Park Review: Anderson Point Park

The east Raleigh park features four miles of paved trails, lots of open space and a playground with some unique slides.

Posted 2:09 a.m. Mar 11, 2011 — Updated 2:09 a.m. Mar 11, 2011

Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

I got an email from an uncle the other day who was looking forward to taking his two-year-old nephew to the park now that he's moved to the area. And the uncle had his eye on Anderson Point Park in east Raleigh.

He wrote: "I've only been there once and wasn't visiting with an eye toward the playground area, but I remember it having some slides that were built into the side of a hill so that there wasn't a need for stairs. I thought that was pretty unique, and now that my 2-year-old nephew has moved to NC and I've had to follow him up dozens of sliding boards, it's something I'm looking forward to."

I'd heard about the fabled slides at Anderson Point Park. And now that I have an 18-month-old who loves the "sides," I welcome any reason not to have to hoist her up to the top. I finally got out to go see them this week.

Anderson Point Park opened in 1999. The 89-acre park features four miles of paved walking trails; shelters; restrooms; a cottage for rental; fishing and boating opportunities; open space; a collection of swings under a stand of hardwood trees; and the unique playground with those slides.

Here's what I liked about the park: The playground. If you're up for exploring new parks, it's worth a trip even if you don't live nearby. You'll find swings, a play set and those slides, along with a giant sand area. Just bring sand toys. I also like the variety of activities here. There are plenty of paved trails, along with some picturesque swings under those trees - probably a very nice shady spot in the summer.

The city's parks and recreation department schedules a variety of regular activities and programs for kids at the park.

In the next month or so, they include:

Little Nature Hikers from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. March 22. A nature instructor guides the walk for kids ages 2 to 5 and their adult. You'll see birds, insects and more. Strollers are welcome. Pre-registration is required four days prior to the program. Call 919-831-6856 for details. I've been on similar walks at Durant Nature Park in north Raleigh and they're always fun. The cost is $2 per person.
Beautiful Bluebirds from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. April 9. Ages 6 and up can join a nature instructor for a spring walk as the group talks about the bluebird. Learn how to attract bluebirds to your yard and check out a bluebird specimen. Bring your binoculars. For more information, call Kari Wouk at 919-395-5630 for details. It's free.
The annual Anderson Point Spring Egg Hunt starts promptly at 11 a.m. April 16. It's free and pre-registration is not required. (Most of the city's other parks also will hold egg hunts at the same date and time). These are for kids up to age 10.

Watch the video to take a closer look at Anderson Point Park. The park sits off North Rogers Lane at 20 Anderson Point Dr.

Looking for more? Check our list of park and playground reviews.

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