Wake County is encouraging residents and visitors to explore and experience its parks, preserves and programs in a new way with its Create Your Parks Adventure Challenge. This activity, part of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space 50th anniversary celebration, rewards participants for achieving different goals.
“For five decades, Wake County has been committed to protecting natural spaces and creating places for our community to connect,” said Wake County Commissioner Susan Evans. “The Create Your Parks Adventure Challenge is a great way to be part of that story. I encourage everyone to get involved in the celebration.”
Participating is simple: visitors can pick up an adventure tracker at any Wake County park or preserve or download one online. Each park or preserve visited or program attended earns 10 points. After reaching 50 points, participants can email a photo of their completed tracker to WakeParks50@wake.gov along with their name and email address. They’ll receive instructions on how to pick up their commemorative prize. The challenge must be completed by the end of 2026.
Participating locations (each may be counted once):
- American Tobacco Trail
- Beech Bluff County Park
- Blue Jay Point County Park
- Crowder County Park
- Green Hills County Park
- Harris Lake County Park
- Historic Oak View County Park
- Historic Yates Mill County Park
- Lake Crabtree County Park
- Robertson Millpond Preserve
- Sandy Pines Preserve
- Turnipseed Nature Preserve
A legacy of open space and community
The challenge is part of a yearlong celebration marking the 50th anniversary of Wake County’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space system. Throughout 2026, residents can enjoy special programs, events and community collaborations that highlight the history and impact of Wake County’s natural and recreational spaces.
Other activities have included an En Plein Air Art Celebration, special geocaching opportunities, collaborations with Wake County Public Libraries and more.
Wake County’s commitment to preserving open space began in the mid-1970s, when the county formally established its Parks, Recreation and Open Space program. Over the decades, the system has grown into a vibrant network of parks, nature preserves, trails and historic sites serving residents and visitors alike.
Today, Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space continues to expand access to green spaces, promote environmental stewardship and foster connections between people and nature.
For more information about the Create Your Parks Adventure Challenge and other 50th anniversary activities, visit wake.gov/parks50.
