Thousands ‘Rock Out the Quarry’ over the weekend
Quarry Park provides a one-of-a-kind view of the city’s skyline. Thousands got to witness that view last weekend during the Rock Out the Quarry celebration.
For over a decade, children and residents in the Southeast Ward have known about the beauty of the 200-acre quarry neatly tucked away in the woods off Reynolds Park Road.
Many have taken the nearly one mile hike through dirt and rough terrain as children just to admire the beauty of the natural wonder.
“For me and other people from my neighborhood, the quarry has always been a part of the city,” said Brian Williams, a longtime city resident. “We would walk through the woods and spend the whole day at the quarry in the summer. It was part of our childhood.”
While the quarry may not have been a secret to Williams and others, it’s safe to say the secret is out.
On Saturday, June 30, thousands of residents grabbed their lawn chairs and beach towels and made their way to the quarry. Estimates are more than 3,000 people attended the event.
The event that brought people together from all parts of city was Rock Out the Quarry. Sponsored by the Winston-Salem Recreation and Parks Department, the community development department and the local police department. The event featured live music, food trucks, and fireworks.
Rock Out the Quarry also provided a view of the city’s skyline that can’t be seen from anywhere else.
While enjoying the soulful sounds of Darryl Little and Friends, several residents said they were happy to see so many people having good wholesome fun. One resident said, “I think it’s wonderful what the city has done here today. With so much going on in the world today, it’s always good to see people come together like this.”
Several elected officials were on hand for the fun and festivities as well, including City Council member James Taylor, who represents the Southeast Ward. Taylor, who is the publisher of The Chronicle, said when he joined the city council nine years ago he envisioned a “destination location” that people from all over the city would want to come and relax.
“As I look over the audience, I can say we have accomplished that goal,” continued Taylor. “This was a secret no one knew about it, but today culminates the idea of opening this up to the community.”
