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Park Information


Park Hours:
8 a.m. to sunset, seven days a week – check sign at park entrance
Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Park entrance is free.

Rules & Regulations:
Crowder Park prides itself on providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all park patrons. With that in mind, please obey the following rules & regulations:

  1. Speed limit is 20 mph.
  2. Pets must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet. (Please clean up after your pet. Dog waste bags are provided at several locations along the trail.)
  3. Open fires are not allowed.
  4. Park only in designated areas.
  5. The following are prohibited:
    a. Alcoholic beverages
    b. Firearms
    c. Fishing
    d. Feeding of wildlife in the pond or elsewhere in the park
    e. Hunting
    f. Overnight camping
    g. Swimming/wading
    h. Collection, removal or release of any plant or animal material
    i. Amplified music

Park History


The history of Crowder Park can be traced back to 1914 with the birth of Doris Pierce Crowder. The late Mrs. Crowder donated the 33 acres of land that was used as the site for Crowder Park. Below is an outline of the major events leading up to the Crowder Park you can visit today.

September 22, 1992
Mrs. Doris Pierce Crowder, of Durham, donates 33 acres of land to the county with the stipulation that it be used for public recreation.

Winter 1992
Wake County approves $1.9 million from the 1992 Parks Bond Referendum to build Crowder Park, in honor of Mrs. Crowder's generous donation. Nearly $250,000 is spent reconstructing Crowder Pond due to Mrs. Crowder's childhood memories of the area.

September 15, 1996
In the wake of Hurricane Fran, almost 50% of the trees on park land are uprooted. Crowder Park sustained the worst damage from Fran in the county.

June 6, 1998
Crowder Park opens its gates. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is held, and Mrs. Crowder is the guest of honor.

Fall 2002
Crowder Park reaches 7,000 citizens of all ages through environmental education and outreach programs. Crowder Park adds the beaver to its list of attractions.

Crowder Park Today
Crowder Park has been in operation since 1998. Since its opening, the park has served as a public recreation area and environmental education facility for more than 200,000 community members annually.

Projects and Improvements

Asphalt Trail Repair
The asphalt trail repair and renovation around the perimeter of the park has been completed. A new, easier-to-walk-on surface is now in place. There are still areas at the edge of the trail that need reseeding. Due to staff shortage this process will take longer than initially anticipated. Thank you for your continued patience during this time.

Pond Boardwalk Renovation
The boardwalk that crosses the west end of Crowder Pond is in need of renovation to the decking and the side rails. Park staff is replacing the entire deck of the boardwalk, installing new side rails and installing a new sitting bench to replace the current one. Due to the nature of the work, available staff and other park needs, the project will not be completed until fall. When construction is taking place, it will be necessary to close off access to areas of the boardwalk periodically from both sides; however, the trail over the opposite end of the pond can be used to reach the picnic shelters, play field and tot lots. The result will be a new boardwalk for all park visitors to enjoy.