Recreation

---

If you're seeking the perfect place to call home, there's no better place than right here in Garner. The Town of Garner offers all those big "quality of life" amenities for which everyone searches, all in one convenient package:

• A temperate yearly climate featuring four distinct seasons
• World-class performing arts, museums and cultural festivals
• Competitive sports teams ranging from major league hockey to collegiate basketball to recreational league offerings
• Outstanding access to cutting-edge health care, education and technology

And when you need to get away from it all, vacation options abound, practically in our own backyard. Whether you prefer the mountains, the beach or somewhere in between, you're within hours of your destination. It's all here - life doesn't get any better than in Garner.

Parks

Whether you're an avid nature lover or are simply looking for a great place to relax and enjoy some fresh air, Garner's got the perfect place! The Town of Garner Parks and Recreation Department manages a total of 184 acres of developed park land and 146 acres of open space land, with an additional 96 acres scheduled for future park development. The town offers plenty of recreational options, including 1.6 miles of paved trails, 11 playgrounds, nine picnic shelters, 16 athletic fields, eight tennis courts and a boathouse.

Recreation

From athletics and special events to the arts and the out-of-doors, Garner offers a full slate of activities for people of all ages and walks of life. The Independence Day Celebration is the town’s signature event, eagerly awaited all year by the 15,000 people that typically attend. The Parks and Recreation Department distributes an activities brochure for town residents three times per year. Non-residents may receive the brochure by calling the department at 919-772-4688.

Community Support

The department also supports many of the community groups that provide additional activities and services to the Garner area.

Future Development

With dramatic growth over the past three years, the Town of Garner continues to enhance and expand the area’s recreational facilities. We encourage residents to provide feedback on growth initiatives, including our master planning process for the next five to 10 years, by attending public discussions. For more information, please contact 919-772-4688.

Recent projects include:

• Expansion at the Garner Senior Center, including the addition of a fitness annex



• Development of Creech Road Elementary School Park and Centennial Park



• Garner Historic Auditorium, reopened after major renovations in 2006 including more comfortable seating, a revamped stage area and new backstage sound, lighting and scenery systems.



• A $500,000 grant will help establish Garner's first nature and environmental education park at White Deer Park.



• Greenway developments include an agreement with Wake County and the City of Raleigh to connect Lake Benson Park with Lake Wheeler Park in Raleigh, as well as a greenway for the northern section of Garner. Development is expected to begin once grant funding has been approved.