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
On the fourth day of visiting Raleigh Parks we headed to North Raleigh to check out the newly constructed Strickland Road Park. It’s located at 12804 Strickland Road, not far from the intersection of Leesville Road. This park has picnic tables, benches, a walking trail with access from the nearby neighborhood, swings for kids of all ages, and a large playground area.
The playground area has equipment for kids ages 2-5 and 5-12 to use and all the equipment is in the same area making it convenient for parents with kids of different ages. There is a large jungle gym with monkey bars, slides, and climbing areas for the older kids. There is a sandy playground area and fun slide for the younger ones. Between the two areas is a sitting area with benches, which is nice for the parents. The nearby swingset has a spongy surface, which is great for crawlers to play around on. I also love that even though this is a new park, much of the surrounding woods are still in tact, making it seem like a real park. The new camellia bushes that have been planted are already in bloom adding some great color to the landscape.
According to the City of Raleigh’s website, there are future plans to add basketball courts and a community center to this park.
Thumbs up: playground areas, sitting areas for parents
Thumbs down: sidewalks on busy Strickland Rd would increase walk ability to this park
Over the last few months I’ve noticed the new paved trail near Ridgewood Shopping Center and then the new pedestrian tunnels take shape along the beltline. All of this has led me to ask, “What is going on?” So, on the third day of Raleigh Parks visits, we did some exploratory research into the pedestrian tunnels and new paved trails that have been popping up in the area.
It seems the new greenway trails are part of the House Creek Greenway Trail that is currently under construction. According to the Raleigh Parks and Rec website, this will be a 2.9 mile greenway that will extend from the Reedy Creek Trail at the I-440 pedestrian bridge to Crabtree Creek Trail at the intersection of Blue Ridge Rd and Crabtree Valley Blvd. This piece of the greenway will give folks in North Raleigh a pedestrian trail for accessing Umstead Park.
In looking at the proposed trail map, this section of the greenway will start near the intersection of Wade Ave and Ridge Rd and head west along the inner beltline, go under Lake Boone Trail, go under Glen Eden Dr, meander through Glen Eden Pilot Park and then come out on Blue Ridge Rd near the McDonald’s. From there, you can easily access Crabtree Creek Trail.
As I mentioned, we were out today to just explore what’s going on, especially since all the trails are still under construction and closed at this point. We can’t wait to report back in Spring 2012 after it’s all finished!
Thumbs up: increased greenway access, pedestrian options for accessing Umstead Park, informative Raleigh Parks & Rec website
Thumbs down: nothing to report so far
Trail closed near intersection of Wade Ave & Ridge Rd
A southern view of the trail near Glen Eden Dr
Looking towards the pedestrian tunnel from Glen Eden Dr
Another view of the tunnel under Glen Eden Dr
The Glen Eden Dr overpass was widened
Looking at the northern section of the tunnel under Glen Eden Dr
Access to Glen Eden Pilot Park from the road is closed
Trail under construction along Blue Ridge Rd
Near the Blue Ridge Rd and Crabtree Valley Blvd intersection
Wow, it’s amazing to think how much the Brier Creek area has changed from when I first moved there almost 9 years ago! I didn’t recognize most of the streets or shopping areas, which may be why I got a bit lost on our way to Brier Creek Park, the park of our second day of Christmas.
Brier Creek Park is located right next to Brier Creek Elementary School. Even though the address is 10810 Globe Rd, you actually enter from Bruckhaus St unless coming by foot, where there are sidewalks galore leading to the paved walking trail inside the park.
Inside this park, you’ll find basic features. There’s a large covered pavilion with nine picnic tables and large grill, public restrooms, two soccer fields, and a small playground for ages 2-12. The playground has a few structures for climbing on and around and a few slides. The surface is made of the spongy material, which is great for the crawlers. Even though it’s a small playground, it’s probably a great place for younger siblings to burn off some energy when the older ones are playing soccer nearby.
Thumbs up: walk ability, pavilion area, large open recreational fields
Thumb down: little shade and landscaping, no swings on playground
On the first day of Christmas, we came across swings, rings, and other things! I’m talking about none other than Laurel Hills Park located at 3808 Edwards Mill Rd near Crabtree Valley Mall. With all the great features this park has, it’s also super easy to access regardless of where you’re coming from in the Triangle area. It’s also very close to Glen Eden Pilot Park and Crabtree Creek Trail on the greenway.
