Blue Jay Point's playground closed through April

The playground at Blue Jay Point County Park in north Raleigh is closed to replace the wood retaining wall, walks and seating. The bathrooms next the the playground remain open.

The popular playground, which actually closed right before Christmas, will reopen in April. But despite the closure, there are still plenty of things to do at the park, which boasts 236 acres and is bordered on three sides by Falls Lake. I reviewed the park last year.

Park staffers are encouraging visitors to enjoy the property's open play field and T-ball fields. There are loaner balls and Frisbees in the big blue tub located in the comfort station breezeway (where the bathrooms are). There also are the exhibits inside the Blue Jay Center for Environmental Education. And you can explore the park's Azalea Loop interpretive trail. Be sure to pick up an interpretive guide at the beginning of the trail.

Another reason to head over to the park: Blue Jay will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special event from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday. Families can participate in "The Amazing Place" (as in the Amazing Race) to learn all about Blue Jay. Each family who successfully completes all activities will win a prize. Click here for details.

Click here to see reviews of other parks and playgrounds in the region.