Spring is here and it’s wonderful out! Our area is known for is an abundance of green space, including parks, greenways and natural areas. Several new projects are in the works and many existing parks are constantly being upgraded.

I’ve listed some of our favorites below but it is by no means an exhaustive list.

The Downtown Cary Park (Cary)

The recently opened park covers 7 acres in Downtown Cary and was designed with just about everyone in mind. It has a wide range of amenities and and is great place for all ages. There is a ‘skywalk,’ great pavilion, botanical garden, sports courts, dog run, playground and much more. The park has added a bustling hub of activity and green space to Cary’s epicenter.

Dorothea Dix Park (Raleigh)

Dorothea Dix is already a very nice place with incredible views of Downtown Raleigh but it continues to undergo a transformation that is turning it into Raleigh’s premiere destination park. It has already seen considerable changes over the years and continues to move towards completion of its master plan. Currently, the park is a space for events, relaxing and fun.

NC Museum of Art Park (Raleigh)

The art isn’t just inside the museum! The extensive walking trails around the buildings are beautifully landscaped and dotted with amazing works of art. They take visitors through open fields, landscaped terraces and forest. The trails also connect to the greenway that leads to Umstead Park and Wade Avenue.

Bond Park (Cary)

Cary’s largest park, Bond Park, has a lake, walking trails, several sports facilities, a senior center, a community center and more. It is a popular place for events and Town of Cary sports leagues.

Pullen Park (Raleigh)

North Carolina’s first public park (1887), Pullen Park has long been the quintessential Raleigh park. A ride on the train or merry-go-round fills many nostalgic childhood memories for some of the area’s longtime residents. The park has a fun playground, lake, lots of plant life and several other amenities. The park’s aquatic center has an Olympic swimming pool that is open to the public all year.

Marla Dorrel Park (Cary)

Marla Dorrel Park aka Kids Together Park was created through an initiative to build a park that can be enjoyed by everyone, including those with physical disabilities. The specially designed park is a blast for all kids and connects to the green way and pedestrian bridge over Highway 1/64.

Sarah P. Duke Gardens (Durham)

The Duke Gardens are truly spectacular. They are great for relaxing and even a formal (or informal) photo shoot. There is a wide range of flora, plenty of art, and some very impressive landscape architecture. The gardens are very well kept and nice any time of the year.

Coker Arboretum (Chapel Hill)

Coker Arboretum lies right in the heart of UNC’s campus. It serves as a great retreat for students, faculty and visitors alike, letting them slow down a little in the middle of a hectic day. The arboretum has a nice variety of plants and trails as well as grassy areas to lay out and relax.

JC Raulston Arboretum (Raleigh)

Run by NC State university, according to the arboretum’s website it “is a nationally acclaimed garden with one of the largest and most diverse collections of landscape plants adapted for landscape use in the Southeast.” The arboretum also serves as a research and educational center and holds events for all ages.

North Carolina Botanical Garden (Chapel Hill)

Per the garden’s website: “The North Carolina Botanical Garden is a “conservation garden.” Our guiding mission is to inspire understanding, appreciation, and conservation of plants and to advance a sustainable relationship between people and nature.” Right by the Dean Dome and southern end of UNC’s campus, the garden is easily accessible.

Umstead State Park (Raleigh)

Umstead State Park is a gem. A 5,599 acre state park in a city the size of Raleigh is almost unheard of. Luckily for us, government officials were wise enough to protect the land back in 1937. The park is a haven for hikers, runners, bikers and more. There are extensive trails, creeks and ponds open to the public and options for camping and more. On top of all this, there are several shelters perfect for cook outs and tons of fun with friends and family.

Hemlock Bluffs (Cary)

Hemlock Bluffs is a protected nature area featuring The Stevens Nature Center, hiking trails, Swift Creek and lots of local wildlife. The nature center runs programs for youth and all ages including some exciting night time nature walks. It’s also a great place to volunteer.

Eno River State Park (Durham)

Eno River State Park is an expansive green area that is perfect for all sorts of activities. The river is known to have great fishing and hiking and when it gets a little warmer go cool off in one of the many swimming spots. There are also several festivals held in part of the park.