Wrightwood Park

A Glimpse Into the Past

Located in West Central Durham, North Carolina, Wrightwood Park spans a generous 12.85 acres of public green space. The park dates back to 1941, when the heirs of Richard Wright donated 17 acres of land on Anderson Street to the city.

Richard Wright wasn't just any donor - he was a notable philanthropist who had previously funded a school for neglected children in Durham, which later became known as the Wright School.

Play and Recreation Spaces

The park offers plenty of space for children to play and be active. The park got a nice upgrade in September 2021 with a new playground structure designed for children between 2-12 years old.

The thoughtful layout includes two separate play structures - one that caters to the bigger kids and another that's fantastic for the little ones. Kids particularly love the saucer swing where several can pile on together, while toddlers gravitate toward the bouncy weeble wobbles for some giggly fun.

Beyond the playground, you can find well-maintained baseball and softball fields that are ideal for youth sports. These fields are frequently used by local teams and families on weekends.

A Natural Retreat

Wrightwood Park features a pleasant natural setting. Mature trees create a lovely canopy across the grounds, offering welcome shade, especially over the playground area - a true blessing during those hot Carolina summers.

Walking paths wind through pockets of greenery, offering a peaceful atmosphere away from urban activity. The park's layout features flat, enclosed areas that make perfect spots for a picnic blanket or an impromptu game of frisbee.

What You'll Find Here

When hunger strikes, you can take advantage of the park's picnic areas with tables and a covered picnic shelter that's available for rent. There's even a small, child-sized picnic table near the younger kids' play area - a thoughtful touch for tiny picnickers.

Planning a cookout? Grills are available for use within the park, making it easy to prepare a fresh outdoor meal. The open green spaces offer plenty of room for relaxation, casual sports, or community gatherings.

You'll also find restroom facilities with flush toilets attached to the picnic shelter - a convenience that makes longer visits much more comfortable.

Getting There and Around

The park welcomes visitors daily from 6:30AM to 8:30PM. Its location in West Central Durham puts it within easy reach for many neighborhood residents, representing a beloved recreational resource for the community.

One thing to note: the entrance road is quite narrow and only accommodates one car at a time, which can create some tight situations during busy periods. While the park has a cozy, intimate feel that many appreciate, it can fill up quickly due to its relatively compact size.