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
