This popular Raleigh park’s amusements are closing temporarily. Here’s why
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Pullen Park amusements close Feb. 2 for Lake Howell shoreline repairs.
- City will drain Lake Howell, relocate fish, reconstruct walls and paths.
- Most amusements reopen in April; project continues into the latter half of the year.
Attractions, playgrounds and other features at Raleigh’s Pullen Park will soon be closed to the public.
All Pullen Park Amusements, including attractions, amenities, playgrounds and picnic shelters, will close temporarily starting Monday, Feb. 2, the City of Raleigh announced.
During the first phase of a Lake Howell shoreline improvement project, expected to last until Tuesday, March 31, these amusements will be closed to keep visitors safe and allow construction crews access around the lake.
The aquatic center, community center and tennis courts at the park will remain open.
While the project is expected to continue into the latter half of the year, most areas of the amusements will open starting in April.
While the Pullen Park Amusements are closed, visitors may instead go to John Chavis Memorial Park, located at 505 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Raleigh. In addition to a playground and splash pad, the park houses the Allan Herschell Carousel; tickets are $2.
What is included in the Lake Howell project?
Because almost all the concrete shoreline walls and railings around Lake Howell have deteriorated over time and begun to lose structural stability, they are being demolished. New, sustainable shoreline walls will replace them.
Adjacent concrete paths will be reconstructed to improve safety and accessibility, the city said.
The shoreline area near the dam at the east of the lake is stable and will not be included in the first phase of the project.
Effects on fish
Lake Howell will be drained the week of Monday, Jan. 19 to allow crews to access the shoreline safely.
Fish in the lake are being relocated the week of Monday, Jan. 12 to two upper ponds in Pullen Park. Lake Howell will be restocked with fish once construction is complete.
The 66-acre Pullen Park, located off Western Boulevard at 520 Ashe Ave. in Raleigh, is the first public park in North Carolina, established in 1887. It hosts the popular Holiday Express event, which includes a holiday train ride.
