The city of Durham, North Carolina, will use $42 million to make major improvements to two city parks. The project is currently in the design phase, with construction expected to begin in fall 2026. The project will develop the East End and Long Meadow Parks, expanding and updating amenities for the historic, 93-year-old areas. The project will prioritize recreational amenities including new swimming options, play areas, athletic fields and courts and connecting trails.
The city will preserve several existing park features, including the existing sports courts, historic pavilion and ball fields, with plans to build new courts under the pavilion. In addition, the park will be updated with lap and zero-entry pools, a poolhouse, a storytelling terrace and a picnic area.
Park visitors will be able to enjoy new recreational amenities such as regular and sloped play areas, an interactive water feature plaza, a climbing tower, a sloped zip line and an interactive game terrace. Additional features include a pedestrian bridge, an enhanced pedestrian crossing, a fitness trail station and a multi-purpose lawn.
Stadium seating will be built into the park slope near the new courts while terraced seat walls will be added to the park’s play area. The entry plaza will be equipped with ping pong tables, and visitors will have easy access to the local stream and a bridge trail connecting the two parks. The city will invest in stormwater treatment infrastructure and may build a cultural arts center.
(Photo courtesy of RoboMichalec.)
