Strickland Road Park

Natural Features

Located in northwest Raleigh, Strickland Road Park covers 36.1 acres of green space that's been part of the community since 1998. You'll find this natural haven just west of where Ray Road meets Strickland Road.

The park's nature trails wind through the property - some are well-trodden while others remain hidden, offering a sense of adventure for explorers of all ages. Don't worry about the difficulty level; these trails are accessible enough that even little ones can navigate them with a bit of supervision.

One of our favorite features has to be the two small ponds that dot the landscape. They're not just pretty to look at (though they certainly are), but they also provide habitat for local wildlife. The larger pond has a rustic trail circling around it - nice for taking a break from the city buzz without actually leaving town.

Playground Areas

If you've got kids in tow, the shaded playground is a must-visit spot. It's designed with different sections for various age groups - from toddlers to 12-year-olds - so children of different ages have appropriate spaces to play.

Older children gravitate toward the large jungle gym complete with monkey bars, slides, and climbing structures that challenge their growing abilities. Meanwhile, the little ones have their own sandy area with an age-appropriate slide. There's also a large sandbox that's kept surprisingly clean and well-maintained - a rare find in public parks!

Parents, you'll appreciate the strategically placed benches near the play areas that make supervising a breeze. And on those scorching North Carolina summer days, the abundant shade throughout the playground is quite welcome.

The swingset area features a spongy surface that's gentler on tumbling toddlers, and includes both baby swings and regular swings so no one feels left out.

Amenities

The park has several shaded picnic areas with benches - good for family gatherings or a peaceful solo lunch surrounded by nature.

One thing to note: parking is somewhat limited, so you might want to plan accordingly, especially during weekends or particularly nice weather days when the park tends to be busier.

Currently, bathroom facilities consist of a porta-potty rather than permanent structures - not ideal, but thankfully this is temporary as improvements are on the horizon.

Pet-Friendly Features

Your four-legged family members are welcome here too! Dogs can join you around the park as long as they're leashed. The wooded trails have varied terrain and scents that dogs seem to enjoy. The small dirt trail loops seem especially popular with the dog-walking crowd, providing just enough distance for a satisfying outing without being overwhelming.

Future Developments

While Strickland Road Park is already a lovely spot, it's about to get even better. According to the 2009 Master Plan, future additions may include a neighborhood center, youth multipurpose field, half-court basketball area, proper restrooms, picnic shelter, boardwalks along the pond, and extended trail networks.

As of 2025, improvements are actually underway as part of a joint project with Leesville Community Park. Soon you'll enjoy a new restroom building (goodbye, porta-potty!), an accessible paved path with an overlook area, upgraded parking, better stormwater management, refreshed playground surfacing, and even electric vehicle charging stations - bringing this natural oasis firmly into the 21st century while preserving its peaceful character.