Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

By: Mal Atkinson, Resource Coordinator The Recreation Advisory (RAC) is one of Durham Parks and Recreation’s longest standing volunteer groups. The group is comprised of nine Durham residents that are appointed by the City Council. The work of the RAC is to share their opinions and perspectives and develop recommendations, while also serving as a connection between the community and City staff. This work is accomplished by looking through the lenses of equity and inclusion. RAC members are engaged in our community and talk to residents throughout Durham about their experience with our programs. They accomplish this by attending and participating in numerous DPR programs and special events. RAC members also support of DPR with direct involvement in several areas. DPR’s Youth Soccer Academy (Cedric), Outdoor Recreation Exercise programs (Leslie), and Pickleball (Rebecca) are just a few examples of their volunteer contribution to the department and the community. The RAC was selected ...

Another school year is coming to an end, but that means summer is about to get started! Are you looking for fun and interactive ways to keep your child's mind active and engaged over summer break? Durham Parks and Recreation is here to help!  We're excited to announce that youth and teen summer camps will be held Monday, June 13 through Friday, August 12, 2022. Campers will enjoy a host of indoor and outdoor recreation activities including: fitness fun, arts and crafts, games, friendship building activities, and much more. Please know that every consideration has been made with the best possible safety practices in place to protect our participants, their families, and our staff. Youth & Teen Summer Camps Youth summer camps are open to ages 5-12. Child must have completed kindergarten and turned 5 by September 1, 2021 and cannot be older than 12 years of age by September 1, 2021. Camp runs Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., held at four of our local recreation...

Who's ready to go for the gold!? Registration is officially open for the 2022 Durham Senior Games & SilverArts (DSGSA)! This Olympic style competition is designed to create a year-round health promotion and competition for participants that are 50+ years old. Join us during this year’s games taking place April 11 through May 9, 2022.  As we continue dealing with COVID-19, there have been many changes to the 2022 DSGSA. The number of both athletic and artistic events, the format of SilverArts submissions, and a number of other necessary changes have been implemented. Our top priority is safety for our athletes, staff, and volunteers. It is important that we provide these games in a limited format, and we will look forward to returning to our full slate and scope in the years ahead. Registration is now open through Friday, March 18 and here are the two ways to register: Online - Register online via ActiveNet By Mail – to obtain a copy of the entry form, email Michael Honeycutt Ke...

Swing for the fences and hit a home run this spring during Durham Parks and Recreation's athletic leagues and offerings! From co-rec adult volleyball and softball to bitty baseball and tennis lessons, our spring sports lineup is loaded with opportunities for all ages to participate in a new sport and get active. Ready to join the team!? Registration is taking place now through the end of February and beginning of March. Here's a go-to guide featuring some of the athletics programs you won't want to miss this Spring...  Adult Softball: Weekday Men's & Co-Rec Open to ages 17 years and older. Regular season includes 12 games (2 per week) and tournament for each division. Games begin March 14.  Register online through February, 28. For more information, visit our website . Adult Co-Rec Volleyball Open to ages 17 years and older. This league is self-officiated and games are played six on six with a maximum of twelve players per team. Tentative start date for games is Ma...

Join Durham Parks and Recreation in celebrating Black History Month! Here are some 'Did you know...' facts from our history that highlight and celebrate the many achievements made by and for the African American community... Did you know the Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival has been around since 1969?  A group of African-American students from Duke University, North Carolina College at Durham, now North Carolina Central University (NCCU), and a host of community members met to plan a cultural arts festival for the residents of Durham. After months of planning, the first Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival was held in Duke Gardens. The festival was established in honor of the West African festival of harvest and celebration. Over the years, the festival has moved to different locations and eventually Durham Parks and Recreation took lead in planning the festival. Read the full history on  our website . Did you know the first African American Director of Durham Parks and Recreation was Car...