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Mount Merrill Closed Due to Covid-19

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Effective March 23, all playgrounds in the Durham Parks and Rec system, including Durham Central Park’s Mount Merrill, are closed to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. Durham’s parks, trails, and greenways, however, remain open.

Officials in the City of Durham are recommending that those who use Durham’s parks and trails, “model social distancing by maintaining a safe distance (at least 6 feet) between you and other users. Group activities, i.e. basketball games, etc. are strongly discouraged.”

At this time, all city-owned facilities are closed as well. This includes the Pavilion at Durham Central Park and all scheduled events, including the Durham Farmers’ Market.

For more information about Durham’s response to help slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus, please visit their website: https://durhamnc.gov/4013/City-of-Durham-COVID-19-Coronavirus-Upda

 

 

 

Durham Farmers’ Market Vendors Offering Pickup and Delivery

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Durham Farmers Market Sign

While the Durham Farmers’ Market is temporarily closed to help stop the spread of Covid-19, many of their vendors will be offering delivery and pickup options. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, but it is the information that we have as of March 20, 2020.

For more or updated information, please visit durhamfarmersmarket.com or email the Durham Farmers’ Market Manager at [email protected]

Please note, the Durham Farmers’ Market staff are working on ways to get triple SNAP bucks to SNAP and WIC customers. Please contact Durham Farmers’ Market with more info about the program.

Bonlee Grown Farm

Selling Vegetables, Canned Goods, Eggs and Plants at Carrboro Farmers Market. Call 919-548-0977 for special orders

Caballo Rojo Coffee

Coffee Delivery available by emailing Gabriela, [email protected]

Chapel Hill Creamery

On Farm Pickup and selling at Carrboro Farmers’ Market. Email for ordering and payment, orders@chapelhillcreamery.com

Fickle Creek Farm

Offering on-farm pick up and delivery of their meats, eggs and vegetables. Fickle Creek Farm Store

Four Leaf Farm

Teaming up with Lil Farm for vegetable delivery. Email [email protected] for more info.

Harland’s Creek Farm

Online ordering for Saturday pick up at Geer Street Garden. Harland’s Creek Farm Store

Honeygirl Meadery

Offering dockside pickup at their tasting room at 105 Hood Street, Suite 6. More info on Honeygirl’s Facebook Page

Imagine That Gluten Free

Supplying Durham Co-op and Weaver Street Markets with Gluten Free Baked Goods

Lil Farm

Offering Temporary Joint Vegetable CSA with Four Leaf Farm with Delivery. Email [email protected] for to order

Maple Spring Gardens

Email Ken and Sunshine about vegetable delivery options maplespringgardens.com/contact-us

Melina’s Fresh Pasta

Melina’s Pasts Shop on Chapel Hill Road is open. To order, fill out their order form.

Meadow Lane Farm

Offering pickup at Geer Street Garden Parking Lot, 644 Foster St., Saturday 9:30-Noon. To order meats, vegetables and eggs Call/Text Martha at 919-495-1305 by Friday at 5pm.

Moondance Soaps

Order soaps and body products through their website. Offering free shipping to DFM customers with code GO-DFM

Roberson Creek Farm

Call for eggs

Soul Cocina

Offering Delivery in Durham, Chapel Hill, Carrboro. Order through website: https://soul-cocina.square.site/

Spicy Hermit

Offering Saturday delivery of kim chi. Order through website: https://spicyhermit.square.site/

Stoney Mountain Farm

Offering Farm pickups and delivery within 50 miles of their farm. Order on their website: Stoney Mountain Farm Store

Strong Arm Baking

Offering Porch Drops of their Baked Goods. Order on their website: Strong Arm Baking Store

Sunset Ridge Buffalo Farm

Selling at Carrboro Farmers Market and offering limited Farm Pickups. To place an order, call 336-583-6666

Terra Clotha

Special Orders for Pickup. Email Mike: [email protected]

Wild Scallions Farm

On Farm Pickup on Saturdays of vegetables and flowers. To place an order, email [email protected]

Durham Central Park Update Regarding COVID-19

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Dear Friends,

We have been working closely with city officials to determine the best plans for keeping our community safe at Durham Central Park during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, we are following the city and state guidance and all of the scheduled events at Durham Central Park are cancelled through April 10th, including the March 22 Food Truck Rodeo and the Durham Farmers Market. As this is a rapidly evolving situation, we will continue to monitor and follow the leadership of city and state government and keep you posted of any changes.

