I thought our park visits would cease to exist this winter, but we’ve been so lucky with all the cool, sun-filled days that we’ve been able to keep exploring. Yesterday we visited Halifax Park near Peace College and Seaboard Station. It’s located at 1015 Halifax St, just north of Peace St and close to the Raleigh Housing Authority.
Halifax Park is a neighborhood park that has a small playground area, large multipurpose field, outdoor basketball courts, and a community center. The community center has a weight room, gym, and a few meeting rooms. The playground has a sandy surface with a few swings and a large jungle gym suitable for children 5yrs+. The playground and the outdoor basketball courts are in need of some TLC, which is planned to begin later this year. The large multi-purpose field is fenced and has soccer goals, lacrosse goals, bleachers, and a back stop.
Lucky for us, we visited the park before construction begins later this year on improvements to the community center and playground. The Raleigh Parks & Rec department will work with the Raleigh Housing Authority and nearby citizens to ensure the recreational needs of the community are met. According to the City of Raleigh’s Planning and Development website, this project is currently in the design stage with construction beginning this year and completing next summer. The improvements to this park are being funded through the approval of the 2007 Bond Referendum.
We’re excited to check back on the status of Halifax Park as it makes its transformation. Lucky for the residents in the area, Mordecai Mini Park is close by.
Thumbs up: large multi-purpose field, upcoming improvements, shady picnic spots, close proximity to many neighborhoods (Capitol Park, Pilot Mill, Mordecai)
Thumbs down: small playground area limited to mostly older children, old community center
Entrance sign on Halifax St
Halifax Community Center
Outdoor basketball courts
Multi-purpose field leased from the RHA
Backstop on the multi-purpose field
Another view of the large open field
Water fountain (that does not work)
Another view of the basketball courts
Climbing structure on the playground
Baby Ashley is enjoying a sun-filled morning at the park
Fun times at the park
Crape Myrtle trees surround the perimeter of the playground
Wow, I can’t believe we’re almost halfway through our 12 days of Raleigh Parks! On the fifth day, we visited Crowder District Park, which is actually maintained by Wake County. It’s located at 4709 Ten Ten Rd in Apex and there is a lot going on at this park.
Trees, playgrounds, trees, pavilions, trees, trails and more trees! This park has what is essential to a park and that is trees. You’ll find the pavilion areas tucked away with woods surrounding them, but still convenient enough with the nearby parking lots. The amphitheater can only be found by exploring the unpaved trail through the woods. The paved walking trail meanders through the trees along the perimeter of the park and provides ways for exploring the various gardens.
This park also has fabulous picnic spots in the grass. Whether it’s by the large open field with backstop or just near one of the playground areas, you’re sure to find a great bit of lawn for resting and eating. There is also a sand volleyball court towards the back of the park and a small pond for taking leisurely walks around or admiring the wildlife.
If you’re looking for education programs, Crowder District Park offers a wide variety for all ages. With the diverse group of gardens on-site and the wetlands area, there is sure to be a program for your family or group. Check out the Wake County Parks website for more information.
Thumbs up: picnic spots, natural setting, walking trail, playground areas
My mom visited this past weekend so on Friday morning we headed out to Anderson Point Park at 20 Anderson Point Dr in east Raleigh. This park is bordered by 264/64 bypass on the north, the Neuse River to the east and Crabtree Creek on the west. From the park you can also access the greenway via the Neuse River Trail which is over 4.5 miles of unpaved trails. Here’s a satellite view of Anderson Point Park from Google Maps.
When you arrive at the park, go around the cul-de-sac to the far left to the parking lot. From there we found a very helpful park map detailing all the features. We then walked by the Large Shelter and headed left along the main trail, which is about 3/4 mile loop. The shelter is a large pavilion with several picnic tables, restrooms, and an adjacent open field with a back stop.
Main entrance sign
Informational board near parking lot
Parking lot
Large Shelter pavilion
Restrooms at Large Shelter
Open field with backstop near Large Shelter
Another view of the open field
Walking along the paved trail we first came to the amphitheater. It’s a beautiful stone-terraced amphitheater with lush green grass at each level. At the bottom is a large tree surrounded by a stone wall with benches and swings along the perimeter. The tree provides great shade for picnics or reading on a hot day. My mom did comment on how difficult it might be to see any type of performance at the bottom due to the hedges at each terraced level.
Amphitheater
Large shade tree and benches
Ashley with her Cici
Looking from the top of the amphitheater
Back on the trail we followed the spiral pathway up to the scenic overlook. There’s a circular flower garden at the top surrounded by a stone wall perfect for sitting and enjoying the views of the park. There are also several covered swings at the top great for relaxing and taking in the scenery.
Pic of the paved trail
Flower garden at the top
Shaded benches at the top
View from the top overlooking the park
Continuing on, we passed bluebird trails and bird houses that attract martin birds. Luckily my mom, who is a bird enthusiast, was with us to identify the bird houses. The surrounding natural vegetation still allows for great views of the park.
Houses along the bluebird trail
Martin birdhouses
Next, we came upon a large open field with a backstop across from the Retreat Cottage. The cottage can be rented for conferences and events and contains a small nearby parking lot to use.
Open field with backstop near cottage
Sign outside cottage
Retreat Cottage for rent
Close to the cottage is the Small Shelter, which is a covered pavilion with several picnic tables and restrooms. It has an adjacent open field surrounded by crape myrtles and magnolias. Nearby there is also an information board with details about renting the various shelters, open fields, and Retreat Cottage.
Small Shelter with picnic tables
Restrooms near Small Shelter
Open field near Small Shelter
Beautiful crape myrtles and stone work near open field
Next on the trail is the largest playground I’ve ever seen. Part of the playground is covered in a mulch base and part is a sandy base. There is a large jungle gym, multiple swing sets, and several teeter totters with plenty of seating along the perimeter and sloped, grassy hill. The entire playground area is full sun, so be sure take a break at the nearby water fountain. The Small Shelter would be perfect for birthday parties with the playground being so close!
Looking down at the playground
Slides down the grassy hill
Large jungle gym
Swing sets
Another view of the jungle gym
Sandy area with teeter totters
Water fountain
Continuing on, we arrived near the entrance, which has several shade trees and swings overlooking a large part of the park. The signs are helpful in directing you to the various parts of the park.
Shade trees and swings near entrance
Benches at the entrance
Signage near the front
We followed the trail back to the parking lot and headed out of the park, but not without stopping at the canoe launch that we passed on our way in. Park in the lot there to get on the Neuse River Trail or head down the gravel road to the launch area for the Neuse River.
Canoe Launch sign from Anderson Point Dr
Gravel lot near put-in area
Launch area
Looking north up the Neuse River
Looking south towards the railroad tracks and 264/64 bypass
This is a great open park with lots of unique amenities surrounded by a paved trail that is perfect for walking the dogs and babies or going for a run. We had a fun morning with lots of exploring, so we finished off our adventure with cupcakes from The Cupcake Shoppe!
Yummy red velvet
Thumbs up: scenic overlook, shelters, open fields, access to greenway, canoe launch area, playground, beauty of amphitheater, birding
I thought our park visits would cease to exist this winter, but we’ve been so lucky with all the cool, sun-filled days that we’ve been able to keep exploring. Yesterday we visited Halifax Park near Peace College and Seaboard Station. It’s located at 1015 Halifax St, just north of Peace St and close to the Raleigh Housing Authority.
