The Wake County Board of Commissioners on Monday approved two major actions that will expand outdoor recreation opportunities and protect natural spaces for residents and visitors. The Board voted to lease a portion of William B. Umstead State Park for new mountain biking trails and to award a construction contract for the new Kellam-Wyatt County Park project.

“These two projects represent Wake County’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to high-quality parks, trails and open spaces,” said Susan Evans, chair, Wake County Board of Commissioners. “Whether you enjoy mountain biking, gardening, hiking or simply being outdoors, these investments will ensure more residents can experience the benefits of nature close to home.”

New Lease Expands Mountain Biking Trails Near Umstead

Commissioners authorized the county manager to execute a lease agreement with the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation for approximately 252 acres of land at William B. Umstead State Park.

The site, located north of I-40 and adjacent to the existing 286 Property that the County already leases from the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority, will offer dual-use trails for mountain biking and other recreational activities.

The seven-year, two-month lease, with options for renewal, aligns with Wake County’s current lease of the 286, which ends in 2032. The annual lease payment of $1 will be absorbed into the County’s existing operating budget.

Wake County will design, construct and maintain the new trails, which will help replace the mountain biking network previously located at Lake Crabtree County Park.

Next steps include detailed design, construction drawings and trail development, which will occur in coordination with the N.C. Division of Parks and Recreation.

Construction to Begin on Kellam-Wyatt County Park

In a separate action, the Board awarded a $9.49 million construction contract to TCC Enterprises, Inc. to build the highly anticipated Kellam-Wyatt County Park.

Located near the Raleigh–Knightdale border, the 59-acre park was donated to Wake County in 2018 by the Kellam-Wyatt family, whose vision was to preserve the land’s agricultural and natural heritage for future generations.

Funded through the 2018 Parks, Greenways, Recreation, and Open Space bond, the new park will feature:

• Community gardens, demonstration gardens and pavilion
• Walking trails and an open play area
• Nature playground
• Renovated farmhouse serving as a park center
• Restroom facility, parking and maintenance building
• Native plantings and public art
• Educational and recreational programs
   

This programming fits within the park’s protective conservation easement held by the City of Oaks Foundation.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with substantial completion anticipated by winter 2027.