Sandy Creek Park in Durham, North Carolina, is a 101.7-acre natural area that has undergone a remarkable transformation from an industrial site to a cherished urban green space.
🏞️ History
The land that now comprises Sandy Creek Park was acquired by the City of Durham in 1928 and 1929. It was developed into a sewage treatment plant in the 1920s, serving the city until its closure in the early 1960s. After decades of abandonment, the site was repurposed in the 1990s into an environmental park. While many of the original structures were removed, some sturdy concrete buildings were retained for potential future uses.
In 1997, following its identification as a key access parcel in the 1992 New Hope Creek corridor Master Plan, the property officially became Sandy Creek Park. Development included the demolition of hazardous facilities, installation of parking and restrooms, and the construction of a 0.75-mile paved trail connecting the park entrance off 15-501 with Pickett Road.
🌿 Features & Amenities
Today, Sandy Creek Park is part of the New Hope Corridor and serves as a vital wetlands restoration project. The park offers a variety of amenities, including:
- Greenway and trail access
- Picnic shelter and tables
- Restrooms and water fountains
- A butterfly garden
- Wildlife observation areas
The park is also a renowned birding hotspot, with over 185 species observed, including Prothonotary Warblers, Wood Ducks, and Yellow-crowned Night Herons.
🌼 Community Engagement
Sandy Creek Park thrives thanks to the dedication of volunteers and organizations like the Durham Parks Foundation and Keep Durham Beautiful. These groups have contributed thousands of hours and dollars toward park improvements, including trail maintenance, invasive species removal, and the enhancement of pollinator gardens.
In 2022, the park honored the late ABC11 news anchor Larry Stogner with the dedication of the Larry Stogner History Park and Garden. Stogner was a frequent visitor who contributed to the park’s upkeep before his passing in 2016.
📍 Visit Sandy Creek Park
Located at 3510 Sandy Creek Drive, Durham, NC 27707, Sandy Creek Park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. It’s an ideal destination for nature walks, birdwatching, picnics, and enjoying the tranquility of a restored urban wetland.
More Sandy Creek Park History can be found here: