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A Nationally Accredited Agency Providing Opportunities to

Discover, Play, and Celebrate

Founded in 1967, Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR) manages 12 parks totaling 473 acres and five facilities featuring open space, athletic courts and fields, picnic shelters, playgrounds, trails, classrooms, and more. Garner PRCR achieved a major milestone in 2015 when it was awarded CAPRA accreditation by the Commission for Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies and was reaccredited in 2020. This mark of distinction indicates that an agency has met rigorous standards related to the management and administration of lands, facilities, resources, programs, safety, and services.

Comprehensive Plan

Strategic Plan

FAQs

Can I fly model or unmanned aircraft in the park?

No. Model and unmanned aircraft are prohibited on town property in accordance with municipal code Sec. 11-18.
How are residency and non-residency participants determined?

You must live inside the corporate limits of Garner at the time of your registration in order to be charged the Town of Garner resident rate. All others will be charged the non-resident rate. View the online interactive map
How do I reserve a picnic shelter?

You may reserve any of the 12 shelters available online or in person at a Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources facility when open to the public.

Fee Policy

Many programs have different fees for Town of Garner residents (RES) and non-residents (NON-RES). The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department is an agency of the Town of Garner and receives municipal tax revenue paid by residents living inside the corporate limits of the Town. Those who live outside the corporate limits are charged a higher rate for participation in programs because they do not pay Town taxes. Participants must live inside the corporate limits of Garner at the time of registration to receive the resident rate.

Please see the Town of Garner fee schedule to view a listing of all Town fees.

Financial Assistance

In order to assist the children of families with limited financial resources, the Town of Garner has established a financial assistance program. The children (under 18) of Town residents may qualify for a 50% fee reduction of program registration fees for programs with a fee of $20 or more. Each financial assistant participant is eligible for a maximum yearly benefit of $400. Please note this program is not open to non-residents. Download the Financial Assistance Application. In order to qualify, last year's federal income tax return and current pay stubs must accompany the application. Completed applications can be submitted to staff at Garner Recreation Center.

Inclement Weather Policy

During inclement weather that creates dangerous or hazardous conditions, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department will post program and park updates on the website and social media. Staff will also communicate with participants for program-specific updates and participants may contact individual facilities to check on current status. The department does not necessarily follow the closing schedules of area schools. The department will work with rental groups on a case-by-case basis but reserves the right to cancel a rental reservation if the facility cannot be safely accessed. In all cases, participants are requested not to participate in any recreational activity that they consider unsafe for any reason, including weather.

Non-Discrimination Policy

Garner Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources is committed to providing inclusive programming and events for all residents of Garner and its surrounding areas regardless of income, cultural background, mental or physical barriers, age or gender. In order for individuals with disabilities to participate as fully as possible, reasonable modifications will be provided in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please alert the appropriate program supervisor prior to your arrival at an event or program if you or someone in your family requires modifications.

Refund Policy

For all programs , classes and athletic leagues a 100% refund will be issued if the program is cancelled by the department.

Classes and Programs: All refund request received at least seven days prior to the program start date are entitled to a refund. A $5 refund fee will be charged.

Athletic Leagues: All refund requests received prior to the player evaluations or team meetings are entitled to a refund. A $5 refund fee will be charged.

Picnic Shelters: No refunds will be given for inclement weather or cancellations less than 12 days prior to the reserved date. A $5 refund fee will be charged for all cancellations made prior to the deadline.

No refunds will be issued for requests received after the registration deadline or for programs $5 and under. In special circumstances, fees may be transferred to another Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources program. Ask a department representative to determine if this option is available. Medical hardship-based refunds will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by staff.

A $25 service fee will be charged for all returned checks.

Registration Deadlines

Strategic Priorities

MISSION

To enrich the quality of life in Garner by offering a diverse system of parks, recreational facilities, programs and cultural resources.

VISION

Helping Garner maintain its high quality of life and service delivery to its citizens and visitors through the following core values:

CORE VALUES

Our core values reflect and align with Town of Garner Strategic Priorities in the following ways:

Leadership- fostering a climate of creativity that develops high-potential talent and embraces innovation cutting-edge ideas and accountability for making decisions and recommendations. (TOG- Efficient & Timely Service Delivery)
Efficiency- Ensuring that programs and services are provided efficiently and effectively while matching community needs. (TOG- Fiscal Responsiveness, Efficient & Timely Service Delivery)
Diversity- Recognizing the changing demographics of the community and celebrating the unique qualities, characteristics, and experiences. (TOG- Orderly Growth)
Stewardship- Maintaining aesthetically pleasing parks and facilities (TOG- Quality of Life)

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garnerprcr@garnernc.gov | 919-773-4442