Popular Wake County park is quadrupling in size

Crowder County Park near Apex is one of Wake County's most popular parks - and one of its smallest.

Posted 12:03 p.m. Sep 22, 2019 — Updated 12:03 p.m. Sep 22, 2019

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

, Go Ask Mom editor

APEX, N.C. — Crowder County Park off Ten Ten Road is one of Wake County's most popular parks - and one of its smallest.

But, over the summer, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to increase its total size — times four. The board approved spending $4.9 million to purchase 96 acres of land north of the park.

“There’s a lot of activity packed into this small park,” said Emerson Barker, deputy director of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space, in a press release. “We’re excited for this opportunity to expand it and further meet the needs of this growing part of Wake County.”

Crowder has long been a favorite with families, thanks to its paved trails which connect several play areas. The park opened an updated larger playground back in 2016 that features a 10-foot central tower. Crowder also has a small boardwalk and pond and some great nature programs for kids and families.

The park, which opened in 1998 thanks to the donation of the original 33 acres by Doris Crowder, has no other place to grow, according to the press release. Neighborhoods surround the park to the east, west and south.

But don't expect big changes any time soon. The county is launching a master plan process, which will include input from the public, to determine how the land will be developed.

Uses could include more hiking and walking trails, environmental education and other recreation. There also could be a connection to Cary's nearby Jack Smith Park, according to the county.

Crowder Park is at 4709 Ten Ten Rd., Apex.

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