Durham Central Park

Durham Central Park is a 5 acre-city park in the heart of downtown Durham. This city park, however, is like no other in Durham. It is managed, programmed and improved by a 501c3 non-profit organization of the same name, Durham Central Park. We oversee all aspects of the park – presenting free programming, hosting hundreds of events at the Pavilion, overseeing the daily maintenance and management of the space. Our mission is “providing space for the community” and our team, made up of staff, board members and volunteers, accomplish that mission in multiple ways.

DCP now welcomes thousands of visitors each year. Our Pavilion is home to DCP’s signature events – the PLAYlist Concert Series, Food Truck Rodeos and the Children’s Fourth of July parade – as well as many other community events, including the Durham Farmers’ Market. Each year, dozens of organizations have made Durham Central Park their home for special events to bring awareness to their cause.

The park, however, isn’t just for events and entertainment. It is a small piece of calm in a growing and changing landscape. The park offers lush gardens and trails, gorgeous vistas, an exciting playground for kids, interactive public art, and Durham’s only skatepark. It is a space for people to walk, play, relax and just breathe. 

In many ways, this organization serves in a ‘Friends of the Park’ type capacity. Our main sources of revenue come from facility rentals, programming sponsorship and revenue, grants and most importantly donations from steadfast contributors.