking on boardwalk there told me), and another much bigger fella further out in the lake.

Newly unobstructed views

Brush around Greenfield Lake was cleared recently to restore original sightlines, including at the this spot off W. Lake Shore Drive.

As recommended by the 2024 "master plan" for Greenfield Lake commissioned by the city, crews have recently cleared brush and overgrowth at several parts of the lake to both enhance safety and restore the park's original sight lines. One place this is apparent is along W. Lake Shore Drive south of the amphitheater.

Fragrance and Rotary gardens

The Fragrance Gardens at Greenfield Lake dates to the early 1960s.

Located near the amphitheater, these lush and shady spots are perfect places to take a break during your 5-mile walk around the lake. Both date to the 1960s.

Yoga tree

Striking oak tree off W. Lake Shore Drive by Greenfield Lake is sometimes the site of yoga sessions.

This super-cool oak tree is located just west of the amphitheater off W. Lake Shore Drive. People do yoga beneath it sometimes, so let's call it the Yoga Tree.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Greenfield gems: A few things to look for when you take a walk around Greenfield Lake