Bennett Park is a 117-acre park located on the south end of Charlotte, adjacent to the county fairgrounds. Access is off Cochran Avenue. Within Bennett Park there are separate areas referenced as Veterans Memorial Park, Camp Frances, Memorial Tree Garden, and the historic courthouse site. The main portion of the park includes picnic facilities, hiking and nature trails, a battery of six horseshoe pits and three playground sites. The front of the site contains two picnic pavilions including grills and drinking fountains, which are used for group activities. A restroom building is also available. Paved parking is provided for both picnic areas.
Memorial Tree Garden
In 1988, the General Federation of Women's Club - Charlotte in cooperation with the Charlotte City Council, established a fund to accept memorial donations to honor friends, family members, and citizens of the community by planting a tree or shrub at various locations. Bennett Park's Memorial Tree Garden was established and dedicated on May 1st, 1999 as a formal area for these trees and shrubs.
Camp Frances
As president of the Charlotte Girls Recreation Camp Board, Frances Hasemeier Gates devoted many hours to organizing and fund-raising for a dream to become a reality. Frances wanted to assure a happy and healthy camping experience for the girls in the community. On May 3rd, 1954 that dream became a reality with the opening of the cabin at Bennett Park named Camp Frances. The rustic log cabin featured a large round fireplace and a sleeping area. The first cabin burned down in 1971 and was replaced by the present cabin.
Veterans Memorial Park
Near the entrance to Camp Frances is an area called the Veterans Memorial Park. The area contains stones with affixed plaques that commemorate the local men and women who fought in every US war.