Welcome to Durham Parks & Recreation

Our Mission

Durham Parks and Recreation offers a wide range of quality programs, parks, and facilities that encourage all community members to participate in healthy, fun, and enriching activities.  Together, with the residents of Durham, we celebrate the essential role public recreation plays in fostering a cohesive and vibrant community.

Community Needs Assessment

FALL Youth & Adult Programs

FALL Program Registration
 
Please click HERE for information on YOUTH programs and to register.
 
Please click HERE for ADULT programs, trips and classes and to register.
 
**Please continue to check in on programs, as we add to this list when a new program becomes available**

DPR Programs & Registration

Durham Parks & Recreation has a full slate of programs for all ages! Visit the Programs Tab to check out all that we have to offer and to Register!

Kayak/Paddle Board Rental Storage Rack at Jackson's Landing

NEW! Community Kayak/Paddle Board Storage Rack at Jackson's Landing Waterfront: We're excited to offer seasonal storage to help make it easier for residents to enjoy the Oyster River & Great Bay.
 
Kayak/Paddle Board Storage Rules and Information click HERE.
 
Kayak/ Paddle Board Rental Storage Agreement click HERE.  
 
 

Trot In The Trees 5K Trail Race & 1 Mile Fun Run

Trot In The Trees 2026:

Registration is Now Open!! The Oyster River Youth Association, Durham Parks & Recreation and Madbury Recreation Commission have teamed up again for the 6th Trot in the Trees 5K Trail Race and 1 mile Fun Run.  The race will be held on Sunday Oct.4th, 2026 at 9:30 A.M. (1 mile fun run) with the 5k trail race starting at 10:00 A.M. at Tibbetts Field in Madbury, NH. The trail will wind through local trails surrounding Tibbetts Field, including a 2-mile loop through Powder Major Forest, giving participants a great fall experience. Runners will have to negotiate natural terrain, roots, mud, plenty of fall leaves and the “hay-bale hurdle” to finish the race! The 1-mile Fun Run course will test our younger participants giving them a real trail running experience.
 
Register for the Trot:  

You can pre-register for the race or register in-person between 9:00-9:45am the morning of the race to participate.  Race shirts will be given to all 5K registrant who sign up by 9/6/26. We look forward to seeing you on the course!!
 
 

Downtown Trick or Treat & Main Street Monster Bash!

Join us for a spooktactular time trick-or-treating throughout Downtown Durham! 50 + Trick or Treat Stops, games, activities, music & more to enjoy. Participation is free & costumes are highly encouraged!
 
If your business, organization, student group, etc. would like to be part of the event by setting up a trick or treat table, we would love to have you part of the event this year.  Register your group HERE. 
 
 

Gunstock Outreach Ski/Ride Program for the 26/27 Season

Durham P&R is excited to partner with Gunstock Mtn. Resort again this winter season to offer the Outreach Ski/Ride Program for the Oyster River Community.  The Outreach Program is open to those ages 8-18.  Pre-registration is required by each individual looking to participate in the program.  Registrants have the option to select the Mid-week or Prime pass option and participate in four, 50 min. group lessons that take place Wednesdays evenings at 5:30pm throughout January.  Equipment rentals are also available to those participating in the four lesson dates at no additional cost (free rentals are available just for the 4 lesson days- not the season). For those who do not wish to participate in the four lesson dates, a "Pass Only" option is available to register for with still the two pass options to choose from (mid-week or prime pass).  

-Registration for the Outreach Program will open on October 1st and close on November 13th. There are no exceptions to these deadline dates, so please register early HERE. 
-Tier One Pass pricing runs from Oct. 1st -Oct 24th.
-Tier Two pass pricing ($50 pass increase) runs from Oct. 25th-Nov. 14th. 
 
For more information on the Outreach Program please visit the Family and Student Guide.
 
 
 

Sparky Sarah's Science Lab- After School Program

Sparky Sarah invites you to dive into engaging science adventures and uncover how STEM powers the world around you. You will get a sample of the wonders of matter, from tiny molecules and their interactions in chemical experiments to big forces behind motion and energy. Over the course of each class, you will explore a specific science topic with several hands-on activities and you might even get to bring something home to showcase your discoveries. Get ready to spark curiosity, ignite creativity, and think like a scientist.
 
Register HERE for Sparky Sarah's Science Lab! 
 
 

Seven Rivers After School Program for the 26/27 School Year

Seven Rivers Enrichment and Durham Parks & Rec. are excited to offer a unique After School Program for the upcoming 26/27 school year!  Seven Rivers After School Program will take place at Moharimet Elementary School Monday-Friday, after school until 5:30pm for all Oyster River students in grades K-8.  Transportation from ORMS and Mast Way to Moharimet will be provided.  Daily activities will be engaging, fun and outdoor focused, with time to play freely and explore.  Participants will have the option to participate in special nature-based enrichment programs, which will change seasonally.  This program will utilize the Moharimet gym, cafeteria, playground, Sugar Shack and surrounding woods for daily activities.
 
Click HERE to view the Seven Rivers After School Program Guide.