The RDU Buzz

By Chelsea Nallenweg

WakeMed’s PlayWELL Park- Raleigh, NC

WakeMed’s PlayWELL Park in Raleigh is a shaded,1.5-acre health education playground designed to engage children in learning about wellness through interactive and fun activities. This unique park lets kids explore the importance of physical and mental health while playing outside. It is also a great park for October as there is a giant skeleton climbing wall!

The playground features a Physical Activity Tree House, where kids can scale the rib rise, climb the nerve net, and slide through giant arteries. The skeleton climbing wall adds a fun, seasonal twist, especially around Halloween! Another popular attraction is the Nutri-Climb, a climbing wall that encourages kids to make healthy food choices as they ascend. The Zip Line takes kids between two giant ears, while Pedal Posts allow them to exercise both arms and legs, promoting strong bones and muscles.

The Healthy Choices Maze challenges kids to make smart decisions as they navigate each twist and turn, while the Lickety Split invites them to protect their eyes with oversized sunglasses before sliding down a tongue-shaped slide. The Adventure Climb, an obstacle course, works their bones and muscles as they conquer each section. For those needing a moment of rest and relaxation, the MindWELL Garden & Labyrinth offers a peaceful sensory garden designed around mental wellness and even has fairy houses throughout the park!  A Little Free Library also encourages a love for reading, where children can take, leave, or enjoy a book.

As the lead sponsor, WakeMed not only supports the park but also provides regular landscape maintenance, ensuring a well-kept and safe park for kids! Be sure to add this park to the top of your fall bucket list!