The RDU Buzz

By Chelsea Nallenweg

E. Carroll Joyner Park- Wake Forest, NC

Located in Wake Forest, North Carolina, lies E. Carroll Joyner Park, a beautiful and rustic 17 acre park with lots of history. Joyner Park was once a thriving farmstead in the 1940s. It was then purchased by E. Carroll Joyner, who raised cattle until the 1990s. Today, remnants of its agricultural past can still be seen in the park’s details, adding a unique charm to the park.

There is a farm-themed playground and an insect/bird themed playground. The farm themed side is more for older kids, while the insect side is geared towards toddlers. Young ones can play around the giant inchworms and cute playhouse, while the tunnel slide and ropes climbing structure provide challenging adventure for older ones. The cardinal and blue jay sculptures are fun for kids to climb on. 

There are also three miles of paved walking trails through the park’s fields and woods, as well as fishing, charcoal grills, amphitheater, gardens, and lots of open fields for picnics.The Joyner Park Community Center is also right next to the playgrounds. It is a new 32,000 square foot facility with a walking track, basketball gym and multipurpose rooms.