Wake County approved a $6.6 million contract for a lakeside education center, walkways and more parking at Lake Crabtree. Work should finish in December 2027.

Lake Crabtree County Park, Wake County’s first county park, is getting a $6.6 million renovation. The centerpiece is a new education center on the waterfront.

The Wake County Board of Commissioners approved the construction contract Monday, Nov. 2, according to the county’s announcement. The money comes from the parks, greenways, recreation and open space bond that Wake County voters approved in 2018.

The park sits at 1400 Aviation Parkway in Morrisville, about 11 miles west of Raleigh. It opened in 1988 and has drawn more than 250,000 visitors this year, the county said.

What the project includes

The new education building will cover 4,805 square feet near the water. The county said it will have:

  • indoor classroom space for up to 86 people
  • a covered deck overlooking the lake
  • restrooms and storage for park programs and lake activities

Across the rest of the park, the contract pays for:

  • a stormwater wetland beside the new building, with public art around it
  • new roofs on the park’s administration and maintenance buildings
  • accessible walkways linking the main features of the park
  • more parking at the boat ramp
  • a 724-square-foot restroom building

Park staff are considering advanced fishing classes, paddle skills, accessible bird and butterfly watching and an adult lecture series for the new building, the county said. Community groups will also be able to meet there.

“Since it opened in 1988, Lake Crabtree County Park has been a popular destination for Wake County residents for fishing, boating and much more,” said Don Mial, chair of the Board of Commissioners.

When it happens

Construction is expected to start later this year and finish in December 2027, the county said. Parts of the park will be closed while the work is underway. The county has not yet said which areas will close first, or when.

What it means for you

  • The park is open now, from 8 a.m. to sunset every day, according to the park’s page. It closes on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
  • Expect closed areas from the end of the year. The county will post updates on its Lake Crabtree page and the park’s Facebook page.
  • Questions: call the park office at 919-460-3390 or email lakecrabtree@wake.gov.

For more places to walk, fish and paddle around Raleigh, see our parks and trails guide and walking and biking trails.