History of Oka T. Hester Park

Hester Park was named after the first director of the Greensboro Parks and Recreation Department. Land acquisition was purchased in 1974 and the first phase of development started with roads, parking lots, construction of Trotter Recreation Center and Hester Park Tennis Facility. This phase was completed in 1977. In 1978, the second phase began, which included construction of the picnic shelters, restrooms, volleyball courts, playgrounds and 1.3 mile exercise trail. The third phase of development included the Mulit-Complex for Youth Soccer/Football and a concession stand in 1984. In 1986, Hester Park started the Urban Community Fishing Program with the North Carolina Wildlife Commission. The facility hosted the Bass Masters Kids Classic five times. Greensboro's Urban Loop development required relocation of the existing dam, restructuring of the lake beds and construction of a new dam. These improvements will assist in managing shore erosion, creating a better fish habitat and provide better fishing opportunities for the community.