Lakeside Park

Janet Benoir

By Janet Benoir | July 1, 2025

In the Piedmont corner of South Carolina, Lakeside Park stands out as a dynamic destination where water slides, mountain bike trails, and playground laughter all share the same pulse. Located just minutes from downtown Greenville at 1500 Piedmont Highway, this park offers a full-throttle outdoor experience that blends athleticism, relaxation, and play with remarkable ease.

Whether you’re rallying for a basketball game, pedaling into the woods, or cooling off at a family-friendly waterpark, Lakeside Park offers something for every kind of adventurer.

A Recreation Hub That Moves at Your Speed

Lakeside Park invites movement. Its layout is designed for activity and exploration, stretching beyond typical park features to deliver an immersive recreational environment. Start your day winding through over six miles of trails, where hiking and mountain biking routes curve through wooded segments and sunlit patches. These trails offer varying difficulty levels, making them equally welcoming for beginners and seasoned riders.

Prefer to stay on the court? You’ll find well-kept athletic fields perfect for soccer or baseball scrimmages, along with basketball courts that echo with the rhythm of casual pick-up games. These spaces hum with community energy, especially during weekends when families and local teams make the most of the facilities.

7th Inning Splash Waterpark: A Summertime Classic

At the heart of Lakeside Park lies the 7th Inning Splash Waterpark, a summer staple for locals and visitors alike. While it’s compact compared to sprawling theme parks, this water attraction delivers with classic thrills. Zoom down winding water slides, float under the clear Carolina sky, or watch your kids tumble through interactive spray zones. Lifeguards and staff maintain a strong presence, creating a secure environment where fun stays front and center.

Because the waterpark is built for families, the pace here shifts to relaxed enjoyment. It’s an ideal place to recharge after a morning on the trails or to simply spend an afternoon in the sun. Entry is managed efficiently, and its placement within Lakeside Park makes it easy to integrate waterpark time with other outdoor plans.

Playground, Picnic, and Playtime

Lakeside Park’s playground sits about 150 yards from the main shelter area, giving children room to run and discover. The equipment is colorful, durable, and suited for a wide age range, from toddlers teetering on baby swings to older kids climbing, sliding, and scaling jungle structures. Soft mulch surfaces provide extra comfort, and the playground’s location near the trees offers some natural shade throughout the day.

For group gatherings, the Lakeside Shelter provides a well-equipped space for birthdays, reunions, or casual cookouts. It accommodates around 80 people and includes restrooms, a grill, a fireplace, electrical outlets, and 11 picnic tables. While it’s next to the waterpark, the playground remains within walking distance, offering access to both structured celebration and spontaneous play.

Shelter Rental Details:

  • Full-day bookings only from 9 AM to 9 PM
  • Cost: $180 per day
  • Extras: Refunds available with 14 days’ notice (minus $15 processing fee)
  • No refunds for weather-related cancellations

Reservations for the shelter begin each year on January 1, and spots fill up quickly during peak months. Plan ahead if you’re eyeing a weekend date.

The Trails That Tie It All Together

Perhaps the park’s most invigorating feature is its trail system. With more than six miles to explore, Lakeside’s hiking and biking paths connect its amenities like veins. Trail users encounter wooded glens, occasional wildlife sightings, and peaceful resting spots perfect for a water break or snack. Cyclists can test their endurance across winding tracks, while walkers enjoy a more leisurely pace with frequent opportunities to stop and enjoy the calm.

Whether you’re tackling the entire network or looping through a smaller segment, these trails provide a sense of escape without venturing far from Greenville’s urban reach.

Logistics and Local Info

Lakeside Park falls under the care of Greenville County Parks, Recreation & Tourism. The grounds are regularly maintained, and the layout makes it easy to flow between one experience and the next without feeling crowded or rushed.

For assistance or planning:

  • Administrative Office Address: 4806 Old Spartanburg Road, Taylors, SC 29687
  • Phone: 864-288-6470
  • Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Plenty of parking is available on site, and basic rules for cleanliness and respect are posted clearly. Restrooms are available near key facilities, including the shelter and waterpark.

Why It’s Worth the Trip

Lakeside Park delivers more than a few afternoon thrills. It offers the kind of variety that makes it easy to spend a full day engaged, whether you’re exploring trails solo or sharing a picnic table with friends and family. It’s where outdoor time doesn’t require planning a weekend away, and every turn leads to a new reason to stay a little longer.

For residents of Greenville County and anyone visiting the Upstate region, this park provides a space to move, connect, cool off, and celebrate. From biking under tall trees to cheering on a basketball game, Lakeside Park is Greenville’s call to the outdoors—and it answers with energy, variety, and plenty of room to play.