As of now, Durham Central Park and the parks in the Durham Parks and Rec system are open. You are welcome to take walks, enjoy the sunshine, and smell the flowers. It is a beautiful time of year and in the midst of this uncertainty, enjoying nature in a socially distant and responsible way can help.

If you are a patron of the Durham Farmers’ Market and want to get food from local farmers, sign up for their newsletter. The Durham Farmers’ Market Manager is working with their vendors on ways to connect people with local farmers and vendors for food deliveries at this time. DFM will be sending out information through their newsletter regularly.

We are still working on DCP’s summer event schedule and planning on moving forward with our summertime events. Our next Food Truck Rodeo is scheduled for June 21. Our PLAYlist Concert Series is set to start on June 12 and run every other Friday through September 18. Not to mention, our Children’s Fourth of July parade is still in the works! We’ll share more details about all of these events soon and if anything changes, we’ll let you know.

These next few weeks and months will be a hardship for everyone. Remember to look after your community as you can – your family, friends, neighbors, local businesses and the non-profits that help to make the Durham community vibrant, healthy, connected and safe. We look forward to enjoying the park together very soon.

Warmly,
Erin Kauffman
Durham Central Park Executive Director
ENJOY THESE GARDEN VIEWS AT THE PARK
Left to right (starting in the top left corner): peach blossoms, ipheion, daffodils with a bit of grape hyacinth and hellebore in our Grace Garden.
Need a Breath of Fresh Air? You Can Visit Durham Central Park.
Help Sustain Durham Central Park 

Durham Central Park is a 5-acre park that is managed, developed and programmed by Durham Central Park, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization. Our mission is providing space for community. We work hard to provide the community a beautiful, safe, vibrant and welcoming park in downtown Durham. To do all of this, we rely on generous donations from people like you. You can help support and sustain this vital community space through this uncertain time.

Become a friend of the park today. You can support Durham Central Park by:
Click Here To Donate Online
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Spring Break IMPACT Camp Registration Now Open (9th-12th graders)

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IMPACT Camps are powered by students making an IMPACT in our communities, including Durham Central Park!

Spring Break Impact Camp registration is now open. The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center invites 9th-12th graders to
Register
IMPACT Camps provide area high school-aged youth with an affordable, local week-long community service/urban mission experience. They offer IMPACT camps in the Summer and during Spring Break.

Students learn together about social issues in our community and work with local agencies that are making a difference.

Students participating in the program will spend Monday through Friday on a supervised team working on a variety of service projects. They will hear from community leaders and engage in reflection activities. Participants will also receive leadership and team-building training, and learn about housing, hunger, poverty, caring for the environment, and other issues facing the local community.
 
 REGISTER FOR SPRING BREAK

Tuition

– SPRING BREAK  $300 per week

-SUMMER  $350 per week

– Need-based scholarships and payment plans are available. We try to accommodate as many students as possible. Please complete the scholarship form below. Contact us to discuss payment plans.

 

Camp Date and Times

SPRING BREAK: April 13-17, 2020 (Monday-Friday, 9am-4pm)

SUMMER: 2020 DATES TO BE SET
(There are four separate weeks for the Summer IMPACT Camp )
The camp runs Monday – Friday

Durham Central Park’s 2020 Calendar of Events

Events, News

Durham Central Park is a 5-acre city-owned park located in the heart of Downtown Durham. The park is managed, developed and programmed by Durham Central Park, Inc. a 501c3 non-profit organization. This is a preview of our 2020 Calendar of Events. ALL free and open to the public.

Mission

Providing Space for Community.

Durham Central Park is a place filled with natural beauty and man-made wonders. Yet, in a way, it is also a blank canvas—an empty stage ready to be the setting for your story.

Our mission is providing space for community, which means a number of things including:

  • Continuing to maintain and improve an already amazing urban park;
  • Working hard to ensure that the park is accessible to everyone;
  • Hosting enjoyable, free events to enliven the park and enrich the community;
  • Offering an affordable and attractive venue in the heart of downtown; and
  • Safeguarding a place for people to gather in celebration or rally around a shared belief, meet up with friends or just be alone for a moment, appreciate public art or simply play in nature—a place for Durham to be Durham.

Vision

A vibrant, urban park where everyone feels welcome.

Location

Durham Central Park is located in the 500 block of Foster Street (both sides of the street) between Corporation and Hunt Streets.
To find it with GPS, use 501 Foster Street, Durham NC 27701.

