
A long-anticipated vision for eastern Wake County is moving forward. The Wake County Board of Commissioners yesterday approved the schematic design for Lake Myra County Park, marking a major milestone in bringing new recreation opportunities to the rapidly growing region.
“Lake Myra County Park has been a long time coming, and we’re excited to take a big step toward it becoming reality,” said Susan Evans, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “This park will offer a rich blend of recreation, environmental education and access to nature for residents in eastern Wake County and beyond.”
The 218-acre park site in Wendell was first identified in Wake County’s 2003 Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a key location to address a lack of county park facilities in the eastern part of the county. Although the county purchased the land in 2007 and completed a master plan in 2009, economic challenges stalled progress. Funding for design and construction was later included in the voter-approved 2018 Parks, Greenways, Recreation and Open Space Bond.
In 2023, Wake County launched a new master planning effort in response to significant growth and land use changes in the area. Over the span of 14 months, staff worked with Susan Hatchell Landscape Architecture and engaged community members, local stakeholders and town leaders from Wendell and Knightdale to develop a modern vision for the park.
The approved schematic design for Phase I of the park includes a variety of amenities centered on both the east and west sides of Lake Myra, which divides the site. Planned features include:
- East side: A park center with offices and classrooms, picnic shelter and restrooms, maintenance facility, boat launch for staff-led activities and a fishing platform.
- West side: A picnic shelter, restrooms and parking area.
- Throughout the park: Paved and unpaved trails, open play areas, small boardwalks, constructed wetland, playground, disc golf course, educational displays, public art, prairie and native plantings and a major boardwalk across Lake Myra that will connect both sides of the park.
While the county owns the land surrounding the lake, Lake Myra itself is privately owned. Wake County is finalizing an agreement with the landowner to allow appropriate levels of public access to the lake for staff-led boating and fishing activities.
Phase I development and construction are estimated to cost $21 million, funded by the bond. Final design documents are expected next year, with the park scheduled to open in 2027.
More information on Lake Myra County Park can be found at wake.gov/LakeMyra.