Parks and Recreation Department

Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to “Play More.” We strive to help residents discover, explore and enjoy life through creative and challenging recreational choices that contribute to their physical, emotional and social health. Guided by the City’s Strategic Plan, Durham Parks and Recreation focuses on two of the city’s strategic goals: Thriving and livable neighborhoods and a well-managed city.

Department Divisions

Administrative Services Division
Park Planning, Maintenance and Environmental Education Division
Recreation Programs Division

Play More Guide
June-August

Summer Camp 2012 Guide

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Latest News and Information

DPR 2011 Accomplishments

DPR 2011 Achievements Presentation

American Village Park Renovations

Help Durham Parks and Recreation by casting your vote in the

2012 Sprite Spark Parks Program

Durham's Elmira Avenue Park (540 Elmira Ave.) basketball courts have been selected out of 25 courts nationwide to receive grant funding for refurbishments through the 2012 Sprite Spark Parks Project. The 10 parks with the most votes will get $15,000 in grant funding, the next 10 parks will receive $10,000 in grant funding, and the remaining five parks will receive $5,000 in grant funding. Currently, Durham is in seventh place! Since Elmira Park's construction in the 1970s, its courts have had very little renovation. If Elmira Park receives the $15,000 grant, the courts may get new goal systems installed and repairs to the courts' surface.

Help us secure the maximum possible grant! From now to May 31, you can enter the My Coke Rewards codes found on Sprite and Sprite Zero Fridge Pack, 20-pack, 24-pack, 20 oz., and 2-liter products, or you can vote for free by entering Durham's Community Code, SPRITEPARKDUR, online.

Cast your vote today - You can submit a vote every day until May 31. Making Elmira Park an even better place for local youth to PLAY MORE would be a great win for our community.

Park Renovations

The playground at Drew/Granby Park is temporarily closed for maintenance. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience.

The tennis courts and ball field at Rock Quarry Park are closed due to renovations and will reopen in early May. The parking lot is being paved and the tennis courts are being resurfaced. Check the website for details.

Southern Boundaries Park Tennis Courts will be closed on May 5 due to surfacing work on the courts. The work is scheduled to be complete by early June weather permitting.

The playgrounds at Oakwood Park and Crest Street Park will be closed for playground resurfacing beginning May 9. The work is expected to be completed by the end of May.

Construction for the American Tobacco Trail (ATT) Phase E consisting of the current end at NC 54 to Chatham Co. line, including bridge over I-40 is expected to begin on June 11. For details click here.

If you have any questions or concerns, please email us.

Rain Out Weather Line

To find out about cancellations due to weather, call (919) 560-4636.