WHAT ’ S NEW ?
Playground Upgrades
The Garner Recreational Park playground received an upgrade in the form of bright blue poured-in-place rubber safety surfacing in Fall 2023 . A joint project of the Garner Revitalization Association and the Town of Garner , it was funded by generous sponsors including TT & E Iron & Metal , Bobby C . & Margaret F . Raynor , Garner Rotary Club , Able to Serve , S . T . Wooten Corporation , and Curtis & Jackie Dail . The new surfacing makes the playground more accessible for visitors with mobility challenges . Plus , it ’ s fun ! The pop of color , the extra bounce of the rubber — and the three newly installed benches — give the playground new life .
Traverse Climbing Wall
The new youth traverse climbing wall at the Garner Recreation Center opened in January 2024 thanks to the support from the National Recreation And Park Association Youth Sports Equity grant and the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Accessibility for Parks . The outdoor wall is open from dawn to dusk , is accessible to everyone , and users climb at their own risk . This is the perfect spot to try out your traversing skills !
Sensory Path
Stop by White Deer Park to enjoy the new sensory path , made possible by a mini grant by the Environmental Educators of North Carolina . There are multiple sections of the pathway , each filled with natural materials of different textures , like smooth stones , rough stones , wood slices , moss and more . Visitors are encouraged to take off their shoes to explore the textures with their bare feet , or just use their hands to enjoy the different sensations . White Deer Park staff and Garner Public Works staff worked hard to plan and prep the pathway area , and with valuable help from Able to Serve volunteers , the pathway was built and sections filled .
Sensory “ Chill Zone ”
Thanks to the New Initiative Grant from the North Carolina Recreation and Parks Association , the department will be able to activate a portable sensory “ chill zone ” at indoor and outdoor events , performances , and select programs . If at any time participants need a break from the activities , the “ chill zone ” will be available with supplies and activities like noise cancelling headphones , coloring books , sensory toys , weighted lap pads , and a black out tent . Check out the “ chill zone ” launch at Spring Eggstravaganza .
22 Garner Parks , Recreation & Cultural Resources | PROGRAM GUIDE