Join the Fun Caravan!

By: Laura de Ara, Master Program Specialist

For over 40 years, Durham Parks and Recreation’s “Fun Caravan” has provided our community with a memorable tradition that intends to build a bond between families and the parks that frame our neighborhoods. Originally developed as a series of one-week playground programs, the Fun Caravan would operate all day long out of many of our historical schools. Here is an article from The Carolina Times promoting the program on June 26, 1976; the full publication can be accessed by clicking here. 

During those early years, Fun Caravan was under the supervision of, Carl Washington, DPR Director. Washington was a prominent figure in our community, his efforts helped shape Durham into the progressive melting-pot that it is today. He is remembered for the establishment of, and acting city liaison to, Northeast Central Durham. He tackled issues of crime, poverty, and racial divide through programs like Partners Against Crime, Hispanic Outreach Intervention and Strategy Team, social recreation, and partnered with 50 agencies that supported his cause. He inspired and mentored many of our community leaders with his vision of an enlightened society. Today, NCCU presents an annual recreation award and an academic scholarship in honor of, Carl Washington.

One of the first Fun Caravan experiences was presented at Hillandale School on Hillandale Road and Carver Street, before it was moved to its current location in 1993. Guided by eight specialists in the areas of arts and crafts, athletics, dance, nature study and drama, it offered activities such as hiking, leather work, hockey, theatre, archery, golf, and table games. It participated in national events that prompted diversity, physical challenges, and mental stimulation. As a participant in International Week, Fun Caravan partnered with the Chuck David Dance Company. Davis was one of the foremost teachers and choreographers of traditional African dance in America.

Through the years, Fun Caravan has evolved into a mobile recreation program making appearances at local parks equipped with toys and art supplies with which to build social relationships and entertaining physical activity. This July, we celebrate Park and Recreation Month with the National Recreation and Park Association. This year’s theme is “A Lifetime of Discovery”! The NRPA challenges you to redefine how you think about your parks and explore many “undiscovered” offerings made by your local Parks & Recreation department. We hope to see you every Wednesday morning, 9-11:30 a.m., this month as we commemorate some of our favorite recreations themes: “Water!” on July 11 at Forrest Hills, “Nature!” on July 18 at West Point on the Eno, and “Music!” on July 25 at Edgemont Park.

We invite you to join us tomorrow, July 18, where we will be celebrating “Nature!” at West Point on the Eno. This park is a natural and historic city park, with two miles of beautiful scenery along the Eno River, 404 acres of woods, water, and wildlife and historic buildings. Tours are offered year round; visit the mill, farmhouse, or photography museum. Walk, jog, or run the 5 miles of trail, or rent a boat on the weekend or picnic shelter! Bring your own kayak or paddle boat, and don’t forget a fishing pole! Fun Caravan will focus of nature oriented crafts, upcycling cloth and plastic into works of art, and introducing young ones to traditional games reminiscent of a simpler time.

Your last chance to celebrate Park and Recreation Month will be on July 25 at Edgemont Park where we will be honoring one of the most ancient pastimes, “Music!” Bring out the kiddos; you won’t want to miss this one! We are making our own instruments and we will be making some noise. If you have instruments at home, feel free to bring them and march to the beat of your own drum. Have you been to Edgemont lately? Less than a year ago the park got a make-over and has beautiful new playground for children between the ages of 5-12. There is also outdoor fitness equipment for teens and adults, swings, and picnic shelters and grills to boot!

We anticipate Park and Recreation Month every year, and we are proud embody “A Lifetime of Discovery!” Save the dates and join the Fun Caravan tradition as it tours Durham during the month of July. Come see what all the fun is about!