Wake County begins process to expand and improve Crowder County Park

Citizens are invited to share their thoughts at a community meeting

Wake County is launching plans to expand and renovate Crowder County Park in Apex, and residents are encouraged to play an active role in the process by attending a staff community meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 28. The meeting will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the park’s Heron Shelter, 4709 Ten Ten Road in Apex.

“Community involvement is a cornerstone of this project,” said Wake County Commissioner Matt Calabria. “We believe the best parks are designed by the people who use them. Your feedback will help ensure Crowder County Park continues to be a place where everyone can connect with nature, learn and play.”

Crowder’s current 33 acres offer outdoor recreation opportunities for all ages – including paved and natural trails, open play fields, a beach volleyball court, an outdoor amphitheater and three picnic areas with adjacent playgrounds. The boardwalk over the park’s 2.7-acre pond is a popular choice with visitors. Last year, more than 178,000 people visited the park and over 3,000 visitors participated in educational programs.

With funding from the 2018 Parks, Greens, Recreation and Open Space Bond, the county was able to purchase an additional 96 acres to incorporate into the park, creating more space for outdoor recreation and environmental education.

At the community meeting, residents have the opportunity to stop by at any time to view maps and potential plans and to talk to park staff about their ideas and wishes. The meeting is designed to be family-friendly, and children are welcome to participate and share their own visions through interactive displays.

Completion of construction is planned for summer 2027.

Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space manages eight parks and three conservation areas. The ninth park, Beech Bluff County Park in southeast Wake County, is currently under construction and is scheduled to open this year. For more information about Wake County’s parks, visit wake.gov/Parks.