Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

If you've visited I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center at Campus Hills recently, you might have noticed a new garden and sculpture at the center of the drop-off roundabout. Standing 15-feet tall, a beautiful three dimensional aluminum structure and garden was created by Durham Resident, Boy Scout and Senior at Jordan High School, Shaun Deardorff. Shaun began planning this project over four years ago to fulfill his Eagle Scout badge, which is the highest rank to earn in Boy Scouts. He approached Durham Parks and Recreation with the idea and over the span of a few years, our staff reviewed, made suggestions and helped implement Shaun's idea into one of Durham's local parks! The project is officially called the 'World Peace Garden and Anti-Gun Violence and Terrorism Memorial'. His vision and desire is to spread the message of world peace and promote an end to gun violence in the community. He told a local news outlet "I knew I wanted to create some type of memor...

With more than 65 parks available for public use and more planned for future development, it's no question that 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. With all of those parks, comes the responsibility of continual maintenance and improvements efforts. And we want you to know that Durham Parks and Recreation has responded to the public's request to better maintain City parks and trails. Money from the 1/2 penny for park and trail deferred maintenance, Durham Parks Foundation, as well as money from the capital project planning, have gone into repairs. We hope you take the time to explore all that our parks have to offer! Now let's get to know one of our 68 parks! This week, we are highlighting one of our recently updated parks, Morreene Road Park...  A document in the Duke University Archives notes that in August, 1922, Ben and Dora Bridgers bought two lot...

Looking for something to do this Saturday? We've got you covered with the annual Durham Holiday Parade & Fun Fest! Get in the holiday spirit for a day full of free fun for the entire family, rain or shine! Start off your morning at 10 a.m. by cheering on dynamic floats, hometown bands, drill teams, schools, and community groups as they make their way down Main Street at the Durham Holiday Parade. The procession will conclude with a guest appearance from Santa. This year we're excited to welcome Shelly A. Green, the immediate Past President & CEO of Discover Durham, as the 2019 Holiday Parade Marshal. Read more about Green in her bio . PRO TIP: Seating will not be provided so bring your own chairs and blankets! And to be even more prepared, we've posted the Holiday Parade Route Map and Staging Map online - check them out ahead of time! Not able to make it? The Holiday Parade will be streamed live on  CBS17.com !  Then, beginning at 1 p.m. until 4...

By: Annette Smith Durham Parks Foundation (DPF) has definitely lived its mission to preserve, strengthen and expand parks, trails, open space and recreational opportunities in Durham through diverse community involvement, fundraising, partnerships and education in 2019!  In just our fourth year we have received $250,000 in grant funds, events sponsorships and individual donations! The benefits of our work can be seen in many parks and 2020 will continue these opportunities!  Here are just a few highlights of our work: Sponsorships for Citywide Festivals, Durham Senior Games and the NC:  This year Durham Parks Foundation managed the financial sponsorships for Durham Parks and Recreation’s amazing City-wide festivals and tournaments.  These include the 50th Annual Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival and the 2019 US Tennis Association NC 40 & Over State Championship Tournament. Hillside Park Basketball Courts:  With tremendous support from FILA USA and the T...