Parks & Recreation Department

Play More with DPR and Participate In An Environmental Activity!

For information on any program or to pre-register, please contact Chris Shepard or Jessica Finelt at (919) 620-8154 or e-mail christopher.shepard@durhamnc.gov.

February

Starry, Starry Night: Friday, Feb. 27, from 8 - 10 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a program about the winter constellations. The winter skies are great for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie.

March

Night Hike: Friday, March 6, from 8 - 10 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us to explore the forest in the beauty of night.

Parents Night Out: Friday, March 27, from 6 - 9 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Parents, this is your chance for an evening out while the children have fun exploring nature at night. We'll explore the park at night, play games, and make some nature art. This is for children ages 5-9, and the cost is $10 per child. There are limited spaces and you must call to register.

Fungus Among Us: Saturday, March 28, from 1 - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. As the spring nears, mushrooms are beginning to pop up. Come out and discover all the different types of mushrooms at the park. If you have an identification book, please bring it.

Fishing Frenzy: Sunday March 29, from 1 - 3 p.m., at the Lake Michie Boathouse. This program gives children a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait. Parents provide the company. This is for ages 5-12, and the cost is $2 per child. Every child must be accompanied by an adult. Limit 12 children. Call 620-8154 to register.

Intersession Nature Caravan Camp: March 30 - April 3 at West Point on the Eno, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. We will be offering a one-week version of our popular summer camp. The camp is for ages 5-12. You must pre-register by March 18, limit of 25 children. Cost is $25(CR) and $30(NCR) per child for the week. Call 620-8154 for information.

April

Amphibian Adventure: Friday, April 3, from 7 - 9 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Let’s explore the world of amphibians. We’ll learn about the different types of amphibians living in the area and explore wetlands where we’ll look for and try to identify them. Wear clothing appropriate for walking in damp areas and bring a flashlight.

Sunset Paddle: Saturday, April 4, from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us as we enjoy the beauty of Lake Michie at sunset by boat. Experience the transition from day to night while on a relaxing paddle. Only canoes or kayaks are allowed on this trip. Please make sure to register and let us know if you need space on a city boat. Cost is $3(CR) and $5(NCR) per person.

Spring Forage: Sunday, April 5, from 2 - 4 p.m. at West Point on the Eno Park. Explore and search for spring herbs, nuts, berries, and fruit in the forest.

Spring Break Trips: Trips are for ages 10 - 14, cost is $10/day (CR) or $12/day (NCR). You must pre-register. Trips run from 7:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. each day.

  • Monday, April 13, Paddle Trip at Lake Michie, Durham County.
  • Tuesday, April 14, Hike at Hill Forest, Durham County.
  • Wednesday, April 15, Paddle Trip Flat River, Durham County.
  • Thursday, April 16, Carolina Beach State Park.

May

Night Hike: Friday, May 1, from 9 - 11 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Join us as we explore the forest in the beauty of night.

Fishin’ Frenzy: Saturday, May 2, from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. This program gives children a chance to learn to fish. We provide poles and bait, parents you provide the company. For ages 5-12. The cost is $2 per child and every child must be accompanied by an adult. Limit 12 children. Call 620-8154 to register.

Trees and Leaves: Saturday, May 16, from 1 - 3 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Enjoy a spring day in the forest while discovering why there are different shapes and sizes of leaves.

Tubing on the Eno: Saturday, May 30, from 1 - 3:30 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come join us for a fun float down the Eno River in an inner tube. Along the way we will go through small rapids and we will get the chance to experience nature in a first hand way, floating in the river. This program is for ages 7 years old and up. All participants must wear life jackets. The city has some if you do not have your own. Registration is limited to the first 12 people. Cost is $3(CR) or $5(NCR) per person. Call 620-8154 to register.

June

Starry, Starry Night: Friday, June 26, from 9 - 11 p.m. at the Lake Michie Boathouse. Join us for a program about the summer constellations. The summer skies are great for viewing the stars and we will utilize the open views up at Lake Michie.

Nature Caravan Summer Camp: The Nature Caravan is a half day nature camp that runs from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. It is a hands-on outdoor camp that is based in different City Parks. The camp is for children ages 5-12 and the cost is $25(CR) and $30(NCR) per week. At the camp we explore the natural areas in the park, play nature-based games, and do nature art. Registration starts March 28, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the main Parks and Recreation office. For information on this camp, call Chris Shepard at 620-8154. The schedule is as follows, both parks will be operating at the same time:

  • June 8 - 26: Sandy Creek and Whippoorwill Parks.
  • June 29 - July 17: Indian Trails and Northgate Parks.
  • July 20 - August 7: West Point on the Eno and Forest Hills Parks.

Eno Discovery Camp

Eno Discovery is a full-day camp, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. located at West Point on the Eno City Park. This camp focuses on age appropriate learning and exploration of the Eno River and the surrounding landscape. The children will discover the world of plants, insects, and animals in and around the Eno River. This camp is mostly outdoors and has limited indoor time. Space is limited to 12 campers per week. Cost is $100(CR) and $115(NCR) per week. The camp meets at the Environmental Education Center at West Point on the Eno. Registration for this camp starts on Saturday, March 28 from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at the main Parks and Recreation office. For information, call 620-8154. The schedule is as follows:

  • Ages 5-8: June 8 - 12, June 22 - 26, July 13 - 17, July 27 - 31
  • Ages 9-12: June 15 - 19, June 29 - July 3, July 20 - 24, August 3 - 7
  • No Camp: July 6 - 10

July

Night Hike: Friday, July 31, from 9 - 11 p.m. at West Point on the Eno. Come on this hike as we explore the forest at night. We will listen for animals and enjoy the beauty of the woods at night.

August

Mountain Explorations: Sunday, August 9 through Friday, August 14. Join us on a fun camping trip to Stone Mountain State Park in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We will hike, explore streams, play in waterfalls, and camp under the stars. The program is only for ages 10-14 and space is limited. Cost of the trip is $200(CR) and $225(NCR). Call 620-8154 for information.

Preschool

These classes are for children 3-5 years old and all classes will be held at the Environmental Education Center at West Point on the Eno Park. The cost is $25(CR) and $30(NCR) per child for a entire session. The cost for individual classes is $4(CR) and $5(NCR) per child per class. Choose which session you prefer, Saturday, Tuesday, or Thursday. You must preregister for the Saturday classes.

  • Saturday, February 21 and 28, from 10 - 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, February 17 and 24, from 1 - 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, February 12 and 26, from 10 - 11 a.m.


  • Saturday, March 14 and 28, from 10 - 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, March 3 and 31, from 1 - 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, March 12 and 26, from 10 - 11 a.m.


  • Saturday, April 4 and 25, from 10 - 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, April 21 and 28, from 1 - 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, April 23 and 30, from 10 - 11 a.m.


  • Saturday, May 16 and 30, from 10 - 11 a.m.
  • Tuesday, May 19 and 26, from 1 - 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, May 7 and 14, from 10 - 11 a.m.

 

For information or to register for the activities, classes, trips or camp, call Chris Shepard or Jessica Finelt at 620-8154 or e-mail christopher.shepard@durhamnc.gov.

Meeting Locations for Programs

Lake Michie Boathouse: Take a right on Bahama Rd, off of 501 N, follow until the lake. The boathouse entrance is the first driveway on the right after crossing the lake.

West Point on the Eno Park: 5101 N Roxboro Rd. We meet at the Environmental Education Center. Once you have entered the park, look for the blue signs to lead you to the parking area and then to the center.