Laurel Hills is mostly known for the All Children’s Playground. This truly is a playground for kids of all ages, even being accessible for kids with disabilities. There is a large tot area with four tot swings, rings, monkey bars, tires for climbing through, and a slide. The tot area also has a slightly spongy surface, which is nice for the crawlers. Just a few feet from the tot area is the older kid playground, which is an enormous wooden, castle-like structure over a sandy surface. It has bridges, towers, tunnels, tires for crawling through, amazing places for hide and seek, slides, and monkey bars. There are 6 swings and the most impressive tire swing I’ve ever seen. Two girls were having the best time on the tire swing as their dad tried to keep up with their laughs and gasps by sending them higher with each swivel! The nearby pavilions, picnic tables, and benches are convenient for keeping a close eye on the young ones as they play.
There has been much talk over the past few years of reconstructing the playground (it’s 20 years old now) but funds have to be raised first. Visit Sassafras All Children’s Playground to learn more about the plans and how you can help.
In addition to the playground, this park also has a large community center used for group rentals, open gym, recreation programs, and other activities. There’s also a large pavilion with picnic tables and charcoal grill. If you’re looking for outdoor recreation, there is a large soccer field, two lighted baseball fields, two basketball courts, and a paved walking trail. The restroom facilities near the pond are very nice and even have a child changing station.
Thumbs Up: All Children’s Playground, tot swings, climbing areas, small pavilions near playground, walking trail, community center, recreational facilities, tire swing, proximity of different playgrounds to each other
Thumbs Down: no sidewalks from Edwards Mill Rd to inside park
So, my friend, Kelly (see Sarah Duke Gardens post) has started a tradition of doing Twelve Days of Christmas Cookies that involves some 28 sticks of butter, pounds of sugar and flour, and different types of candies to make twelve different homemade batches of cookies. Instead of getting elbow-deep in flour and sugar, Ashley and I are going to get knee-deep in some playground sand! For the next 12 days, we’ll visit a new park each day and then hopefully get a mini-post added shortly thereafter.
If there are parks you’re looking for more information about or have suggestions for a park we should visit in Raleigh, please send them our way!
Looking for a way to spend a gorgeous Sunday Funday outside while celebrating the Christmas season?! Why not pack up the family (don’t forget the dog) and head out to your local Christmas tree farm at Boyce Farms in North Raleigh. Since volunteering here as part of the Raleigh Jaycees fundraiser, I’ve made choosing our tree at Boyce Farms part of our Christmas tradition.
Boyce Farms is a family-owned and operated farm located at 2813 Mount Vernon Church Rd. The tree farm is open Mon-Fri from noon-7pm and Sat-Sun from 9am-7pm. You can choose from a huge selection of fresh cut fraser firs from the NC mountains or choose and cut your own tree right on the farm. Every year I’ve gotten a tree from Boyce Farms, I’ve always been incredibly pleased with the quality of the tree. The tree needles stay on longer, the fresh fir scent lasts through the New Year, and even with our slack watering the tree doesn’t dry out. The prices are also incredibly reasonable…this year our 7ft tree only cost $42!
The experience at Boyce Farms wouldn’t be complete without the help from the friendly staff. Once you pick out your tree, they carry it to the tree shaking machine to clear away the few dead needles, cut off any branches near the trunk, run it through the netting machine, and then securely tie it to your car. They also have a great selection of pine roping, fresh wreaths or centerpieces, tree stands, and more.
The Raleigh Jaycees will be out there again today selling treats and helping folks find the perfect tree, so be sure to stop by and you’ll quickly make it part of your Christmas tradition too!
A few weeks ago, I went to the Pullen Park VIP Event with my friend, Jason, from southwestraleigh.com. This post originally appeared on southwestraleigh.com, where you can learn more about what a great place South West Raleigh is to live, work, and play.
