Dorton Park — Attraction in Concord

Hidden Gem in Concord: Dorton Park Delivers Fun for All Ages

My wife and I, residents of Harrisburg, North Carolina, stumbled upon Dorton Park while heading to Afton Ridge for shopping—and what a delightful surprise it was! Tucked behind a charming neighborhood, this recently renovated park (reopened March 25, 2025, after a $60 million bond-funded overhaul) is a haven for outdoor lovers.

Trails & Greenways: The park’s asphalt trails weave seamlessly into the Coddle Creek Greenway, offering smooth walks or bike rides with scenic views. A new 0.75-mile greenway extension connects to Poplar Tent Road, perfect for longer strolls. Two new pedestrian bridges over Afton Run stream add to the charm, making exploration even more enjoyable.

Amenities Galore: Playgrounds & Sports: The park boasts multiple playgrounds, including one enclosed for toddlers (a rarity!) and others for older kids. Sports enthusiasts will love the resurfaced tennis courts (one with pickleball lines), a multi-purpose field for football or soccer, and an 18-hole disc golf course (expanded from 9 holes). Family-Friendly Facilities: We were impressed by the six clean, family-style restrooms—each a private room—and the park’s groundbreaking inclusive adult changing table, the first of its kind in Cabarrus County. Picnic Spots: Several pavilions with tables dot the park, ideal for picnics or gatherings.

Accessibility & Extras: The expanded parking lot (now 180 spaces) ensures easy access, while the stream restoration and lush landscaping enhance the natural vibe. The park’s thoughtful design—like ADA-compliant paths and the Willow’s Wish Foundation-funded changing table—shows Concord’s commitment to inclusivity.

My Final Thoughts: Dorton Park is more than just a stopover; it’s a destination. Whether you’re into disc golf, pickleball, or lazy picnics, this park delivers. We’ll definitely be back—maybe next time to try the new Gametime playground or the...

After this park being closed, I expected some BIG changes and renovations. Well, NOPE! Where is all the new playground equipment? The playground at the entrance looks like it's for toddlers and small kids...and then there's a swing set. Along the trials there is one slide and a small climbing wall. There is so much that could have been done at this park. There is more than enough space to add slides and equipment for older kids (7-11). Or even add a fitness park (outdoor fitness equipment) for people that would like a place workout. There is lots of wasted space here. I mean a skating area or even a small basketball court in that big open field. I mean, endless ideas here. However, the walking trail is great. I love it and really enjoy walking this trail. There are some sunny areas but also plenty of shade along the trail. There are tennis courts, soccer field, and disc golf for those interested. Very cute and quiet park but it really could use some additions to make it a fun place for everyone,...

What a huge disappointment. We paid millions for this, waited nearly 18 months and got more parking and no trees. (The schedule was 6 months late BEFORE Helene.) The tennis courts are the same, except lack the rear door to retrieve balls. The disc golf is a joke. (One hole is 18 feet. I hope you've been working out!) One part of the path has a barbed wire security fence. The bleachers are gone. The few benches that were added are all in the sun. Some of the new disc holes have poison ivy IN the course. This project is a disaster and will be discussed during election season. Waste of public funds. The goal of reducing flooding was and is silly. It's a park because it's in a flood zone. You simply moved the flooding...