Residents invited to share thoughts at community meeting

Following outreach and engagement efforts, Wake County is inviting the public to review concept plans for the expansion and enhancement of Crowder County Park in Apex. Residents are invited to join staff at a community meeting from 4–7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20, at Kraft Family YMCA to view the plans and provide feedback.

“Community input and feedback are critical as we move forward in the planning process,” said Shinica Thomas, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “We’re excited to share plans for the park’s future, and we look forward to receiving input from the people who will benefit from the expansion and improvements.”

Crowder’s current 33 acres provide outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages – including paved and natural surface trails, open play field, sand volleyball court, outdoor amphitheater and three picnic shelters with adjacent playgrounds. The boardwalk across the park’s 2.7-acre pond is a favorite feature among visitors. In the last year, more than 178,000 people visited the park, and over 3,000 visitors participated in educational programming.

Funded by the 2018 bond for Parks, Greenways, Recreation and Open Space, the County was able to acquire an additional 96 acres which will be integrated into the park, adding more space for outdoor recreation and environmental education.  

On Nov. 20, residents will have the opportunity to drop in at any time to check out concept plans that were developed following a community meeting and survey in August. Materials from that meeting are available online at wake.gov/Parks/Crowder.

Construction is slated for completion in summer 2027.

Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space manages eight parks and three nature preserves. The ninth park, Beech Bluff County Park in southeastern Wake County, is currently under construction and expected to open this year. Learn more about Wake County parks at wake.gov/Parks.