Hours

Durham Central Park is open every day from dawn to dusk. All visitors and members of the community are welcome to visit and enjoy our gardens, facilities and the great outdoors in the heart of our lovely city.

Contact

Phone: 919-794-8194
Mail: PO Box 1526, Durham NC 27702
Email: [email protected]

EIN: 58-2222977
Charitable Solicitation License: SL002658

Can you imagine Durham without Durham Central Park?

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Can you imagine Durham without Durham Central Park?

Cardinal Campaign 2019
A personal letter and preview of what’s to come, 2020 from DCP Executive Director, Erin Kauffman.

 

Two decades ago, the Park was an audacious proposition. Today, it is a destination, a gathering space, a community center, a beloved constant in an ever-changing city. Every week, thousands of people visit Durham Central Park for a myriad of reasons; fresh food, entertainment, exercise, recreation, relaxation, or as a meeting place. No matter how you interact with the Park, you have likely noticed that it serves many purposes and transforms seamlessly from one event or activity to the next. The Park provides a space for creativity in our community and plays a key role in shaping the culture and identity of Durham.

Durham Central Park is managed, developed and programmed by DCP, Inc, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Though the land is owned by the city, DCP, Inc. receives no public funding to operate the park. Every year, we rely on the generosity of donors, like you, to keep this park fun, functional, and beautiful for every Durham resident and visitor to enjoy. Can you pitch in during this giving season to help us reach our goal of $50,000 for our general operating fund and build a solid foundation for the new year? Here’s how: https://durhamcentralpark.org/donate/

FAQ for Parties For The Park: Tickets on sale Friday!

Events, News

 

Parties for the Park

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Parties for the Park?

It is a series of parties and event from September to November that DCP enthusiasts host at their home, restaurant or other venues. The parties have different themes, prices, and numbers of attendees. All the parties are donated by the hosts and the ticket sales go straight to DCP, Inc.

Who gets the money from the Parties for the Park ticket sales?

All of the money from the ticket sales goes directly to Durham Central Park, Inc.

What is the money used for?

The funds raised through Parties for the Park make up about 1/3 of DCP Inc.’s annual operating budget. The money pays for DCP staff, maintenance and improvements of park structures, free programming and special projects.

What are this year’s special projects?

In 2020, we will focus our efforts on re-making the Sister Cities Grove (the area north of the Pavilion). That area has been in flux for the past 2 years with recent construction and city waterline upgrades. To make this area of the park comfortable and welcoming, we will be installing new trees, new benches & tables and updated signage. In 2020, we will also be installing plantings in the newly built terraced planting beds behind the Pavilion. In addition to supporting DCP’s operating funds, money raised through the 2019 Parties for the Park will support these special projects.

Is my ticket considered a tax-deductible donation?

No. The laws surrounding this are complex. We work with the hosts to price the events close to fair market value. We will continue to explore this and may be able to change it in the future.

What is the processing fee?

In order to use ticket processing services, like Eventbrite, there are fees associated with safe processing of information. Since these events are fundraisers for DCP, Inc., a 501c3 non-profit organization, we truly appreciate your support in paying the processing fees in order to ensure that the funds from the ticket sales are used to support the operation, programming, and improvement of Durham Central Park!

Do I need a physical ticket for the events that I’ll be attending?

No. When you purchase your tickets through Eventbrite, your name will be added to the guest list. All of the hosts will have the guest lists and will welcome you when you arrive.

After I purchase my tickets, will I be sent any additional information?

Yes. The week of the event, we’ll send you additional info about your event, where to park, how to get there, and any other pertinent information that you may need to easily and successfully get to your event. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Erin at [email protected]

Who do I contact if I have questions about the event?

Please feel free to get in touch with Erin Kauffman, Durham Central Park’s Executive Director. She can be reached at 919-794-8194 or [email protected]

Can I host a Party for the Park next year?

Absolutely! If you are interested in learning more about hosting, please get in touch with Lee Ann Tilley, the Parties for the Park Chair at [email protected]

Foster on the Park Public Art Call: deadline August 18

News

This fall, we’re getting new Public Art!

In collaboration with Blue Heron and the City of Durham’s Cultural and Public Art Program, Durham Central Park encourages Durham artists and artist teams to submit portfolios to be considered for our new public art project overlooking the park. This fall, a mural will be installed along four brick panels of the new apartment building adjacent to the park, Foster on the Park. The panels will be positioned to the north of The Pavilion, home of the Durham Farmers Market. 

