With the New Year just around the corner, it’s fitting to end 2011 with a countdown of my favorite top five parks from 2011.
#5 – Lake Raleigh – nestled between college buildings on NC State’s Centennial Campus, corporate/government/non-profit partners, and residential space, this park has a large fishing lake, 9-hole par 3 disc golf course, community garden, and paved walking trail with future greenway development plans.
#4 – Pollock Place Playground – a neighborhood park situated between Meredith College and Dixie Trail, this playground has jungle gyms for kids of different age groups, tot swings and regular swings, picnic tables, and a sandbox area. With beautiful shade trees enveloping the park, this is a great place for a picnic or afternoon nap!
#3 – Ridge Road Pool – I realize it’s wintertime, but it’s never too soon to start thinking about summer, especially when you get to visit this pool! With the large baby pool area complete with splash garden and big pool area with lap lanes, open play, and deep end, I can’t wait to plan more trips in 2012!
#2 – Pullen Park – closed for nearly two years for renovations, Pullen Park’s re-opening brought smiles and excitement back to the area. The carousel is now enclosed, there are large playgrounds and swing sets for kids of all ages, a cafe has opened at the park, the miniature train is running again, and the lake is sporting a new landscape and renovated pedal boats.
#1 – Lake Johnson – I frequented this park a lot this past summer, whether it was taking walks with the dog, jogs with the baby, or enjoying the lake from the veranda. Between the scenic views, boating opportunities, great running trails, and safeness of the area it’s a must-visit park in the heart of South West Raleigh and my number one choice for 2011.
Cheers to everyone for a happy and healthy 2012!