Investment: $11.9 million
Through a Request for Projects process in 2019, the Board of Commissioners approved the purchase of 20 properties. Since then, we’ve purchased 1,330 acres of property for future parks, nature preserves and open space.

Municipal Greenways

Investment: $4.7 million
A 2019 Request for Projects process identified three local greenways for development:

• Raleigh Crabtree West 
• Apex West 
• Apex Middle Creek 
   

Swift Creek Greenway

Investment: $3.5 million
Community planning is now taking place on the Swift Creek Greenway! This multi-use path will connect Cary, Raleigh and Garner following the Swift Creek.

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Triangle Bikeway

Investment: $4.7 million Wake County + $485,000 RTP = $5.185 million total investment
This 16-foot-wide paved trail for cyclists and pedestrians would run alongside Interstate 40 between Raleigh and Chapel Hill. Wake County commissioners agreed to fund the design of the project from Raleigh through the Research Triangle Park.

Beech Bluff County Park

Investment: $26.127 million
Beech Bluff County Park is 300 acres and is located in the southeast corner of Wake County adjacent to the towns of Garner and Fuquay-Varina. Groundbreaking and construction are planned for fall 2022, with an anticipated opening date of late 2024.

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Kellam Wyatt Preserve

Investment: $5.49 million
Kellam-Wyatt Preserve is 59 acres and is located in east-central Wake County, near the border between Raleigh and Knightdale. The property was donated to Wake County with a conservation easement, which means the land is legally limited to certain uses that support conservation values such as open space, scenic views, habitat and watershed protection, preservation of rural character and agricultural production.

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Lake Myra County Park

Investment: $16 million
Lake Myra County Park, located south of Knightdale and Wendell, is a 224-acre property in the Marks Creek watershed. The former site of a gristmill and general store, the lake was also one of the most popular destinations in the area. The park will open the site to recreational opportunities, including a park center, day-use shelters, playground, nature overlooks, boardwalks and trails.

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Sinclair Preserve

Investment: $100,000
This 336-acre open space assemblage is in northern Wake County off
Highway 50. The 2018 bond envisioned approximately $1.3 million in funding for the Sinclair Nature Preserve, which will include master planning. Funded through design only.

Buffalo Creek Preserve

Investment: $2.54 million
Buffalo Creek Nature Preserve protects just over 900 acres of blackwater cypress swamp and adjacent upland habitat along Buffalo Creek in eastern Wake County. This natural heritage blackwater cypress swamp is the only habitat of this type in Wake County and features flora and fauna more common to the coastal plain.

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Little River Preserve

Investment: $50,000
Little River Nature Preserve, from U.S. 64 to the Franklin County line, encompasses approximately 3,700 acres of wetlands, vast open fields and forested areas. With diverse vegetation and topography, the site offers a variety of recreation and environmental education opportunities while preserving sensitive habitats and ecosystems. Activities may include mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, wildlife observation and horseback riding. Founded through design only.

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Swift Creek Preserve

Investment: $50,000
Swift Creek Nature Preserve lies along the Swift Creek corridor from Lake Wheeler to Lake Benson. The nature preserve is wooded and includes significant wetlands, floodplain and wildlife habitat. The natural surface trails provide opportunities for hiking, walking, environmental education, birdwatching and wildlife overlooks. Funded through design only.

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Blue Jay Point Improvements

Investment: $5.7 million
Renovations and improvements slated for Blue Jay Point focus on new facilities such as a picnic pavilion and improving features the park is already known for like access to lake shore and its natural playground.

Harris Lake Improvements

Investment: $5.7 million
Renovations and improvements slated for Harris Lake focus on improving existing facilities such as access to lakefront and the disc golf course, including development of a new youth course and restrooms.

Historic Oak View Improvements

Investment: $3.5 million
Renovations and improvements slated for Historic Oak View focus on new facilities such as the development of a playground, interpretive exhibits in the main house and additional trails in the pecan grove.

Lake Crabtree Improvements

Investment: $6.2 million
Renovations and improvements slated for Lake Crabtree focus on new facilities like the park center, while improving the park loop trail and parking.

Crowder Improvements

Investment: $4.9 million
Renovations and improvements slated for Crowder focus on new facilities such as a park center and classroom; improving the natural playground, pond overlook and teaching platform; and integrating the additional 96 acres acquired in July 2019.

American Tobacco Trail Improvements

Investment: $710,000
Renovations and improvements slated for the ATT focus on the visitor experience and improve access to drinking water, restrooms and expanded parking. Connectivity to the trail continues to expand through both public and private partnerships and with it comes a need for better wayfinding and signage. Funded through design only.

Historic Yates Mill Improvements

Investment: $4.7 million
Renovations and improvements slated for Historic Yates Mill focus on improvements to the water’s edge for recreational pursuits, improved access to the Mill, and development of additional hiking opportunities including a boardwalk along Creekside Trail.

Green Hills Improvements

Investment: $2.7 million
Renovations and improvements slated for Green Hills focus on new facilities such as the “Top of Hill” trail and a skate facility, along with improvements to the playground.