Lakeview Park

Natural Setting

Located in northeast Durham, North Carolina, Lakeview Park is a wooded haven sitting just across from Lakeview Secondary School. This green space combines natural beauty with practical recreational facilities. Recent community-led renovations have improved visibility with trimmed trees and upgraded several amenities.

Sports Facilities

If you're looking to get active, the park has a baseball/softball field for youth games, local teams, or just throwing a ball around with friends. There's also a basketball court if you're in the mood to shoot some hoops.

The basketball court received a fresh coat of paint during recent community improvements. You can access it via a short trail from the main play area, which is super convenient if you're trying to keep an eye on kids in both spots.

Children's Play Area

The playground at Lakeview Park was installed in 2020 as part of a grant-funded project aimed at making play more accessible for everyone. While it's officially designed for ages 5-12, younger children can navigate it just fine with a bit of supervision.

One thoughtful feature is the access-a-mats placed under the engineered wood fiber surfacing, making it much easier for wheelchairs and strollers to move around. The playground itself is pretty impressive, featuring four different slides, monkey bars, and a rock climbing wall that offers something exciting for kids of various ages and skill levels. Though the play structure doesn't have much natural shade, you'll come across some shaded bench seating nearby when you need a break from the sun.

Picnic Areas

For meals in the park, There's a picnic shelter with two tables that you can reserve for gatherings, plus several picnic tables and a grill that are available for anyone to use. It's a lovely spot to enjoy an outdoor meal while taking in the surroundings.

Public Art

In February 2021, Lakeview Park became home to a stunning piece of public art. The ground-plane mural titled "Sunshine Over Africa" was created by local artist Wade Williams, adding a vibrant splash of culture to the landscape.

This colorful installation features an Afrocentric pattern depicting a sunrise, a map of Africa, and both American and English hopscotch designs. Beyond being visually striking, it is another play space for children while celebrating cultural heritage in a meaningful way.

Amenities

The park offers newly installed restroom facilities and a water fountain, making it comfortable to spend extended time here. There's a small parking lot with room for about 10 vehicles, so you might want to arrive early on busy days.

Community Involvement

What makes Lakeview Park special is how much the community has invested in it. The Bragtown Community Association, alongside local residents and various partners, has successfully advocated for numerous improvements to the space. The park has become a true neighborhood gathering place, hosting community events year-round, including an annual Juneteenth celebration that brings people together in celebration and fellowship.