Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

The new dock at Lake Michie The Lake Michie dock was originally scheduled to be a renovation to be completed by December 2016. In October 2016, Hurricane Matthew changed that plan to a total replacement project. Now the dock and canoe/kayak launch are ADA accessible, making it much easier for persons with disabilities to access the dock’s fishing area at the end of the dock and to launch a canoe or kayak. This completed a project that also included installation of new ramps and decking around the boat house, widening doors and dropping thresholds to ADA standards. The dock is now secured with pilings driven to a depth of nine (9) feet which allows the dock to rise with flood waters and as such, resist the forces of water in flood conditions. The new boat slips are easier for people to dock their boats, return to shore for brief breaks and to meet family and friends who are joining them on their boats.  Don't Just Pack It, Wear Your Jacket The American Red Cross program Lon...

In a few short weeks, we will be celebrating the birth of our Country! Join Durham Parks and Recreation as we celebrate patriotism and civic pride alongside the Durham Bulls. On Wednesday, July 4, 2018, purchase tickets to attend the baseball game at 6:05 p.m. and enjoy a dynamic fireworks show following the game (approximately at 9:15 p.m.). In case of inclement weather, the rain date for this event is Thursday, July 5, 2018. Gates will open for general admission at the end of the 7th inning based on availability for those that would like to view the fireworks show from inside the ballpark. Please note, viewing areas are limited outside of the ballpark. Purchasing tickets to the game is strongly encouraged and ensures a spot inside the Durham Bulls Athletic Park to watch the fireworks. For day of questions about the fireworks show and ticket information, please call 919-956-BULL. Looking to watch the fireworks outside of the ballpark? Check out some of these viewing sites: T...

By: Cecily Parrish The Maintenance Unit struck gold when they received the Keep Durham Beautiful and The Garden and Landscape Golden Leaf Awards for their hard work transforming the old foundation of the Lavender Street House into a grassed gathering and performance space for public use. A reception/awards presentation was held on Thursday April 19, 2018 at the Old County Courthouse. A picture is worth a thousand words. Take a look at the awesome transformation! Before After The Lavender House History The Lavender House was built in the 1930s. In 1946, the building housed the Children's Museum, and years later the Museum moved to Murray Avenue where it became the Museum of Life and Science. The house was built within the Ellerbe Creek floodplain and would sometimes become flooded after heavy rains. After repeated floodings, the Lavender House was deconstructed. Today, the stone foundation area of the house has been transformed into a usable play space.   G...

Congratulations to our regular season champions, Weaver 2! By: Shannon Teamer, Recreation Assistant Supervisor - Teen Coordinator Night Flight is our inter-departmental teen basketball league. Each center has its own team that plays in the league. This year was my first year overseeing the league and I was impressed with the investment that the department and each individual center had in each of the teams. Games this season were played every other Friday night beginning in October and running until the beginning of March. Overseeing the league this year, allowed me to go to each of the centers and get a chance to meet evening staff and see existing equipment and space that each site has to offer. In addition to visiting sites, this program also allowed me to work closely with other Recreation Assistant Supervisors and Recreation Specialists across the department. This season we had some barriers that the league has not faced in a few seasons, several forfeitures due to...

What better way to enjoy being in nature this summer than a concert and movie series right in the heart of several of our beautiful parks across the city!? Sit back, relax and enjoy family and friends while grooving to music or watching a movie on a big screen. This summer we have a great lineup of awesome bands and family-friendly movies for everyone to enjoy. Both activities are free and open to the public! We’ll have food vendors on site with food and drinks available for purchase. We’d suggest bringing your favorite lawn chair or blanket to set up for a night at the park. And just a reminder, no alcohol or smoking is allowed. Here is a full list of the upcoming concerts and movies that are scheduled for this summer: Date Time Location Band/Movie Saturday, June 9 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Duke Park, 106 W. Knox Street ReggaeInfinity (Reggae) Saturday, June 23 8:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m. Durham Central Park, 501 Foster Street Marmaduke (PG) Saturday, July 7 6...

Spring and summer is upon us and that means it’s time to get outside and explore the great outdoors! Whether you pack a delicious picnic for your family or take your dog on a quick hike, there is something for everyone to enjoy. This blog is the perfect guide to highlight a few of the many parks, trails, and outdoor activities that Durham Parks and Recreation has to offer. Parks 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. More than 65 parks are available for public use with more planned for future development. For a full list of our parks and their amenities, visit our website . Each park has a page dedicated to its history and features, some of which include playgrounds, picnic shelters, greenways and trail access and grills. If you are looking for a picnic shelter this spring and summer season, check out our Picnic Shelter Rentals page on our website.      Park S...

Clear your calendar! We’ve got a week full of awesome activities leading up to our 49th Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival on Saturday! From a Hip Hop Panel Discussion to a Community Block Party, there is something for all ages to enjoy. Here’s a full list of our weekday activities that start today: Bimbé Panel Discussion: Hip Hop - Then and Now Join us for a panel discussion with DJs and Artists about where Hip Hop is going and why.      Tuesday, May 15, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m.      Holton Career and Resource Center Athletic Field, 401 N. Driver St.      Free | All Ages | No preregistration required Bimbé Community Block Party Fun for the whole community! Music, food, dancing, and games for the whole family! K97.5 will be airing live from the event, with host Brian Dawson!      Wednesday, May 16, 6 p.m.-8 p.m.      Holton Career and Resource Center Athletic Field, 401 N. Driver St.      Free | All Ages...

Bimbé History In 1969, a group of African American students from local Universities and community members met together to discuss the need for a cultural arts festival for the residents of Durham. Months of planning and hard work brought together the first ever Bimbé Cultural Arts Festival – held originally at Duke Gardens. The origin of Bimbé rooted from the West African festival of harvest celebration. During the celebration families would give thanks by sharing their best fruits within the villages. The fruit sharing was accompanied with drums, songs and dance. This is a tradition that is still practiced by many villages in the Caribbean. The second year of Bimbé took place at Hillside Park, which led to more community involvement. In the early 1980’s Bimbé was then moved to the campus of NCCU which grew even more in attendance and sponsorship. By 1995 the festival moved to UDI Industrial Park near Fayetteville Street and a year later, to the Durham Athletic Park. In 2003 Bimb...