Projects and Improvements
A comprehensive park maintenance program keeps Crowder safe and pleasing for our park visitors. Along with maintenance, park improvements allow Crowder Park to continue to offer an appealing environment for all to enjoy. Since Crowder's opening in 1996, the park has undergone continuous improvements. With the addition of several garden areas and the amphitheater, patrons today can truly enjoy a peaceful stroll at their leisure. We are always looking for volunteer help to maintain our gardens – if interested, contact Jackie Trickel at 662-2852.
Stream Restoration
The shoreline area of the pond near the Heron shelter has always been a hotspot for visitors to get an upclose view of the water. Unfortunately, with all that attention has come quite a bit of erosion. In order to control the current erosion and prevent any in the future, park staff, with the help of Wake County Cooperative Extension, is conducting a restoration project. In the fall of 2007, a stormwater wetland area was dug, lined and is now filling with water. This area will protect sediment from the drainage ditches and pollutants from the parking lot from washing into the pond. A few more modifications need to be made on this wetland area before we begin to install native wetland plants.
Butterfly Garden
The Butterfly garden is located just outside the park office. The garden is made up of many different species of plants that are attractive to butterflies – both the adult and larval stage. If you enjoy spotting butterflies on your travels, this garden is an excellent place to start. Anyone who is interested in starting a butterfly garden is welcome to browse, and park staff will be happy to offer more information on plants that are attractive to butterflies. Thanks to Girl Scout Troop 592 for their help updating this garden while they earned their Bronze Award.
Bird Garden
Crowder's Bird garden is located along the outer loop trail toward the office. Here, we have planted trees and vines that provide shelter, food and nesting materials for the birds at the park. Bird feeders have been installed to attract birds into viewing range; however, most birds are still very cautious around people. A flier about the different types of feeders developed by an Eagle Scout is available in the park office.
Prairie Garden
Farther along the outer loop is the Prairie garden. This garden is made up of grass common to North Carolina prairies. Today, these prairies exist in scattered patches across the state. With the loss of prescribed burns done by Native Americans, these grasses are choked out by quicker growing, non-native grasses and trees. An interpretive panel offers a view of what the prairie landscape may have looked like.
Theme Garden
Located next to the Heron shelter is the Theme garden. Every year, a new theme is chosen and a new garden is planted. This year's theme is a "Sensory Garden," constructed by the home school gardening class in the spring. It contains plants and flowers chosen by the children that appeal to your many senses. Signs indicate which of your senses each flower will stimulate.
Vegetative Management
Crowder provides opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and the abundant wildlife that call the park home. As the park ages, so does the vegetation. In order to maintain an intact tree cover, it is necessary to thin out some of the overgrown, unhealthy and undesirable trees and plants. This project will be done over a period of several years, and the result will be a healthy, thriving forest that will continue to provide quality habitat for the park's wildlife.
Asphalt Trail Repair
The asphalt trail around the perimeter of the park and pond has deteriorated over the past few years, necessitating some major renovations. Over the course of the summer months, numerous sections of the trail will be torn out and relaid with new materials. Please obey directions of contractors, signage and park staff to ensure the project is completed with as few disruptions as possible and for your safety as park visitors. Children have a natural curiosity about construction equipment so it is imperative that parents keep them away from the construction zones.