Area include playgrounds, boat rental, fishing pier and more
The Wake County Board of Commissioners has approved a new 20-year lease agreement with the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority for the original portion of Lake Crabtree County Park. The move ensures continued public access to one of the county’s most popular recreational spaces.
The lease covers nearly 70 acres across three land tracts, including the 28-acre heart of the park — home to walking trails, picnic shelters, a playground, boat rentals, a fishing pier, volleyball courts, an open play area and waterfront access. As part of the agreement, the County will continue to have access through nearby land as needed to reach key parts of the park and to maintain a connection to the Cary and Morrisville greenway network, Umstead State Park and the 286 property via the Lake Trail.
View a map and learn more about the park here.
"Lake Crabtree County Park is a vital part of our parks system, providing open space, boating and outdoor recreation opportunities to thousands of visitors each year,” said Susan Evans, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. “This new lease ensures we can continue to offer those benefits to our residents and visitors for years to come.”
Mountain biking trails
The lease does not include the 148 acres located between the park and Interstate 40, which housed the park’s network of mountain biking and hiking trails. RDUAA has chosen to develop that portion of the property to generate revenue for airport operations.
These trails closed on June 1 to allow staff the opportunity to remove built structures before the lease ends on June 30.
Mountain biking is still available at the 151-acre 286 property, located between Umstead State Park and Lake Crabtree County Park, which Wake County leases from RDUAA. Wake County is currently working on a concept plan that if realized, could bring additional mountain biking opportunities to the area adjacent to the 286 property by extending trails into a portion of Umstead State Park.
Lease details
Wake County first leased the property from RDUAA in 1985 for $1 per year, establishing Lake Crabtree County Park on 33.191 acres. In 1994, the lease was amended to add 148 acres for trail expansion, including mountain biking trails.
Under the new terms, the County will pay an annual lease rate of $214,488, with a 3% annual escalation per year over the lease’s 20-year term. The agreement also includes options for two additional 10-year extensions.
Lake Crabtree County Park is one of the most visited parks in the Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space system. In 2024, nearly 334,000 people passed through its gates.