Excitement was in the crisp Fall air during the Pullen Park preview event on Thursday afternoon and it’s not going to die down any time soon. Children played on swings, adults rode the newly renovated carousel, and the train sounded off when leaving the station. It’d been nearly two years since the amusement area had been open and the smiles say it all – it’s well worth the wait.
Pullen Park is located at 520 Ashe Ave, just west of Downtown Raleigh and at the edge of NC State University. The renovations to the amusement center cost more than six million dollars and are part of the 2003 Parks & Rec Bond Referendum. During the renovations, the Pullen Arts Center and Aquatic Center remained open.
Upon entering the park, your eyes are immediately drawn to the new sign extending across the walkway. Near the entrance is the new Pullen Place, serving healthy, local fare at very reasonable prices. Adjacent to the cafe is a large outdoor eating area, restrooms, and the Welcome Center where you can learn more about the park, purchase tickets for rides, or purchase park schwag.
If you head right, you can explore the various playground and climbing areas, swing sets, sand and water play areas, misting fountains, tire swing, and open play areas. The different play areas have guides indicating the ages appropriate for the equipment.
Also in this area is a restored caboose with seating inside for having a picnic. Smaller children can also enjoy a boat ride for one ticket. A must-see attraction is the CP Huntington miniature train ride, which is great for all ages and a beautiful way to explore the park from the perimeter. The views of the park from the train, especially around the lake, are gorgeous.
Another main attraction at the park is the carousel. With over 50 hand-carved animals, it is a Dentzel Carousel housed in a gorgeous new building. Among the animals you can ride are pigs, ostriches, horses, and billy goats, just to name a few. The Wullitzer organ produces music that sets the mood. The Pullen Park emblems outside the building provide a royal touch to the carousel. The weather vein atop the building is unique in that it contains colored glass and animals other than just horses.
Heading from the carousel to the lake, you’ll pass a large pavilion with picnic tables, another restroom building, the pedal boats, and the Andy & Opie statue. Be sure to stroll around Lake Howell, where you can admire the waterfront views, stop for photo ops, or enjoy the fauna. The new bridges are spectacles in themselves, adding a rolling hills feeling to the park.
With so many things to do, see, and hear at Pullen Park, you may not notice the attention paid to the small details. The cedar shakes, green color palette, emblems, new landscaping mixed with mature trees, and stonework are also worth mentioning as it all adds to the atmosphere of the park.
The park’s grand opening was Saturday, November 19 from 10am-6pm. Be sure to also purchase tickets for Holiday Express, where Pullen Park is transformed into a Holiday Wonderland from December 8-11, 4pm-7pm.
Thumbs up: playground area, views around lake, carousel, unique details in woodwork/design, miniature train ride, Pullen Place
Thumbs down: not many, but parking may be tough, especially in the beginning months
Parking lot area
Tunnel for the miniature train ride
Order food from Pullen Place
Outdoor eating area near Pullen Place
Pullen Place features local, healthy fare at reasonable prices
The entrance sign
Time to head inside
Newly landscaped areas near the entrance
Small amphitheater area
Tot swings at the playground
More swings including ones for children with special needs
Ashley trying out the new swings
I love the swings!
So many swinging options
A tire swing…classic park feature
Here comes the train
One of the many climbing areas
Take a kiddie boat ride for only 1 ticket
Guides indicate ages appropriate for the equipment
The jungle gym area with slides and shade
The playground’s spongy surface
Another view of the jungle gym
One of the misting fountains
Another fun climbing area
A spider web climbing area with the train in the background
A small open area near the playground
Another climbing area
The sand area complete with shade
Let’s make music in the park
A fun area for jumping
More of the sandbox area
So much to do in the sand
Another playground area with shade
More tot swings for the wee ones
No park is complete without a see-saw
An old caboose for visiting
Inside the caboose
Several places inside the caboose for having lunch
One of the views from the train ride
Looking towards the lake from the train
Another great view fromt he train
Another view of the lake
Time to visit the carousel
Information about riding the miniature train
The emblem at the train entrance
One of the restroom buildings
Let’s visit the carousel
Information about the carousel
Beautiful new plantins mixed with mature trees
Beautiful leaves changing colors
An inside view of the carousel
Our first carousel ride
One of the hand-carved animals
The ostrich!
