🌳 Raleigh’s New Park Raises Bar for Durham

In this issue:

• Raleigh’s New Park Raises Bar for Durham

• Duke Arts Summer Series Gets a Twist

• Durham Schools Seek $222M from County

• BOCC Backs Head Start, Solar Expansion & School Repairs

• Historic Trinity Park Estate

Approx Read Time: 3 mins

Raleigh’s New Park Raises Bar for Durham

Gipson Play Plaza, a $69 million addition to Dix Park in Raleigh, opens June 6–8 with skywalks, food vendors, and sprawling play areas. The high-profile project is drawing comparisons across the Triangle—including from Durham leaders eyeing upgrades to public spaces closer to home.

• Park Arms Race: Raleigh’s investment follows Cary’s wildly successful Downtown Park and comes as Durham considers its own downtown park improvements.

• Durham Reacts: City council members referenced Cary and Dix Park in recent meetings, saying Durham “deserves” similar iconic public spaces.

• Central Park on Deck: Plans for Durham Central Park and the historic Athletic Park are under review this spring as city officials weigh cost and community impact.

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Duke Arts Summer Series Gets a Twist

This year’s beloved Music in the Gardens concert series is relocating from Sarah P. Duke Gardens to East Campus—and adding a creative twist. Rebranded as Music Near the Gardens, the free outdoor shows will be followed by afterparties at The Pinhook, with a surprise double-header concert planned for June 25.

• New Location, Same Vibe: Due to garden renovations, concerts will take place on Duke’s East Campus lawn—no tickets or registration required.

• Pinhook Partnership: Durham’s iconic venue co-curated the lineup, emphasizing community artists and hosting free afterparties.

• Secret Show Returns: Inspired by a 2016 fundraiser, the series finale features a mystery lineup at both Duke and The Pinhook.

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Durham Schools Seek $222M from County

The Durham Public Schools Board has approved a $222 million funding request from the county for the upcoming school year — a $16 million increase over last year’s historic budget. The district aims to address staff pay, transportation gaps, and redistricting needs while recovering from a $33 million shortfall last year.

• Staff Pay Boosts Included: Budget earmarks $2.3M for teacher supplements, $1.4M for master's pay, and $377K for bus driver raises.

• Growing Together Funding: Nearly $1.7M will support positions tied to the district's ongoing redistricting plan.

• State Funding Still Unclear: DPS is forecasting a 3% raise from the state amid uncertainty around final education appropriations.

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BOCC Backs Head Start, Solar Expansion & School Repairs

At its April 28 meeting, the Durham Board of County Commissioners took action on key funding priorities while also honoring community leaders and cultural institutions.

• $2M for School Upgrades: Commissioners approved funding from the NC Education Lottery to support needed capital repairs in Durham Public Schools.

• Head Start Advocacy: The board unanimously backed a letter to Congress urging protection of federal Head Start funding, which serves nearly 500 Durham children.

• Green Energy Milestone: An update on Durham’s solar initiative confirmed it will supply 70% of the county’s electricity use by 2027 through the Green Source Advantage program.

Other highlights included a heartfelt farewell to Veterans Services Director Lois Harvin-Ravin, and strong public praise for the success of the new Biscuits & Banjos festival downtown.

Watch the Full Discussion >>

Historic Trinity Park Estate

“Rose Villa,” a 1925 Renaissance Revival gem in Trinity Park, offers 5 beds, 6 baths, and 4,667 sq ft on a rare quadruple lot. Designed by Duke architect Nelson G. Murray, the home blends original charm with modern updates, including a restored terra cotta roof and chef’s kitchen. Just one block from Duke’s East Campus and walkable to downtown Durham.

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King Lear – South Stream Productions
The Ridge
May 2–18 | 7–10 PM | Free–$25
After 2024’s hit Twelfth Night, South Stream returns with a fierce new King Lear. Expect betrayal, madness, and dark humor in this Shakespeare classic. Pay-what-you-want tickets available.
Details >>

Big Red Dance Project 2025 Season
Durham Arts Council
May 2 @ 7:30 PM | May 3–4 @ 5 PM
The annual season features two new works and repertory favorites, including a nostalgic 1920s-inspired premiere co-choreographed with Kristin O'Neal.
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Relay For Ribbons 5K
Fenton
Sat, May 3 | 8 AM–12 PM
Join the community walk to honor cancer survivors, remember loved ones, and raise funds to fight cancer for all.
Details >>