Splash & Play Project

This project will be the culmination of the City of Durham’s effort to develop park projects for the Long Meadow and East End Parks and the former Wheels Fun Park. The primary intent is to evaluate and assess these park sites with the focus of identifying opportunities to implement recommendations included in the City’s 2013 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the 2017 Aquatics Facilities Master Plan. The project will prioritize consideration of the former Wheels Fun Park for the development of a large outdoor aquatics facility and other programming possibilities. This project will also evaluate current recreation features available at East End and Long Meadow Parks to consider the potential for new recreation and aquatics features and to compliment the future R. Kelly Bryant Bridge Trail. Recommendations will be based on input that will be received through an extensive and equitable engagement process.

Residents Committee

A Residents Committee which reflects Durham and is diverse in race, gender, age, sexual orientation, language, geography, interests, and advocacy will meet regularly. Each member exhibited a commitment to, and connection with, their community through their ongoing work. They will provide input into the engagement approach, share the project within their network, provide input, review and comment on concept plans and studies, and attend events. Though these recreation projects are for the city-wide system, there is an emphasis on participation by residents of East Durham as the most impacted community.

Date		Recorded Meeting
March 10, 2022 (Kickoff)	Download Meeting Summary (PDF) Download Presentation (PDF)	Watch on YouTube
April 7, 2022	Download Meeting Summary (PDF) Download Presentation (PDF)	Watch on Zoom
June 2, 2022	Download Meeting Summary (PDF) Download Presentation (PDF) Download Virtual Youth Meeting (PDF)	Watch on Zoom
August 18, 2022	Download Meeting Summary (PDF) Download Presentation (PDF)	Watch on Zoom
September 29, 2022	Download Meeting Summary Download Presentation	Watch on Zoom
November 16, 2022	Download Meeting Summary Download Presentation	Watch on Zoom

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the City building pools at 3 park sites?

No decisions have been made. The consultant team will first evaluate existing structures and determine the feasibility of different facilities at each site. We will ask East Durham residents what features they would like to see.

Why is the City doing this project?

Durham prepared and adopted the Aquatics Facilities Master Plan in 2017 to guide development and placement of future aquatics facilities. The sites being studied were identified as underserved due to age or lack of facilities. Long Meadow pool dates from 1963.

Why did the Wheels Fun Park close?

Wheels Fun Park closed during COVID-19 and was acquired by the City in 2021. Most recently, it was used by Duke Health as a testing/vaccination site. We are seeking public input to help determine the 8-acre site’s future.

When did this project begin?

The project is just getting underway. Estimated completion of the study and conceptual designs is Fall 2022.

Who is working on the project besides DPR?

The General Services Department is managing the project with input from Neighborhood Improvement Services to ensure equitable participation. We will be working with residents, churches, schools, and many other organizations in East Durham, guided by the spirit and intent of the Equitable Community Engagement Blueprint.

A committee of Durham residents, many that live and work in the project areas, will meet monthly with the consultant team and staff to plan engagement activities and review project materials and concepts. The team will utilize community residents, including youth, to distribute and share information and lead/participate in events. Compensation is available.

Our family prefers rollerskating and go-karts over swimming. We were sad to see Wheels go.

No decisions have been made about the site’s future. The consultant team will evaluate the facilities and develop recreation concepts for the 8-acre site. Plans will likely include an outdoor aquatics facility, as identified in the Aquatics Facilities Master Plan. The same process will occur at the other two sites.

Is this project related to Merrick-Moore Park?

Improvement to the Wheels site will become part of the overall recreation system for the east side of the City, as well as supplement and complement recreation facilities at Merrick-Moore Park, formerly referred to as Hoover Road Park or Park on Hoover Road.

It is not convenient for me to come to a meeting. How can I learn more or tell you what I want?

Our team of consultants, staff and residents will be at your church, bus stop, school, recreation center, as well as events in the community. We will post information on the DPR website, Facebook, Instagram, “Be Connected Durham”, and in the existing newsletter. For information about upcoming engagement events, visit our website calendar.

Is this information available in Spanish?