Parks

Trail winding through a park

Durham has great places to play! The City's 66 parks serve as sites for many of Durham Parks and Recreation's athletic leagues, activities, and events. 

All Parks

Durham Parks and Recreation manages over 1,600 acres of park land featuring a variety of amenities including playgrounds, swings, shelters, fields, and more.

Park Amenities

Looking for a specific park amenity? Search parks and facilities by features.

Park Rentals

Durham's parks, trails, and facilities can serve as great sites for your next event or family gathering. Many of our parks offer rentals of picnic shelters, athletic fields, event fields, and more! Visit our rentals page for more information.

Photography and Videography Usage

Durham Parks and Recreation's Photography and Videography Usage Permit (Online Form) is required to be filled out if requesting the use of our parks or trails for photography or videography purposes. Please note, this is a request form and does not guarantee a permit. A staff member will follow up after receiving your request. If you have any questions about this form, please email DPRInfo.

Report Injury or Illness

Customers and residents are encouraged to immediately report any injury or illness received as a result of participation in leisure services provided by or at City of Durham Parks and Recreation facilities, parks, and trails. Please call 919-560-4355 to file an accident report.

Report Illegal Activity

If you see illegal activity in any park at any time, contact the police by dialing 911. Hunting is not allowed in city parks or lakes.

Adopt-A-Park / Trail

The Adopt-A-Park/Trail Program (APAT) is volunteer program that gives the community the opportunity to work with Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) to keep its parks and trails clean and attractive.

Dog Parks

Dog owners represent a large (and growing!) segment of the community. While regular leash walks provide a level of exercise that promotes good dog health, access to open space for off-leash play and socialization is equally important.

Cultural Heritage Parks

Durham has several cultural heritage sites. These significant natural and historic parks provide opportunities for passive recreational pursuits such as picnicking, fishing, hiking, outdoor nature study, and learning Durham's cultural history through tours and programs.

Playgrounds

DPR manages over 50 playgrounds throughout the City! Playgrounds provide a safe place for children to play, connect, and learn.

Park Winterization

Durham Parks and Recreation (DPR) will close certain park amenities by mid-November that are subject to freezing, this includes irrigation systems, park restrooms, and drinking fountains. 

Since 2014 DPR has been upgrading park restrooms in high-use parks to make them resistant to freezing year-round. Except for extreme sustained cold, these restrooms are available to residents to use year-round. Year-round restrooms can currently be found at the following locations:

  • Bethesda Park
  • C.M. Herndon Park
  • Crest Street Park
  • Duke Park
  • East End Park
  • Lakeview Park
  • Long Meadow Park
  • Merrick-Moore Park
  • Red Maple Park
  • Sherwood Park
  • Solite Park
  • Southern Boundaries Park
  • Twin Lakes Park
  • West Point on the Eno Park
  • Whippoorwill Park

Please note, while we make every effort to have these restrooms open year-round, there are sometimes unforeseen circumstances and/or maintenance issues that may cause us to temporarily close park restrooms.