Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

Break out your cleats and shin guards for another awesome season of adult women's soccer with Durham Parks and Recreation! Whether you were the high school all-star years ago or enjoy playing soccer for fun, we welcome all ladies to join us for some friendly competition on the field. We offer two Women's leagues, in both the Fall and Spring, that are available for ages 17+ and 30+. If you are a City Resident, the players fee for the season is $39 and for Non-City Residents, it costs $54. Before signing up, make sure to review the Code of Conduct as we require all participants to adhere to rules and regulations throughout the season. The first league, Women's Open League, is open to those 17 years old and up and games are played on Tuesday and/or Thursday evenings. The second league, Women's 30+ League, plays their games on Monday and/or Wednesday evenings. All games will begin the second week of September and are held at Old Chapel Hill Road or Piney Wood Park st...

On Thursday, August 1, a lightning storm came through Durham and struck the tree next to the McCown-Mangum House at West Point on the Eno causing some large branches to be weakened and fall to the ground. The strike was so powerful that some of the smoke detectors in the house went off. Fortunately there was no damage to the house, but that was not the case for the tree. And why is this tree so important? This 150-180 year old White Oak is not only historically important for its age, but is also a key part of the landscape around the McCown-Mangum House. Hugh Mangum captured this tree in several photographs of the house and the family. Which is why Durham Parks and Recreation is putting in the effort to save the tree! Initial Evaluation During an initial evaluation from The City of Durham's Urban Forestry department on Friday, August 2, it was determined that the tree would be expected to survive, but no one will officially know until an aerial inspection is completed. Even then,...

When you think about summer, the words relaxing, carefree, and restful might come to mind. It can be a time of year, especially for children, when schedules change, activities are paused, and responsibilities lessen. Summer is also a great time to keep children active and engaged. It’s an opportunity to learn new things and explore new places. Edison Johnson Recreation Center offered some fun new programs this summer for kids of various ages, as well as some returning favorites. These programs kept their minds and bodies active, and gave them something fun to do while out of school. Kid Fit kept toddlers and preschoolers active with a fun, energetic mix of stretching, balance, and agility exercises. They were able to express themselves and explore what they are capable of in a safe fitness environment. Not only did they burn energy and gain confidence, they also practiced their social skills like following directions, waiting for their turn, and cheering for their classmates. Pr...

Located along a 2-mile stretch of the scenic Eno River, West Point on the Eno is a 404-acre natural and historic park which can be accessed at 511 North Roxboro Road, 6 miles north of downtown Durham. With several historic buildings and outdoor features, this is a must-see park in Durham! The park also offers activities year-round for all ages to enjoy. To learn about programs, activities and events available at West Point on the Eno pick up a copy of the Play More Guide at any facility, the administrative offices or view online . There is also a printable, on-the-go brochure with all the information you need to know as you explore the grounds of  the park. While there are so many things to consider, here are our top five things we love about West Point on the Eno...  McCown-Mangum House: A restored 1850's farmhouse, perfect for photos and available to tour and rent. Please note, this facility is currently not accepting reservations. Please continue to check our we...

Durham Parks and Recreation is celebrating 95 years of connecting the whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. But what Director Rhonda B. Parker is most proud of is the resident and community partnerships that have been built to make that happen. The Tamia & Grant Hill Foundation, FILA USA recently partnered with DPR to renovate not one, not two, but three outdoor basketball courts at Hillside Park. Anchored by the W.D. Hill Recreation Center, Hillside Park serves as a nucleus of the community and a gathering place for the neighborhood. On Saturday, April 13, The Durham Parks Foundation, Durham Parks and Recreation and Durham City Council Member, Charlie Reece, joined Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer, Grant Hill, and FILA North President Jennifer Estabrook to unveil the three newly refurbished basketball courts at Hillside Park. Over one hundred community members joined the celebration and received free t-shirts, mini basketballs, refreshments and...

Summer is coming to an end but with Fall right around the corner, we are excited to announce the official release of our September - December 2019 Play More Guide! We've got 63 pages of fun, interactive and educational programs and activities for all ages, intensity levels and interests. Whether you go on a History Hike at West Point on the Eno or sign up for the Hip Hop and Paint class at Holton Career and Resource Center, there is something for everyone! Registration officially opens up on Thursday, August 1, 2019. If you have an activity in your wish list, such as swim lessons for your kids or Zumba fitness classes for you, make sure to mark your calendar for registration day because activity spots fill up very fast! How do I register for a program? We want to make sure you're ready to go on August 1! We have an online registration portal, called Active Net , that allows participants to register for most programs in the comfort of their own home. You can search for you...

Hopefully you know by now that we have a new mascot that has joined the Durham Parks and Recreation team, and his name is Parkson Rex! Parkson has been exploring our parks, checking out programs at our Recreation Centers and representing DPR at events all around Durham! Here are some fun facts about Parkson... Species: Sciurus carolinensis (The Eastern Gray Squirrel) Birthplace: Durham, NC Adopted Parents: Earl and Pearl Workplace: Durham Parks and Recreation Job Title: Mascot His hobbies includes climbing trees, playing in Durham parks and exercising at DPR Recreation Centers. He has a passion for connecting with the Durham community to wellness, the outdoors and lifelong learning! If you see him around the City, make sure to give him a hug or high five. He also loves dancing and new exercise moves...maybe you can teach him some new ones!? And don't forget, Parkson loves to laugh! Make sure to share 'A-corny' joke with him! To learn more ...

Are you and the family looking for something fun to do this summer? How about take an adventure in Durham and partake in a real-world treasure hunt in the great outdoors! It's called Geocaching and here's how it works! After creating a free account online , you'll navigate your way through our parks using GPS coordinates that have been specifically set to lead you to a certain location (i.e. under a park bench by the playground). Each location has a fun name tied to the geocache, which sometimes help you navigate to the landmark. For example, there is a geocache ready to be found called "EE Pavilion" at West Point on the Eno...this is most likely located somewhere very close to our brand new Environmental Education Pavilion. Once you are near the location, read the clues provided to then locate a hidden container called the 'geocache'. For more in depth instructions and FAQS, visit this website . You can log your progress and let others know if you found...