A few things for artists to consider:

  • The brick panels vary a bit in size, but are roughly 14’ wide and 20-25’ tall
  • Community engagement to develop a theme will occur during September
  • Fabrication will take place during October
  • The total project budget is $13,000

If you or someone you know is experienced in producing public art and excited to contribute to the beautification of Durham Central Park, please submit your portfolio to the City’s Pre-Qualified Artists Registry via Café. 

The portfolio application requests the following information:

  1. Artist statement (a brief description of experience, discipline(s) and qualifications for completing artworks)
  2. Portfolio (five images)
  3. Resume
  4. References

The deadline for consideration is Sunday, August 18 at 11:59 p.m. In addition to being considered for this project, registering for the City’s pre-qualified list makes you eligible for consideration for all other City-issued public art calls.

We are excited to collaborate with a Durham artist to further the vision of creating a vibrant, beautiful and welcoming park! For more information, please contact Alex Benson at [email protected] or 919-560-4197 x21238.

NEW PLAYlist Concert Series T-shirts Are Here!

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This summer, if you specify your gift to support PLAYlist and our free programming, gifts of $50 or more will receive a PLAYlist t-shirt  (see photo below– a variety of colors are available) and $10 voucher for food during the concerts. Gifts of $250 or more will receive the PLAYlist t-shirt, a $20 voucher for food during the concerts, and a pair of tickets to our fall fundraiser Trucks for the Park!
This is our third year presenting PLAYlist and tonight we welcomed Grammy award-winning artist Van Hunt to our stage! We offer the PLAYlist Concert Series to the community free of charge, family-friendly and welcoming to all. The concerts are every other Friday evening through September 20.  Local food trucks and craft beer vendors will begin to serve at 6 p.m. and the music will start at 7 pm. We certainly hope that you can join us for the fun! For more information about the series, visit durhamplaylist.org.
Offering free, welcoming and inclusive programming is integral to Durham Central Park’s mission of Providing Space for Community. In addition to PLAYlist, our programming includes the Children’s Independence Day Parade and Food Truck Rodeos. We also partner with other local groups to provide free, fun activities at the park. Every Saturday morning, Blue Point Yoga offers yoga classes (at no charge!) and every November, we collaborate with Liberty Arts on the annual Iron Pour.
Over the past 20 years, DCP has become a unique activity hub downtown. It’s a beloved community gathering space and some see it as a “sacred” place in the heart of Durham. Why? Because Durham residents and businesses have made an investment in creating, building and sustaining this wonderful urban oasis. None of this would be happening today without supporters like you.
As the non-profit that manages and programs the park, DCP, Inc. relies on your financial support. If you love our free programming or just the feeling that you get when visiting the park, please make a secure one time or sustaining donation on our website at durhamcentralpark.org/donate or mail a check to: Durham Central Park, PO Box 1526, Durham NC 27702.
Best,
Erin Kauffman
Executive Director
Durham Central Park
919-794-8194
Photo credits: Ryan Moeller, Photography Ken Demery

Songwriter VAN HUNT headlines Durham Central Park’s PLAYlist Concert Series

Events, News

“Inspired by the music of The Delfonics, Parliament-Funkadelic, Pink Floyd and Billie Holiday, Hunt chronicles love, loss, and nostalgia through the sounds of original funk and old soul. He achieves the kind of heated, raw sound that has virtually disappeared in to much of today’s overly-manicured R&B and Hunt never loses sight of the past as he progressively forges his own way forward” –The Boston Globe. VAN HUNT headlines PLAYlist, Durham Central Park’s free, annual concert series Friday, July 12, 7 p.m.

A Dayton, Ohio-born musician, Hunt made his way to Atlanta where he drew acclaim for his production efforts and crafty songwriting, featured on recordings by such diverse artists as Dionne Farris and Rahsaan Patterson, as well as the platinum-selling soundtrack, Love Jones. 2019 marks the 15th anniversary of his own self-titled debut album.

It instantly established Hunt as a distinctive and original talent with its idiosyncratic melding of R&B, soul, funk, pop, and rock ‘n’ roll. Hunt received a 2005 “Best Urban/Alternative Performance” Grammy nomination for his breakthrough hit single, Dust featured on that album. 

Parking is free in the lot beside Durham Central Park, and there are metered spaces along Foster Street which change to free parking meters after 7 p.m.

Picnics, blankets and folding chairs are welcome. Local food trucks and craft beer vendors will be on site serving at 6 p.m. There are restrooms at Durham Central Park and the venue is wheelchair accessible. For more information, visit https://durhamplaylist.com/