Renovations at East End Park and Long Meadow Park are being delayed due to increasing costs. Durham Parks and Recreation is seeking $15 million in federal grants to close the funding gap for construction at both parks, which were approved by voters via bond referendum in 2024.
East End Park and Long Meadow Park received $42 of the $85 million earmarked in 2024 for parks; the other $43 million went to the new Merrick Moore aquatic center. The expansive scope of the two park renovations includes a new pool house and pool at East End, pickleball, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds, and a quick-service restaurant, among other amenities across both parks. The renovation also includes lead remediation for East End, and funding for the R. Kelly Bryant Trail, which will run through East End and Long Meadow parks.
Construction was originally scheduled to begin this fall. Staff told Durham City Council members during a recent meeting that rising construction costs, updates to the plans following community engagement, and other unforeseen design challenges have added to the overall cost of the updates planned for East End Park and Long Meadow Park, and delayed the start time for construction by two years…