Some of the new plantings and stonework around the park
The Pullen Park emblem on the carousel building
Andy & Opie statue
A tribute to the Andy Griffith Show
Breath-taking views of the lake
Looking back towards the entrance
The weather vane atop the carousel
Information about riding the pedal boats
Let’s ride the pedal boats
One of the large pavilions for rent
A huge magnolia sets the stage near the lake
Information about Lake Howell
Looking across the water
One of the bridges
As the sun sets, the trees glow
A gazebo near the water, perfect for a wedding or special event
Another bridge to cross the water
Reflections on the water were beautiful
The bridges create a rolling hills effect over the water
Great views of the bridges from afar
More spectacular colors and views
Calm waters and great views
Even the ditches made for great photos
Another view of the tunnels
A bench you’ll pass on your stroll around Lake Howell
Information about the Holiday Express event
Picnic tables near the cafe
Another view of the entrance
The Welcome Center, where you can purchase tickets or schwag
So, I’ve never had such a relaxing Thanksgiving week in a long time. Our Thanksgiving holiday started by visiting Eastgate Park earlier this week. It was extra special because we were able to spend it with Bill, who took off for the holiday week. With us around I’m not sure it was much of a relaxing vacation for him, but we enjoyed having him around all week.
Eastgate Park is located at 4200 Quail Hollow Dr, not far from North Hills Mall. The parking lot is located on Quail Hollow Dr, but side-street parking is also available on Wingate Dr. After parking in the parking lot, you can head to the left towards Cooper’s Pond. This a small pond with an small overlook area and opportunity for fishing or visiting with the fauna. Around the pond, you’ll also find a cleared path and covered pavilion with picnic tables and charcoal grill. The path this week was covered with large leaves, perfect for great photo ops!
Eastgate Park has an unstaffed community center that is available for rent and commonly used for recreational programs. There is also a large open field with several soccer goals, basketball courts, and tennis courts. We spent a lot of time at the playground area this particular day. This playground is really nice for a few reasons: 1) the spongy surface, 2) the area is fenced in, and 3) both playground areas are near each other and have several swings. Even though Ashley is only 8 months old, she thoroughly enjoyed crawling around on the spongy surface and swinging on the tot swings. I consider both features to be crucial if you have a non-walking child! Babies and mulch just do not mix!
The playground has swings, slides, and climbing areas. There is also a sandbox and musical area in the smaller child playground. Another great feature of this playground are the benches lined around the perimeter. It’s a great place for parents to enjoy watching their children play. Down from the playground is a collection of covered picnic tables and sidewalk games like four square and hopscotch.
Thumbs up: sidewalk access to park, pond area, photo ops, playgrounds, benches near playground
This post originally appeared on southwestraleigh.com, where you can learn more about what a great place South West Raleigh is to live, work, and play.
Looking for a park in the Creative District bursting with fall colors? Then, make your next park visit to Edna Metz Wells Park, where urban and nature intersect. This is a small park on the edge of Cameron Village that you’ve probably passed by a dozen times on the way to Glenwood South and never paid much attention. It’s located at the intersection of Smallwood Drive, W Johnson Street, and Peace Street at the southern edge of Cameron Village. W Johnson Street is one-way, so go around the block and park either on Park Drive or W Johnson Street. In late 2010, a $340,000 stream enhancement project was completed at the park as part of an improvement plan for Pigeon House Branch, a watershed that drains much of the downtown area.
Edna Metz Wells Park has several walking trails that meander through the mature trees and over the stream. Several small bridges cross the water and large boulders on the southern part of the stream aid in preventing further erosion. The dense forest is full of pines, oaks, magnolias, and ferns, to name a few! The leafy tree colors are magnificent right now, great for photo ops and picnic spots.
There are also a few open areas in the park, still mostly shaded with nearby benches. This is a great park for taking in some nature in an urban setting. The sounds from the stream provide a nice backdrop to the busy nearby streets. The USGS stream gauging station at the park helps monitor water levels and flow rates for flood forecasting and other projects.
So, grab a lunch or dinner nearby at Noodles & Co or Piccola Italia and head to Edna Metz Wells Park for a nice stroll and picnic.
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.
