Introducing the Durham Central Park Greenprint

News

You’re Invited

Dear Friend of Durham Central Park,

We are thrilled to invite you to the Greenprint Gala, a landmark celebration happening Friday, May 23, 2025, under the Pavilion at Durham Central Park. This special evening launches something extraordinary: the Durham Central Park Greenprint, a bold new vision for our beloved park’s next decade.

This year marks 30 years of grassroots transformation at DCP—from a forgotten piece of downtown to one of Durham’s most vibrant and inclusive public spaces. That evolution was never a guarantee. It was made possible by community members, neighbors, dreamers, and donors like you—people who believe in the power of free, open, and welcoming public spaces.

The Greenprint is the next step in that story.

What is the Green print?

Like a blueprint, the Greenprint is a plan—a roadmap that reflects years of community conversations, planning, and creative visioning. It is the product of listening closely to what people love about Durham Central Park and what they imagine it could become.

The Greenprint wasn’t created in a boardroom. It took shape through community surveys, one-on-one conversations, design workshops, and neighborhood events. It’s grounded in what people asked for—more beauty, more connection, more accessibility, and more ways to gather, play, rest, and celebrate in the heart of downtown Durham.

This is more than a wish list. The Greenprint is a strategic, long-term commitment. Over the next 10 years, it will guide the improvements, expansions, and investments that shape the park’s future. It’s a vision rooted in equity, creativity, and sustainability—one that will require the support of our entire community to bring to life.

And that begins on May 23.

What to Expect at the Greenprint Gala
  • A first look at the Greenprint, unveiled by DCP Executive Director Erin Kauffman and Design Committee Chair and longtime board member Ellen Cassilly

  • Live music by Dave Binanay and Adam Tierney

  • A special DCP History Gallery, reflecting on 30 years of Durham Central Park
  • Cocktail hour tours of the park with up-close glimpses at future plans

  • A plated dinner by Gocciolina, The Littler, and The Durham Hotel
  • Desserts by Lutra Bakery and coffee by Redrum Roasters
  • An exciting online silent auction, opening May 1

This “Park Fancy” green tie evening reflects both where we’ve come from and where we’re going: down-to-earth, but ambitious. Please dress comfortably in whatever makes you feel great!

Support the Greenprint

Durham Central Park has always been built by community. As a nonprofit stewarding public land, we rely on the vision and generosity of supporters like you—not just to maintain the park, but to reimagine what’s possible.

Can’t make it? You can still support the Greenprint:

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

The Greenprint Gala is proudly presented by:
Gocciolina, The Littler, The Durham Hotel, Lutra Bakery, Redrum Roasters, Acme Plumbing, Kompleks Creative, American Party Rentals, Accent Imaging, The Scrap Exchange, Measurement Inc, Buildsense, The Forest at Duke, and Thomas and Hutton.
We are so grateful for their support in making this vision possible.

Like what we’re doing? You can support the park today by making a tax-deductible donation. Although the City of Durham owns Durham Central Park, we do not receive city funding. As a result, the 501(c)3 nonprofit DCP Inc. programs, maintains, and funds the park and all its projects. By becoming a sustainer, you can support this beautiful green space in Downtown Durham’s backyard! Moreover, your monthly, quarterly or annual gift to the park means the world! You can give at any level that makes sense to you. Sustainer gifts of all sizes help keep the park a wonderful space for all.