Durham Parks and Recreation: Play More!

By: Mal Atkinson, Resource Coordinator In the past year, Maggie Stalls has volunteered her time for all Bull City Reels on Wheels, Fright Night, Frosty Family Toy Giveaway and the Laser Light Show. Even during these unprecedented times, she continues to volunteer her time. When asked why she takes the time to give back she said “I was raised to know volunteering as just a normal part of life and if we were fortunate enough to have the time or the means or the resources to help others, then we did”.  Maggie did most of her growing up in Wilmington, NC, but the triangle area was a top vacation destination for her family. She moved to South Carolina for college and has lived a little bit of everywhere since. A few years ago she decided this area would be an okay place to put down roots for a few years while attending graduate school. Unexpectedly, Durham has quickly wormed its way into her heart, and my dog, Hudson, and both are happy to call this home. One of Maggie’s greatest p...

In less than a week, we're hosting a virtual event to commemorate the life, work, and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The event will be held on Saturday, January 23, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and the theme is MLK: Remembering the Legacy through the Arts. In the past, this event has been hosted at the W.D. Hill Recreation Center and featured in-person activities for all to participate in. We're adapting to the times while ensuring the healthy and safety of our residents by going virtual! Participants will enjoy a host of celebratory activities, including music, poetry, dancing, and community engagement/discussions. Check out the list list of activities below that you'll be able to enjoy... 11 a.m.-11:45 a.m.             Group discussion about the current events and COVID-19 11:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.           Clips of MLK Speech 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.          Entertain...

You might think January 21 is just another day in the year, but we think it's actually pretty special... because it's National Squirrel Appreciation Day! The perfect day to learn about one of the world's cutest mammals and celebrate our favorite squirrel mascot, Parkson Rex! We're taking the week of January 18 to celebrate with various activities online and in our parks! And if you participate, you could even win a DPR Prize Pack! After reading more about the history of National Squirrel Appreciation Day and our mascot, Parkson Rex, check out how you can celebrate this nutty day with us! History of National Squirrel Appreciation Day This day was established in 2001 by Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitation specialist who desired to encourage positive attitudes and kind hearts toward these bushy-tailed, nut-loving creatures. While some might consider these tree climbing critters a nuisance, squirrels actually play a large role in the ecosystem. Ever see them burying...

Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021! As we enter into a new year, we're excited for another 365 days of exploring our trails, adventuring around our parks, and best of all, getting to participate in all the programs and activities being offered by Durham Parks and Recreation! We're continuing to plan our programs with proper distancing efforts and cleaning methods in mind to ensure our participants are safe. We are also still offering a variety of virtual events! A new year also means a new chance for resolutions! It could mean you're setting goals to exercise more, to learn a new sport, or even make some new friends. Either way, we are here to help reach those goals. Visit our website for the most up-to-date information on openings and closings and browse ActiveNet to learn about our current programs and activities (both virtual and in-person). Speaking of goals and resolutions, here's one that everyone can participate in...we challenge you to visit all 68 parks in the City of ...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults This week finishes the Play With Me ages six to nine book review series. In it we will review books that you can read to or along with the special children in your life over your device. We have chosen books that are fun to read and explore the magic of childhood, friendship and family. Each week's "review" will be of two books suitable for children six to nine years of age. Children 6 and 7 years old will enjoy you reading to them and children 8 and 9 years old will enjoy discussing the books that you both read independently. Tips: When reading to your child make sure you are in a well lit area and that your child can hear you clearly. All of the books are chapter books and will not have a lot, if any pictures so it will help when reading them aloud to remind your child who each character is. Read sections of the book out loud to yourself before reading it to your child so that you can practice adding emphasis as...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults This week continues the Play With Me ages six to nine book review series. In it we will review books that you can read to or along with the special children in your life over your device. We have chosen books that are fun to read and explore the magic of childhood, friendship and family. Each week's "review" will be of two books suitable for children six to nine years of age. Children 6 and 7 years old will enjoyed you reading to them and children 8 and 9 years old will enjoy discussing the books that you both read independently. Tips: When reading to your child make sure you are in a well lit area and that your child can hear you clearly. All of the books are chapter books and will not have a lot, if any pictures so it will help when reading them aloud to remind your child who each character is. Read sections of the book out loud to yourself before reading it to your child so that you can practice adding emphasis...

Did you know today is National Ugly Sweater Day!? That's right, every third Friday in December folks around the Nation are invited to come together to celebrate wearing their ugliest, most colorful, super festive sweaters! Whether you have a store bought sweater that was gifted to you last Christmas or you have constructed your own ugly sweater out of craft supplies found around the house, today is the day to show off that masterpiece!  We have two ways that Durham Parks and Recreation invites you to participate in the day... Wear your Sweater to your nearby Durham park and snap a selfie! Don't forget to tag us on social media using our handle @dprplaymore!  Print and decorate Parkson Rex's ugly sweater on this downloadable coloring sheet ! Help Parkson get ready for his Squirrelmas Christmas Party by decorating his Ugly Sweater. Go Crazy! Use crayons, markers, sequins, acorns...you name it! And share your creation with Parkson by posting it on social media and tagging @d...

By: Shannon Mallery, Program Assistant Sr. - Mature Adults This week we will start the Play With Me ages six to nine book review series. In it we will review books that you can read to or along with the special children in your life over your device. We have chosen books that are fun to read and explore the magic of childhood, friendship and family. Each week's "review" will be of two books suitable for children six to nine years of age. Children 6 and 7 years old will enjoyed you reading to them and children 8 and 9 years old will enjoy discussing the books that you both read independently. Tips: Some of the books are not currently in print but can be found on used booksellers' websites. When reading to your child make sure you are in a well lit area and that your child can hear you clearly. All of the books are chapter books and will not have a lot, if any pictures so it will help when reading them aloud to remind your child who each character is. Read sections of t...