Wake County commissioners approve master plan for long-awaited park

Lake Myra County Park will offer hiking, fishing and more

a creek flows across rocks in a wooded area

The Wake County Board of Commissioners has officially adopted the master plan for Lake Myra County Park, a significant step forward in expanding recreational facilities and preserving green space in eastern Wake County. This decision follows extensive planning, community engagement and strategic efforts aimed at addressing the growing recreational needs of the region.

"Lake Myra County Park represents a significant investment in the recreational and environmental future of eastern Wake County,” said Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters. “This park will provide invaluable spaces for our community to connect with nature, engage in healthy activities and enjoy the beauty of our preserved green spaces for generations to come."

How We Got Here
The adoption of the Lake Myra County Park Master Plan is supported by both the 2003 Parks and Recreation Master Plan and the 2008 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan, which highlighted a need for county park facilities in eastern Wake County.

Wake County completed an original master plan for Lake Myra County Park and held several community meetings in 2008, but the plan didn’t move forward due to economic conditions and lack of funds. The voter-approved 2018 Parks, Greenways, Recreation and Open Space bond included funding for design and construction of the park, and due to significantly changing land use conditions and growth in the area, the County kicked off a new Master Plan process in 2023.

That process included engaging with community members, stakeholders, Wake County staff, nonprofit organizations and officials from Wendell and Knightdale over a 14-month period. This collaborative effort included detailed site analysis, three community meetings and multiple surveys, all of which informed the core values and principles guiding the park’s development. These values emphasize nature experiences, passive recreation, connectivity and the balance of built and natural environments.

Where We’re Going
Located in Marks Creek watershed, Lake Myra County Park is the former site of a gristmill and general store. It was one of the most popular destinations in the area through the 1940s, featuring a bathhouse, covered dancehall, diving board and boating facilities.

The vision for the current project includes plans for:

  • Fishing
  • Hiking
  • Staff-led boating tours
  • Park center
  • Day-use shelters
  • Playground
  • Nature overlooks
  • Boardwalks
  • Community and demonstration gardens
  • Green stormwater infrastructure
  • Native plantings
  • Public art installations
     

The park will now move into the design phase, followed by permitting. Construction is expected to begin by the end of 2025. Updates can be found at wake.gov/LakeMyra.

Department
Parks, Recreation & Open Space
Category
Press Release