Big news for Wake County's green thumbs and nature enthusiasts: the County’s Board of Commissioners has greenlit an extensive master plan for Crowder County Park. The park, a go-to spot for families and outdoorsy types, is slated for significant improvements, bringing new features to the expanded 129-acre space, according to news from Wake County's official website.
Chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners, Susan Evans, was quoted, “This vote is an exciting milestone in our efforts to expand green space and recreational opportunities across Wake County,” and indeed, expanding Crowder County Park has been on the community's wishlist. The expansion isn't just for kicks though, it taps into the voter-approved bonds for Parks, Greenways, Recreation, and Open Space from way back in 2019.
This approved master plan comes after over a year of planning. It's a concoction of community meetings, surveys, and persistent stakeholder opinions, designed by CLH Design. Phase 1 kicks off with the design phase later this year, eyeing a fall 2026 construction launch. It doesn’t just end at expanded territory; we're talking pedestrian crossings, greenway connectors, and nature trails, among other amenities. Plus, there's a classroom in there for park-goers looking to learn a thing or two about the great outdoors. All these planned additions are about maintaining that delicate balance between leisure and the lush local ecosystem.
Since its opening in 1998, Crowder County Park has seen more foot traffic than a downtown sidewalk – with over 200,000 visitors last year alone. It’s not hard to see why, given its diverse recreational offerings which include, fields, volleyball courts, and playground-adjoined picnic shelters.
