Forest Hills Park

Historic Origins

Forest Hills Park is a 45.86-acre public park located in East Central Durham, North Carolina. The park dates back to the 1920s and was originally part of a nine-hole golf course and clubhouse developed by the New Hope Realty Company.

Today, it serves as a central recreational area for the historic Forest Hills neighborhood and surrounding communities.

Natural Landscape

The park offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational facilities. Its landscape includes large open green spaces, remnants of the old golf course fairways, which are now used for various activities such as soccer and frisbee.

The park is characterized by mature trees that provide ample shade and contribute to its picturesque setting.

Water Recreation

Forest Hills Park features a seasonal outdoor pool, open during the summer months, which provides a popular spot for residents to cool off.

The park also includes a sprayground, offering a free water play area for children from May through October.

Sports and Play Areas

For sports enthusiasts, the park provides tennis courts, including some lined for pickleball.

A playground caters to children aged 5-12, complete with standard swings and toddler bucket swings. The park's layout encourages active lifestyles with its walking trails and open spaces for informal games and activities.

Historic Clubhouse

The historic clubhouse, built in 1928 in the Colonial Revival style, has served various functions over the years, including as a school and public library.

Today, it functions as a community center, available for rentals for various events such as business meetings, parties, and family reunions.

Historical Significance

Forest Hills Park is not just a recreational space but also a site of historical significance. The park and surrounding neighborhood were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2005, recognizing its importance in Durham's development as one of the city's first automobile suburbs.