rendering of children playing in swimming pool

8 Things the 2022 Parks Bond is Delivering

Exciting changes are coming to a park near you!

In 2022, Raleigh residents voted in favor of the $275 million Parks Bond referendum. The bond supports greenway expansion, new facilities, and park preservation at over 20 sites — and work is already well underway! 

Successful projects already completed include Gipson Play Plaza, which opened in 2025 and quickly became a top U.S. destination. Here are eight things you can look forward to as the different projects move forward. 

Trail improvements

paved trail

We’re repaving and widening park trails across Raleigh to ensure walking paths are safe and accessible. Did you know? Raleigh Parks has more than 120 miles of greenway!  

Play places

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With the 2022 Parks Bond, kids will have plenty of new places to explore. Projects like Erinsbrook Park will have nature playgrounds and traditional play elements to inspire imaginative play in kids of all ages.  

Green stormwater infrastructure

green wetland area

We’re renovating our parks with sustainability in mind. New green stormwater features will help capture, filter, and reduce stormwater runoff. Check out green stormwater infrastructure in action by Gipson Play Plaza at Dix Park.   

Fun ways to beat the heat

rendering of children playing in swimming pool

The Parks Bond is building ample opportunities for you and your family to cool off in the hot summer months, whether it be the planned splash pads at Method Community Park or the future aquatic center at John Chavis Memorial Park.     

Public art installations

rendering of walkway next to grass

Several Parks Bond projects will have art installations from local, award-winning artists. The future South Park Heritage Trail will tell the story of Raleigh’s largest historically Black neighborhood through points of interest and community art.    

New or renovated community centers

rendering of building pavilion

Parks Bond funding will help build, renovate, and expand five community centers across Raleigh. Once construction is complete, the brand-new Tarboro Community Center and expanded Sertoma Arts Center will become vibrant community destinations, offering more and enhanced opportunities for recreation, creativity, and community connection.

Complete streets

rendering of traffic circle

As Raleigh grows, we’re converting roads into complete streets to improve connectivity and accommodate all kinds of transportation. Expect to see more pedestrian and multi-use pathways for increased safety and greater choice in how you get around.  

A greener, more connected Raleigh

rendering of park entrance

Parks Bond expansions will help connect thousands more to Raleigh's comprehensive parks and greenway system. We’re excited for as many residents as possible to gain access to one of the City’s most beloved amenities! 

Construction for the Parks Bond projects is scheduled to run through 2029. Curious to learn more? Visit the 2022 Parks Bond page to read more about the referendum and what it’s funding.  

Lead Department:
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources

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