Morreene Road Park

Park Overview

Tucked into the Durham landscape, Morreene Road Park spans nearly 12 acres of public recreational space. What makes this park special? It's actually a bit of a local pioneer - home to Durham's first ADA accessible play structure, setting the standard for inclusive park design in the area.

The park stays open around the clock, giving you plenty of flexibility for when to visit. While it isn't the largest green space in Durham, it offers well-kept amenities that cater to folks of all ages.

Accessible Playground

The heart of Morreene Road Park is undoubtedly its accessible playground designed with kids ages 2-12 in mind. Features include safety ramps, a Braille clock and alphabet, and a flat rubber surface firm enough for wheelchairs to navigate easily.

This rubber flooring strikes a nice balance - it has some bounce for fun, but remains firm enough for accessibility. Parents particularly appreciate how this surface keeps kids cleaner than traditional playground materials while providing good fall protection.

Kids can explore tunnels, go down multiple slides, use various swings (including two baby swings, one regular swing, and one easy-load swing), or try out the zip line. The fenced perimeter is a nice touch, giving parents of little ones some peace of mind.

Recent Renovations

In July 2019, Morreene Road Park got a significant refresh. The tennis courts were completely reconstructed, old asphalt around the playground was removed, and new ADA-accessible pathways were added to improve getting around.

A notable addition was a permanent public art piece by artist Muriel Epling. This installation features a textured wall displaying the American Sign Language alphabet alongside relief sculptures of hands spelling out "Play More."

The artwork extends beyond the wall - you'll notice thoughtful design elements along the safety railing and stamped stencils on the sidewalk that connect with tactile, mosaic figures on the textured wall.

Facilities and Amenities

Beyond the playground, there are several recreational options including tennis courts, basketball courts, and a baseball field. Tennis enthusiasts might be happy to know the courts now include freshly painted lines for pickleball - just remember to bring your own net if you want to play.

Need a break from the sun? Head to the covered picnic table or the shelter area for some shade. There's also a charming Little Free Library where you can swap books with fellow park-goers.

The park does have restroom facilities that are generally kept in decent shape, but be aware they close seasonally from November to March to prevent freezing pipes. During winter months, you might find portable toilets available instead.

Additional Information

For the most part, Morreene Road Park stays clean and well-maintained, although occasionally you might notice some benches or equipment that could use a little TLC.

Feel free to bring your four-legged friend along - the park is dog-friendly. The atmosphere tends to be relatively peaceful with varying levels of visitor traffic throughout the day. One thing to note if you're playing tennis: since the park sits adjacent to a road and the surrounding nets aren't particularly high, you might want to keep an eye on your tennis balls.

Morreene Road Park stands as a valuable community space that not only provides recreation opportunities but also fosters inclusivity through its thoughtful design and features.