Great for fishing. There are lots of places to stand and cast around the lake, and many are in the…read moreshade. The lake itself is stocked with catfish and others so you're sure to catch something. I also saw many people jogging or walking around the trail that circles the lake, which seems quite nice because it is a wide and clear trail with lots of shade.

I was looking for a new trail to explore since the weather is warmed up and it's not freezing…read moreoutside. This park wasn't too far from where I live so I decided to check it out. It definitely needs some TLC but overall, it offers playground dog park, baseball basketball and restrooms. I wasn't crazy over the trails so I decided to skip it and I'm gonna continue my search looking for other parks that I feel like I feel more fit what I'm looking for. The signage and overall vibe of the park could use some updating.

Nice clean park with several pickleball courts. Courts are clearly marked and always clean. Plus,…read morethe bathrooms are clean too.

Lots of gated areas to make sure there are no escapees. All dogs when outside of the gate were…read moreleashed. Dogs must be registered before coming! There is also a tennis court and soccer field basically on the/ next to it. We assumed it is all the same place. Wish it included some walking trail type areas but there was also a covered space with picnic benches and bbq grills. So a pretty well rounded little spot for multiple needs. Water fountains weren't functioning closest to bathrooms on tennis side when we went though...

For all the Triad parks we visited in 2020 (earning the Yelpie for Explorer of the Year,) this one…read moreis our favorite yet by far! It took a bit of travel for us, slightly over an hour each way, but it was worth it! The grounds here, the trail, the surrounding river, and the playground all make for the perfect day for kids and their parents, too! The nature trail is packed well and overall very stroller-friendly, with shortcuts in case you need to cut your walk short. There are also lots of great vantage points to sit for a moment and take in the scenery, if your kids will afford you that luxury. As for the playground, this is one to remember. It is so unique, constructed out of wood and fitting right in with the natural vibe of the surrounding woods. And the added bonus is listening to the flowing current nearby while your young ones enjoy going down the fish slide, swinging, and building a fort with bamboo. Also a lot of good spots for bird watching here! Be sure not to miss the part of the trail by the gravel parking lot. That takes you to the waterfall area, and there's a spot with 4 hammocks rigged up for kicking back and enjoying! Make a plan to come visit this place on a warm, sunny day. If you like nature, you and your family will love this! And if you are a history buff, interested in environmental conservatism, or a homeschool parent, this area is a good experience and opportunity to learn about the Saxapahaw/Sissipahaw natives' life on the Haw River and the development of the hydro mill as a source of energy. This area checks boxes for spiritual wellness, educational opportunity, and physical exercise as well. Aside of that, just fun and enjoyable!

Easy trail around the island with nice river views. Good for beginners but lots of rocks and tree…read moreroots on the path.

Great spot to take the dog for a nice walk. Friendly neighborhood in between paths…read more It was a bit busy with people running and biking so you just have to stay alert. Maddy loved the new smells and the cooler weather!

Indian Trail park is a teeny little park in Old West Durham. However, despite its small size, it…read morepacks a decent amount of charm. The main reason I've passed through this park (don't blink because you may miss it) is that the West Ellerbee Creek trail runs into it, and I've run on that trail a time or two. In fact, it seems as though the trail brings a lot of runners, walkers, and dog walkers into this park. Aside from the running, I've also had a couple early evening picnics here as there's a sizable field that lends itself to picnicking (as well as football, soccer, frisbee, kite flying...you get the idea). Indian Trail also features a small playground, a handful of benches, and some outdoor exercise stations. So if you're looking to compete in an international monkey bars competition, Indian Trail park may serve as solid training grounds. Yup, it's not the biggest park in the world, but it's clean, well-maintained, and does what it does well!

I like this park mainly because it's secluded and virtually across the street from the Lakewood…read moreYMCA. Lots of kids came out to play even though there isn't much equipment to play on. My son loved the twisty slide best and it seemed that the other kids did too. There's a picnic area and a shelter area which I assume had bathrooms but I didn't check. There's also a huge sports field near the playground which means big kids can mingle with little ones once they are done with practice. Lots of shade from pine trees, and the company of squirrels, hawks, and various birds.

I always see this place on the map but decided to check it out on an evening walk. There are clear…read moresigns leading you to it from 157 Guess street. There's grills, 6 tennis courts, a play ground, flush toilets, water fountains, two baseball diamond, and plenty of picnic benches and plenty of parking spots. There's a short paved path that hugs along Warren Creek. Plenty of people walk this road and kids like to ride their bikes along it too.

Cool little park with a nice play ground, two baseball / softball fields and four tennis courts,…read moreand picnic tables. Nice park to take the kids for a picnic when the weather is nice for a little R&R.

Found this park when we tried to go to the library after it closed. Pretty new, play structures are…read morein great condition and have a lot of interesting designs and obstacles. Both structures are pretty low to the ground so are pretty good for young children. What sets this apart is the small amphitheater and seating options. Looks like it would be great for a small party, school class or just an informal play date with lots of kids. There is a large gazebo or pavilion right in the middle and lots of trees for shade. A few downsides: it may not be as adventurous for older kids, grassy area is small but useable and there is only one swing, which is a tire swing. Small things, but overall this was a great find right next to the library downtown!

This park is great but it is a bit off the beaten path, well I guess not really for most people but…read moreit is from the route that I normally travel. One thing I find interesting about this park is that it is basically split into two sections that you would almost think are two different parks instead of one. The southern half of the park features a basketball court ( 2 court layout, picnic tables) and a weird sort of playground. You have to see it to understand what I mean. Its far from your traditional playground but its still pretty cool. Sadly the park has been abused and does have a good amount of trash laying about and even more of it in the nearby stream. As a result of the abuse the bathrooms near the play ground are almost always locked and the drinking fountains don't work. On the plus side a BSA Venturing Crew (Crew 505) has just recently adopted the park so with any luck the park will start to get cleaned up and better taken care of.

I want to like this park more but there are too many things that make me feel uncomfortable. The…read more"caterpillar" playground will be the first thing that catches your eye. Perfect for younger kids with their low "ropes" options and swings a step away. Walk down the trail a bit and you'll run into a covered picnic area, bathrooms with water fountains, two basketball courts, and while not lit, they do look well maintained. Across a tiny creek and bridge you'll finally run into a large baseball field. I know it all sounds great and while parts of the park look great, I don't think the location makes for the safest children's spot. The park is located in a residential neighborhood, however it divides Lakewood (a lower-income neighborhood) from the backside Forest Hills (a higher income neighborhood). On a Monday afternoon around noon, the parking lot was empty, and I've rarely seen people here. However, evidence around the basketball court (empty beer cases, bottles, boxers even) prove that it's well used. I'm not an expert with bullet holes, but it also looks like several holes are in the door of the woman's bathroom and even a park sign. YIKES! Having already had a run-in with a shooting down the street at Forest Hills Park, seeing this didn't give me the desire to rush back. It really just puts a knot in my stomach, knowing that the city has put money into making this a desirable park, and seeing first hand that something dangerous has gone down here, where children are encouraged to play. If you do choose to head to Lyon Park, be alert to who is surrounding you and come in full daylight!