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Heritage Parks
Coordinator: Beth Highley (919) 471-1623 / beth.highley@durhamnc.gov
West Point on the Eno Park and Leigh Farm Park make up the City of Durham's Heritage parks. These significant natural and historic parks provide opportunities for passive recreational pursuits such as picnicking, fishing, hiking, outdoor nature study, and cultural history programming.
Leigh Farm Park
Although this park is currently undeveloped, call Beth Highley to find out more about what is planned for this park site in the future.
West Point on the Eno
This 404-acre natural and historic park is located along a two-mile stretch of the scenic Eno River, six miles north of downtown Durham. Take a step back in time to Durham’s early beginnings by touring the working Grist Mill, the 1850’s McCown-Mangum House, and the Hugh Mangum Museum of Photography. These historic buildings are open 1-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, April 4 - December 13, 2009. Admission is free. Weekday tours of the buildings can be arranged in advance by calling (919) 471-1623.
You can also enjoy a leisurely picnic and stroll around the grounds, or take a hike through the woods on one of the park trails. Feel free to bring your canoe or raft and experience the beauty of the Eno River. The park gates are open daily, year-round, from 8 am to dark. Call Beth Highley for further information.
The wafting program at West Point on the Eno Park will not be offered for the 2009 season.
The wafting program at West Point on the Eno Park has been a much-enjoyed program for many years. Unfortunately, due to insurance requirements, the operator has chosen not to run the program this year. Safety is always a priority for all visitors to any Durham Parks and Recreation facility or park. Any type of program that involves water carries significant risk, and therefore appropriate insurance coverage is required. Although the wafting program had successfully operated without an accident for the past 20 years, it would not be in the best interest of taxpayers to continue to carry this risk. Insurance coverage is now required for all programs hosted by individuals on behalf of the City, unless the program can be run by the City, which allows participants to be covered under the City’s insurance. Durham Parks and Recreation values our relationship with our program providers, and we value the many residents and visitors who rely on DPR to meet their recreational and educational needs.
McCown-Mangum House at West Point
This restored 1850's farmhouse is perfect for small gatherings such as weddings, receptions, and meetings. Special features include: rooms sheathed in the original heart-pine boards; brick patio; roomy kitchen; restrooms; heat/AC; porches; gardens; and a quaint atmosphere. For rental and reservation information, call (919) 560-4355.
Amphitheatre at West Point
This secluded area nestled in the woods is the perfect setting for company picnics, festivals, concerts, performances, and other large group gatherings. The facility can accommodate up to 4,000 people and includes a large open field, lawn seating, stage, electricity, water, and ample parking. Call Beth Highley to arrange a visit, or for rental and reservation information.