Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

What better way to enjoy being in nature this summer than a concert and movie series right in the heart of several of our beautiful parks across the city!? Sit back, relax and enjoy family and friends while grooving to music or watching a movie on a big screen. This summer we have a great lineup of awesome bands and family-friendly movies for everyone to enjoy. Both activities are free and open to the public! We’ll have food vendors on site with food and drinks available for purchase. We’d suggest bringing your favorite lawn chair or blanket to set up for a night at the park. And just a reminder, no alcohol or smoking is allowed. Here is a full list of the upcoming concerts and movies that are scheduled for this summer: Date Time Location Band/Movie Saturday, June 9 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Duke Park, 106 W. Knox Street ReggaeInfinity (Reggae) Saturday, June 23 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street Marmaduke (PG) Saturday, July 7 6

Spring and summer is upon us and that means it’s time to get outside and explore the great outdoors! Whether you pack a delicious picnic for your family or take your dog on a quick hike, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This blog is the perfect guide to highlight a few of the many parks, trails, and outdoor activities that Durham Parks and Recreation has to offer. Parks Durham has great places to play! The City's parks serve as sites for many of Durham Parks and Recreation's athletic leagues, activities, and events. More than 65 parks are available for public use with more planned for future development. For a full list of our parks and their amenities, visit our website . Each park has a page dedicated to its history and features, some of which include playgrounds, picnic shelters, greenways and trail access and grills. If you are looking for a picnic shelter this spring and summer season, check out our Picnic Shelter Rentals page on our website.      Park Spotlig

Clear your calendar! We’ve got a week full of awesome activities leading up to our 49th Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday! From a Hip Hop Panel Discussion to a Community Block Party, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Here’s a full list of our weekday activities that start today: Bimbé Panel Discussion: Hip Hop - Then and Now Join us for a panel discussion with DJs and Artists about where Hip Hop is going and why.      Tuesday, May 15, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.      Holton Career and Resource Center Athletic Field, 401 N. Driver St.      Free | All Ages | No preregistration required Bimbé Community Block Party Fun for the whole community! Music, food, dancing, and games for the whole family! K97.5 will be airing live from the event, with host Brian Dawson!      Wednesday, May 16, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.      Holton Career and Resource Center Athletic Field, 401 N. Driver St.      Free | All Ages | No preregistration required Bimbé Basketball Classic Basketball game hosted by K97.5

Bimbé History In 1969, a group of African American students from local Universities and community members met together to discuss the need for a cultural arts festival for the residents of Durham. Months of planning and hard work brought together the first ever Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival – held originally at Duke Gardens. The origin of Bimbé rooted from the West African festival of harvest celebration. During the celebration families would give thanks by sharing their best fruits within the villages. The fruit sharing was accompanied with drums, songs and dance. This is a tradition that is still practiced by many villages in the Caribbean. The second year of Bimbé took place at Hillside Park, which led to more community involvement. In the early 1980’s Bimbé was then moved to the campus of NCCU which grew even more in attendance and sponsorship. By 1995 the festival moved to UDI Industrial Park near Fayetteville Street and a year later, to the Durham Athletic Park. In 2003 Bimb

By: Laura Deara, Master Program Specialist Enjoy a day in the park with your furry friend on Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at Rock Quarry Park! Join us for Canine Field Day, where you and your dog will have an opportunity to watch and participate in activities and competitions. There will be something for everyone and every dog! For the third consecutive year, DPR is proud to welcome back SkyHoundz Classic World Canine Disc Championship Series, the world’s largest disc-dog series, sponsored by Hyperflite. This year we will be hosting the official State Championship, which is composed of freestyle and distance/accuracy combined. Participants will have (two) 90-second rounds of freestyle and (one) 60-second round of distance/accuracy, with winners determined by totaling all three rounds. Registration opens at 10 AM sharp, and the competition will begin at 10:30 AM. Whether you are participating or spectating, come lend your support to these four-legged athletes! For more i