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Maria Tedesco Spine
Sept 2024
CROWDER PARK EXPANSION
Like many areas in Wake County more than a century ago, the land that makes up Crowder was once farmland that was owned and farmed by Ms. Crowder’s father Arthur Colon Pierce, and her mother Lenna Utley Pierce. They farmed this land until Mr. Pierce’s death in 1955. Ms. Crowder fondly remembered spending much of her childhood playing among the fields and trees but particularly enjoying Crowder Pond.
Having no heirs and a strong desire to share the natural beauty of her property with others, in 1992 Ms. Crowder contacted Wake County about her donating this land for a public park. Wake County graciously accepted the donation and began park construction in 1996. When the construction was completed the new park was dedicated in memory of her parents.
Now, the County has recently purchased an additional 96 acres of land from the Mary Jackson Babb estate which is adjacent to the existing park and is working to masterplan and develop some of the newly acquired land.
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This will be a collaborative effort working with consultants and neighbors.
The park expansion is the first project to receive funds from the 2018 voter-approved bond for Wake County parks, greenways, recreation, and open spaces. The price for the 96 acres is $4.9 million, and $3.1 million of that is funded by the Little River Reimbursement Fund, with most of the rest coming from the bond project.
Completion of the expansion could come in 2025, and uses could include hiking/walking trails, fishing, environmental education, and other recreation. A future connection to the Town of Cary's Jack Smith Park and greenway system could also be possible.
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Learn more about Wake County’s Crowder County Park in our exclusive in-depth Conversation with Tim Lisk, Regional Manager at Historic Yates Mill County Park and Crowder County Park. Read the Conversation with Tim here.
"Close To Home" is a series of articles featuring content specific to the communities that we serve.
This article is brought to you by Maria Tedesco Spine , our Holly Springs Varina Community Volunteer.