Help Wake County Plan How It Manages Waste in the Future

With the South Wake Landfill expected to reach capacity as early as 2040, the Wake County Solid Waste Management Division has initiated the Beyond the South Wake Landfill Study to prepare for the future of Wake County's waste disposal. Currently, the four options for waste disposal being considered are:

• Development of a new landfill in Wake County.
• Hauling and disposal at regional landfills outside Wake County.
• Development of a Waste-to-Energy facility in Wake County.
• Alternative disposal technologies.

Check out this new webpage to learn more. While you're there, please take five minutes to complete a brief survey to help plan next steps.

Crowder County Park Featured as Part of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space's 50th Anniversary

It’s the 50th anniversary of Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS)! Each month in 2026,we're highlighting one of our 12 parks, and in April, Crowder County Park was featured! Keep reading for some interesting facts and pro tips from our own staff!

Crowder County Park opened in 1998 to provide outdoor recreational and educational opportunities for all ages. The park currently spans 33 acres and features 1.5 miles of trails. An additional 96 acres acquired in 2019 are expected to open to the public in 2027, offering more trails, a picnic shelter and indoor classrooms. Stay tuned for updates!

📍 Signature feature: The diversity of turtle species in our park

💎 Hidden gem: Our animal ambassadors: Popcorn (Corn Snake), Stinky (Musk Turtle) and Scooter (River Cooter)

📸 Photo op: Pond boardwalk

⌚ Best time to visit: Late spring and summer afternoons, when you can hear an orchestra of many frog species like Spring Peepers, Upland Chorus Frogs, American bullfrogs, Cope’s Gray Treefrog, Southern Leopard Frogs, Pickerel Frogs, Northern Cricket Frogs and more. If you’re lucky you’ll hear our Barred Owls as well!

✨ One-word vibe: Community

🕵️‍♀️ Insider tip: Our Gray Fox Creek Trail to the Prairie Garden is a wonderfully short jaunt that connects many cool wildlife hotspots.

🎉 Upcoming fun: Work will begin on expanding the park in fall 2026!

Crowder County Park is located at 4709 Ten-Ten Road in Apex.

Learn more about PROS' 50th anniversary at https://www.wake.gov/Parks50. 

Public Programs: May

Registration is required for everyone.

Art in the Park: May Flowers

Sunday, May 10, 2-3 p.m.

It’s spring, which means the park is full of colorful flowers and excited animals! Join us to get creative and make art celebrating spring together.

For all ages. Registration is required for all participants, and children must have adult accompaniment. Meet at the Heron Shelter, at the end of the lower parking lot. FREE. Register here.

Tiny Tots: If I Were a Bird

Monday, May 18, 10:15-11 a.m.

We hope your tiny tots can join us for a fun story time with a craft activity after! This month's story is If I Were a Bird, by Irene Sánchez. This beautiful picture book invites children to imagine being a hummingbird, a seagull, or an owl while exploring colors, numbers, greetings, and the wonders of the natural world. Best for ages 6 & under. Registration is required for all children, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Meet at the Cardinal Shelter, the first right after entering the park. FREE. Register here.



Spanish Tiny Tots: Si yo fuera un pájaro

Monday, May 18, 4-4:45 p.m.

¡Nuestro programa Tiny Tots ahora está disponible en español con Ms. Maya!¡Esperamos que sus pequeños puedan unirse a nosotros para disfrutar de un divertido cuento seguido de una actividad artesanal! La historia destacada es Si yo fuera un pájaro, por Irene Sánchez. Esta actividad está diseñada para familias con niños de seis años o menos. Este programa es gratuito.

¡Registrar aqui!

Please note that programs may fill up, but a waitlist is still available. Click the button above to register for our public programs.

New to the StoryWalk® concept? Laminated pages from a children's book are attached to signs, which are installed along an outdoor path. As you stroll down the trail, you're directed to the next page in the story. The StoryWalk® Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont, and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg-Hubbard Library. StoryWalk® is a registered service mark owned by Ms. Ferguson.

When you’re out at our parks or preserves and take a fantastic photo, share it on Instagram and tag @WakeGovParks for your chance to win a custom water bottle! We’ll pick a new winner each month. In addition to the prize, we’ll also feature your photo on our socials.

Good luck, and happy snapping!

Contact us at 919-662-2850 

or email us at crowder@wake.gov.