Barwell Road Park, located in southeast Raleigh, is an awesome sports playground that opened in 2021 and is the first of its kind in the area. What makes this playground stand out is the Panther Play 60 Challenge course that challenges kids to run, crawl, jump, and climb through the NFL themed obstacle course.The Carolina Panthers presented a $150,000 check to the Raleigh City Council to build this Panthers Play 60 course, which is part of an NFL initiative to encourage kids to get at least an hour of physical activity each day. It also provides kids ages 13 and up, who have aged out of traditional play equipment, a place to play. Kids can use the timer to see how fast they can go through the course. Challenges include ninja steps, a traverse wall, half rounds, U-turn ramp, sway steps, agility trainers, floating boards, and other obstacles. They can also use the timer to see how fast they can run the 40- yard dash made with premium synthetic turf. There’s also a spot to take a picture and hear pep talk. The course is beautifully designed with the Carolina Panthers football team logo and their vibrant blue team color. The Panthers have a challenge course in Charlotte, NC and Spartanburg, SC as well.
The playground is right next to the challenge course and it has two separate playing areas. The giant climbing structure has three towering tunnel slides and is designed for kids ages 5-12. The smaller toddler playground has a small slide and swings. There is also an area with picnic tables and umbrellas for shade.
There is also a community center with a gymnasium and fitness room, along with bathrooms. Whether you're scaling heights on the Panther Play 60 Challenge course, zooming down slides, or breaking a sweat in the community center, Barwell Road Park offers boundless opportunities for play, fitness, and community connection.
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