Project Overview

The GreenCare for Communities enhancement project at Raleigh’s Sanderford Road Park will focus on three areas of the park – the community center entry, central path island and the baseball field area. The project will include planting new trees and shrubs and maintenance and upkeep tasks.

Partner donors for this project include the City of Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department and Ruppert Landscape.

About Sanderford Road Park

Sanderford Road Park was first established in 1974 mainly through the efforts of the late Dr. Camp and Eugene Week. They appeared many times at the Parks Advisory Board and the Raleigh City Council to move the Sanderford Road Park forward. From 1974- 2018, they were involved in getting eight Parks Bond Referendums passed in the City of Raleigh. Mr. Weeks coached Junior League Baseball on the field starting in 1977 and Little League in 1987.

The park features lighted youth baseball/softball/soccer fields, tennis courts, playground, basketball courts, picnic shelter and a recreation center. The rec center offers activities to the community such as after school programs, summer programs, fitness classes and community meetings.

Why Are Green Spaces and Parks Important to Raleigh

Green spaces in parks contribute to the physical, mental, and social well-being of communities. They offer a multifaceted array of benefits that make neighborhoods more livable, healthier, and enjoyable for residents. They play a crucial role in enhancing the well-being of communities for multiple reasons:

Environmental Benefits – Green spaces help improve air quality, reduce pollution, and provide habitat for wildlife. They also help mitigate the urban heat island effect, where cities are significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure.

Recreation and Health – Parks and green spaces offer opportunities for recreational activities such as walking, jogging, picnicking, and playing sports. Access to green spaces has been linked to improved physical and mental health, reduced stress, and enhanced well-being.

Community Spaces – Green spaces serve as gathering places for communities, where residents can socialize, relax, and connect with nature. They contribute to a sense of place and community identity.

Economic Benefits – Parks and green spaces can increase property values and attract businesses and tourists. They also provide job opportunities, particularly in maintenance and programming.

Stormwater Management – Green spaces help absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding and improving water quality by filtering pollutants.

Climate Resilience – Green spaces can help cities become more resilient to climate change by providing shade, reducing energy consumption for cooling, and absorbing carbon dioxide.

In Raleigh, these benefits are particularly significant due to the city’s growth and development, as well as its commitment to sustainability and quality of life for residents.

Project EverGreen’s Impact

Parks, lawns, landscapes and maintained green spaces help to mitigate temperature increases in communities and significantly reduce energy use and cooling costs. Project EverGreen’s GreenCare for Communities initiative has made a significant impact. Since 2008, Project EverGreen and its partners have renovated community parks and public green spaces totaling more than 200 million square feet of living green space.

Through its nationwide base of professional volunteers, Project EverGreen has connected people, plants, and their communities to maximize the health of grass, plants, and trees, which in turn sequesters carbon and cleans the air. The initiative supports healthy green spaces in neighborhoods and cities, enabling maintained green spaces to function as the lungs of the city and offsetting the negative effects of a warming environment.