Patriot Park — Attraction in Sumter

The park is clean, safe, and the layout is decent.

Amenities: -Playground. There is a mostly shaded, newer playground near the baseball complex. Surrounded by pine trees, picnic tables, and park benches, this playground overlooks a pond to the west and the baseball complex to the east. It has swings, slides, monkey bars, and other typical play-on equipment. The playground is fenced in and the ground is a semi-compacted foam or rubber material that reduces scrapes and bumps.

-Baseball Complex: There are four fields on which to play baseball. The complex itself is well designed, however bathrooms are only accessible during major games. Great place to escape from the weather.

-Soccer complex. Much the same as the baseball complex, however there are more soccer fields.

-Trails/Sidewalks. There are several trails and sidewalks. The majority are uncovered and offer decent views of the ongoings of the park. Could be improved with additional cover from the weather.

-Pets welcome! (On a leash, of course)

-Pavilion. There is a rentable pavilion that overlooks the pond. I know nothing about it, but it seems popular. On the ground level, beneath the pavilion, are 2 of 3 publically accessible bathrooms 24/7.

-Parking. More than sufficient, no problems here.

The bad: -Bathrooms. There are only 3 in this sprawling park that are available 24x7. 1 for men, 1 for women, 1 unisex in the geographic center of the park. Heaven help you if you had Taco Bell before coming to this park.

-Drinks. There are none. IF the water fountains work, I wouldn't trust them. The only park staff I've ever seen have been there to maintain the grounds, not the plumbing or filters. There are not any vending machines available.

-Staff. There aren't any on a regular basis.

Summary: Overall, the park serves as a safe place for locals to get out and enjoy themselves, but you better plan for the weather, food, drinks, and first aid well before popping by. Sadly, the design of this park is a huge improvement for Sumter. Maybe in another 40-50 years we can get modern amenities...

I have reviewed this place before. I would have given 5 stars but the is one thing that is a huge deterrent from living this place. Parking. The gates to the main parking area are NEVER open and visitors are forced to park along the entry road or wherever they can find a space. This is a lovely community park and is frequented by many of the local residents but it is very discouraging that whomever oversees this park do not have the consideration to at least open the gates to the parking area for the many visitors to this park. Please take this into consideration before visiting and to the manager please consider this before you lose the support of...

In the past we have not spent much time here. However, my youngest became a confident bike rider in the past few weeks, and we decide to head there on this past beautiful Saturday.

First, it was almost empty - perfect for biking with a new rider! Second - they're putting in what looks like will be a great playground!!

The park is beautiful. It has lots of ball fields and biking/walking paths that wind around some ponds. I will note that the bathrooms have been locked the few times we have been there ...