A Guide to Parks in Apex NC
I'm very excited to kick off a new series on my blog all about the amazing parks in the Raleigh area. We mostly picked this area to move to because of all of the outdoor activities and parks that are around. I decided the best way to get to know my new city is by visiting as many as possible and sharing them with all of you! If you're visiting North Carolina or even planning a move (in which case, let's me be friends!) I hope these posts will be helpful for you.
We're going to start off with parks in Apex, NC. This is a small town just outside of Raleigh and was named one of the best small towns in the country- the town motto is "The Peak of Good Living". It's easy to see why- you have access to everything in the triangle area, as well as the joys of small town living! This is exactly why we chose to move here instead of the actual city, and you just can't beat the easy access to tons of parks from every activity imaginable. Let's get into a quick overview of all of the parks:
And now that we know where all of the parks are, let's start with reviews of the bigger parks, and then get to the neighborhood parks.
Apex Community Park
I'm lucky enough to live within walking distance of this park, so I have the most experience with this one and come here pretty much every day! There are two entrances- one is off of Laura Duncan and will take you to baseball fields, tennis courts, pavilions, and playgrounds. The other is on the opposite side of the lake off of Lake Pine with bathrooms and direct trail access. The path around the lake is paved and just over two miles- perfect for a morning run or walk with your dog! There are also tons of dirt trails - including some with exercise equipment, as well as picnic tables and benches to view the lake. There is also a small beach boat launch a short walk from the main parking lot. I even recently found out there's a Ninja Warrior-type playground with all kinds of amazing equipment for kids to practice skills.
Parking - 3.5/5. A few different lots and tons of spots, but gets pretty busy and filled up
Amenities - 5/5. Kayak launch, flushing bathrooms, playground, trails, fishing dock, running path, and more!
Connectivity - 3.5/5. Roads around are bike friendly, but there are no greenways nearby. There's a Starbucks right by the entrance along with some fast food restaurants and local pubs
Apex Jaycee Park
Amenities - 2/5. Small playground and some ball fields
Connectivity - 5/5. Greenway connects to a ton of neighborhoods and is less than a mile from downtown Apex
Hunter Street Park
Hunter Street Park is one of the most unique parks in Apex, with the highlight being a huge and well-used skate park. There is also a really beautiful baseball field and huge multiuse turf field, as well as a covered playground (this is how I really knew I was in the south!). Across the parking lot is a dog park which requires a membership (also valid at the Nature Park down below), and a paved path that goes around the entire complex. This park is right down the street from Apex's main street, so it's a great place to stroll around after having dinner or drinks.
Parking - 3.5/5. Multiple small lots and street parking, but I can tell it gets pretty full during peak hours
Amenities - 4/5. Skate park, dog park, fields, playground, walking trail, pavilion
Connectivity - 5/5. Right down the street from downtown and beside the Town Hall/Community Center
Kelly Road Park
I heard a lot about how amazing the playground is at this park, and I have to admit it would have been my dream growing up! There were lots of different brightly-painted play areas, including separate areas for younger kids and older kids. There are also a ton of courts and fields for sports, a huge picnic pavilion, and access to a greenway (the same one that connects to Apex Jaycee).
Parking - 4/5. Not a huge lot but was able to find parking with no problem
Amenities - 4/5. Amazing playground, fields, courts, shelters, and access to greenway
Connectivity - 5/5. Greenway connects to a bunch of areas and is within walking/biking distance of a lot of businesses
Nature Park
Parking - 5/5. Lots of parking lots in different sections with tons of spots
Amenities - 4/5. Paved paths, trails, disc golf, playground, dog park, and more!
Connectivity - 0/5. Not much to do around and roads aren't bike friendly
Salem Pond Park
Parking - 2/5. Just a small lot, not sure how busy this park gets but not a ton of spaces
Amenities - 2/5. Short path, playground, and soccer field.
Connectivity - 1.5/5. Not much to do around and roads aren't bike friendly, but coffee shop and other small stores are just steps away
Now let's get into the neighborhood parks! These are all smaller parks that are all over Apex. Most don't have a big lot to park in, and are mostly for people in that neighborhood. They're all open to the general public though, so if you're in the area stop by!
Clairmont
1.5 acres - picnic shelter, grill, playground and basketball court with lots of tree cover. Plenty of street parking in front.
Kelly Glen
2 acres- Small playground, grill, and shelter. At the end of a cul-de-sac so no parking around.
Seagroves Farm
11 acres- Walking trail, pond with fishing pier, restroom, playground, and field. Small parking lot.
Sue Helton
1/4 acre- gazebo, shelter, grill, and playground. Reminds me of Gilmore Girls! Some street parking.
West Street
What are your favorite features in a park?
Which of these would you visit first?
Where should I visit next?
I read all the information you have mentioned in your blog that is really commendable School Canopies. I really like your post, please share more information with us.
ReplyDelete