Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

The new dock at Lake Michie The Lake Michie dock was originally scheduled to be a renovation to be completed by December 2016. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew changed that plan to a total replacement project. Now the dock and canoe/kayak launch are ADA accessible, making it much easier for persons with disabilities to access the dock’s fishing area at the end of the dock and to launch a canoe or kayak. This completed a project that also included installation of new ramps and decking around the boat house, widening doors and dropping thresholds to ADA standards. The dock is now secured with pilings driven to a depth of nine (9) feet which allows the dock to rise with flood waters and as such, resist the forces of water in flood conditions. The new boat slips are easier for people to dock their boats, return to shore for brief breaks and to meet family and friends who are joining them on their boats.  Don't Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket The American Red Cross program Lon...

In a few short weeks, we will be celebrating the birth of our Country! Join Durham Parks and Recreation as we celebrate patriotism and civic pride alongside the Durham Bulls. On Wednesday, July 4, 2018, purchase tickets to attend the baseball game at 6:05 p.m. and enjoy a dynamic fireworks show following the game (approximately at 9:15 p.m.). In case of inclement weather, the rain date for this event is Thursday, July 5, 2018. Gates will open for general admission at the end of the 7th inning based on availability for those that would like to view the fireworks show from inside the ballpark. Please note, viewing areas are limited outside of the ballpark. Purchasing tickets to the game is strongly encouraged and ensures a spot inside the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to watch the fireworks. For day of questions about the fireworks show and ticket information, please call 919-956-BULL. Looking to watch the fireworks outside of the ballpark? Check out some of these viewing sites: T...

By: Cecily Parrish The Maintenance Unit struck gold when they received the Keep Durham Beautiful and The Garden and Landscape Golden Leaf Awards for their hard work transforming the old foundation of the Lavender Street House into a grassed gathering and performance space for public use. A reception/awards presentation was held on Thursday April 19, 2018 at the Old County Courthouse. A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at the awesome transformation! Before After The Lavender House History The Lavender House was built in the 1930s. In 1946, the building housed the Children's Museum, and years later the Museum moved to Murray Avenue where it became the Museum of Life and Science. The house was built within the Ellerbe Creek floodplain and would sometimes become flooded after heavy rains. After repeated floodings, the Lavender House was deconstructed. Today, the stone foundation area of the house has been transformed into a usable play space.   G...

Congratulations to our regular season champions, Weaver 2! By: Shannon Teamer, Recreation Assistant Supervisor - Teen Coordinator Night Flight is our inter-departmental teen basketball league. Each center has its own team that plays in the league. This year was my first year overseeing the league and I was impressed with the investment that the department and each individual center had in each of the teams. Games this season were played every other Friday night beginning in October and running until the beginning of March. Overseeing the league this year, allowed me to go to each of the centers and get a chance to meet evening staff and see existing equipment and space that each site has to offer. In addition to visiting sites, this program also allowed me to work closely with other Recreation Assistant Supervisors and Recreation Specialists across the department. This season we had some barriers that the league has not faced in a few seasons, several forfeitures due to...