Campus Hills Park

What it is:  So, our little group at Stir Crazy Moms has been exploring the playgrounds in the area for a couple of years now.  You'd think we would have found all of them, especially all of them within 15 minutes of our house, right?  Nope.  On Wednesday, we found another great one tucked behind Campus Hills Rec Center on Alston Ave.

A few weeks ago we were at the toddler pirate treasure hunt hosted by Durham Parks and Rec at Campus Hills.  People mentioned that they were heading out to the playground out back.  I had no idea that there was a playground at Campus Hills, but we didn't have time to stop by that day.  This time, we drove up, not knowing what to expect.  We headed around to the side parking lot that I had never been to and drove till we saw it.  There, secluded behind the rec center with a couple of great picnic areas and even a field was a great playground!

As the other moms had said at the treasure hunt, it was a bit different than some of the other playgrounds we had been checked out.  There was only one slide that was not easy to get down and no swings, but there was still plenty to keep the kiddos busy.  There was a smallish rock wall, a very unique play structure, rings, drums, and lots of things to spin on.  There were some spinners that were low to the ground so my boys could get on and spin themselves.  That's where my oldest spent most of his time.

There was also a small sidewalk around one of the picnic shelters that was always in view of the playground.  While it was a tiny little circle of sidewalk, it was great for wheeling a stroller with a sleeping baby while the bigger boys slept.  It might be good for bikes or scooters too!

What we liked: Our boys had fun trying out everything.  It was unique and they enjoyed that.  Plus, with the picnic shelters, it would be a great place for a picnic.  Plus, since it is behind Campus Hills, you could easily combine it with one of the great Durham Parks and Rec programs or a trip to their indoor pool.  Plus, the rec center has restrooms!

What we would change:  Since it was behind the building next to the woods, it was a bit secluded, so I might check it out with a friend.  Plus, just as we were leaving at 4:45 we saw a group of older kids coming out to play from the rec center, so I don't know if it's used by other groups from the rec center sometimes, especially after school.

Website and other important information:

Website: http://www.durhamnc.gov/gis_apps/parkapp/park.cfm?ParkNam=Campus+Hills+Park&selVal=park

Address: 2000 S. ALSTON AVENUE 27713

Photos: 

 (playground...)

(...playground...)

 (...and more playground!)

(One of the picnic shelters)

(Another picnic shelter with the sidewalk around it)