Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

By: Mal Atkinson, Resource Coordinator In the past year, Maggie Stalls has volunteered her time for all Bull City Reels on Wheels, Fright Night, Frosty Family Toy Giveaway and the Laser Light Show. Even during these unprecedented times, she continues to volunteer her time. When asked why she takes the time to give back she said “I was raised to know volunteering as just a normal part of life and if we were fortunate enough to have the time or the means or the resources to help others, then we did”.  Maggie did most of her growing up in Wilmington, NC, but the triangle area was a top vacation destination for her family. She moved to South Carolina for college and has lived a little bit of everywhere since. A few years ago she decided this area would be an okay place to put down roots for a few years while attending graduate school. Unexpectedly, Durham has quickly wormed its way into her heart, and my dog, Hudson, and both are happy to call this home. One of Maggie’s greatest passi

In less than a week, we're hosting a virtual event to commemorate the life, work, and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will be held on Saturday, January 23, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and the theme is MLK: Remembering the Legacy through the Arts. In the past, this event has been hosted at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center and featured in-person activities for all to participate in. We're adapting to the times while ensuring the healthy and safety of our residents by going virtual! Participants will enjoy a host of celebratory activities, including music, poetry, dancing, and community engagement/discussions. Check out the list list of activities below that you'll be able to enjoy... 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m.             Group discussion about the current events and COVID-19 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.           Clips of MLK Speech 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.          Entertainment Lift Every Voice and Sing – Abria Ellis Spoken Word – Dasan Ahanu and Church Da Poet Po

You might think January 21 is just another day in the year, but we think it's actually pretty special... because it's National Squirrel Appreciation Day! The perfect day to learn about one of the world's cutest mammals and celebrate our favorite squirrel mascot, Parkson Rex! We're taking the week of January 18 to celebrate with various activities online and in our parks! And if you participate, you could even win a DPR Prize Pack! After reading more about the history of National Squirrel Appreciation Day and our mascot, Parkson Rex, check out how you can celebrate this nutty day with us! History of National Squirrel Appreciation Day This day was established in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitation specialist who desired to encourage positive attitudes and kind hearts toward these bushy-tailed, nut-loving creatures. While some might consider these tree climbing critters a nuisance, squirrels actually play a large role in the ecosystem. Ever see them burying

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021! As we enter into a new year, we're excited for another 365 days of exploring our trails, adventuring around our parks, and best of all, getting to participate in all the programs and activities being offered by Durham Parks and Recreation! We're continuing to plan our programs with proper distancing efforts and cleaning methods in mind to ensure our participants are safe. We are also still offering a variety of virtual events! A new year also means a new chance for resolutions! It could mean you're setting goals to exercise more, to learn a new sport, or even make some new friends. Either way, we are here to help reach those goals. Visit our website for the most up-to-date information on openings and closings and browse ActiveNet to learn about our current programs and activities (both virtual and in-person). Speaking of goals and resolutions, here's one that everyone can participate in...we challenge you to visit all 68 parks in the City of