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...

Can you believe it!? 2020 is almost here and we're making sure you have a clear vision of all the activities, programs and events you want to sign up for in our brand new January - May 2020 Play More Guide! Whether you learn sign language in the American Sign Language 101 class or get fit during Hip Hop Spin, there is something for everyone to participate in. Here's an important update on registration as the typical process has changed! Program registration will begin on Sunday, December 1 for programs taking place January - May 2020. Athletic League registration varies and can be found on pages 20-23 of the Play More Guide. Swim Lesson registration dates are as follows:  Monday, December 2 at 9 a.m. for all classes beginning in January and February. Monday, March 2 at 9 a.m. for all classes beginning in March. Monday, April 6 at 9 a.m. for all classes beginning in April and May. And keep in mind, if you have an activity in your wish list, such as summer camp for your ...

Anyone else love all of the holiday festivities that come with the month of December!? We sure do and we have plenty of ways to get in the holiday spirit for the entire family! From the Holiday Parade & Fun Fest to A Frosty Family Affair to a brand new event at Edison Johnson Recreation Center called Holidays Around the World, you'll be sure to have a wonderful time wherever you go! And just remember, we regularly update the calendar on our website with activities year round, so make sure to check there for more details including how how to register and contact information! Here is your go to guide on all things December activities and events with Durham Parks and Recreation! See something you want to attend? Make sure if there is preregistration required that you register today to secure your spot! December 3 Senior Holiday Party: The Senior Holiday Party is one of Durham's largest celebrations for Mature Adults. The party-goers are diverse, but they all have one ...

It's the fifth year of the WRAL.com Voter's Choice Awards and W.D. Hill Recreation Center and Hillside Park have been chosen as finalists! This competition celebrates and honors the local favorite in categories such as businesses, parks, and restaurants in the Triangle! From now until December 1, voting is open to the public to vote for their favorites! W.D. Hill Recreation Center/Hillside Park is under the 'Community > Park' category competing against several other awesome parks including Pullen Park and William B Umstead Park. Community members are eligible to vote once per day per email address that is registered with WRAL. Once voting closes on December 1, all votes will be tallied and winners will be announced. We need your help to win! Here's the link to vote for W.D. Hill Recreation Center/Hillside Park. History of W.D. Hill Recreation Center The recreation center is named after William Daniel Hill (1890-1945), better known by his initials "W....

On Thursday, October 24, the Durham Parks and Recreation School-Age Care Unit and the National After School Alliance celebrated the 20th Annual 'Lights on After School' event! What is 'Lights on After School'? Did you know that today in America, a total of 11.3 million children are unsupervised and alone after school!? In October 2000, 'Lights on After School', created by a nonprofit organization called Afterschool Alliance, launched in over 1,000 communities around the nation. The event was created to highlight the importance of providing places for kids to be safe, learn new things and assist with the busy schedule of working families. The program continued to grow across the Nation and now more than 8,000 rallies are held every year! What is offered in Durham Parks and Recreations's After School Program? Continue the fun and learning after school at one of our After School program locations! We offer a balanced mix of academic support, sports, recre...