Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

Participatory Budgeting: What would you do with 2.4 million for your community? If you've been to Belmont Park, you probably know it’s home to a dragon.  What you might not know is that all the features in that park, dragons included, were suggested and selected by Durham residents. Every two years, residents are invited to submit ideas for new permanent structures. These ideas are reviewed for feasibility, shaped into solid proposals, and then the public votes on which projects to build. The process is called Participatory Budgeting, and you can see the winning projects from previous years at www.pbdurham.org.   Several recent park features were created through the PB process, including the pump bike track in Belmont Park and the ADA accessible playground in Drew Granby Park.   PB Cycle III is expecting $2.4 million in funding and the Budget department has started collecting ideas. In other words, now is the time to suggest additions to your local parks, as well as other impro

  This year, consider celebrating the holidays by working with DPR's philanthropic partner, the Durham Parks Foundation to give the gift of play. The Parks Foundation is working on something special with us to ensure all children, regardless of ability, have access to fun and safer parks for all. In 2022, the Parks Foundation donated $80,000 for an accessible playground surface at Merrick-Moore Park. This upgrade is recognized as the most universally accessible playground surface for all abilities while ensuring safety as well. Looking forward to 2023, the Parks Foundation wants to expand inclusive play options at more Durham parks and they need your help. To learn more about the Foundation, make a contribution, or to find out how you can transform your parks to be even more fun, vibrant, and welcoming visit durhamparksfoundation.com , email durhamparksfoundation@gmail.com or make your tax-deductible donation to them HERE .

It’s Beginning to Look a lot like Holiday Event Season! This December, Durham Parks and Recreation will host a series of festive and fun Holiday events. Whether you want to visit Santa with your canine pal, cozy up and catch a movie, dance and dine the night away, or watch festive floats in the Durham Holiday Parade, we’ve got something for everyone! Holiday Card Creations Cards are a traditional way to spread joy during the holidays. We will provide the materials for you to make holiday cards for your friends and family. Thursday, December 1, 2022 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. I.R. Holmes, Sr. Recreation Center 2000 S Alston Avenue Registration required. City Resident $1.50 | Non City Resident $6.50 Santa Paws Join us for an evening of holiday fun with your canine friends. You and your pooch pal can take photos with Santa, participate in the canine ugly sweater contest, shop at the Holiday “Pup-Up” Market, and donate items in the canine food and toy drive. Friday, December