Town of Garner, NC
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Park Information
Rules and Regulations
Safety and enjoyment go hand in hand at White Deer Park. The following regulations have been established to ensure the health and welfare of all our parks visitors.
- Park hours: sunrise to sunset
- No alcohol, weapons, or fireworks allowed on park property
- No open fires: grill only in designated areas
- No unauthorized motorized vehicles on trails
- Pets must be kept on leashes at all times
- Pet owners must clean up pet waste
- Stay on designated trails for your safety and the protection of plants and animals
- Do not pick, remove or disturb plants or wildlife in the park
- Littering is illegal: dispose of trash in the appropriate containers
- Please dispose of recycling in the appropriate containers
- In the event of an emergency, call 911
White Deer Park Map
White Deer/Lake Benson Trails
Metal Detecting in the Parks
| Park Hours Sunrise until sunset Nature Center Hours April - September October - March Closed on Sunday and Monday |
Vision Statement
White Deer Park is a predominantly passive park that is sensitive to the environment, preserves wildlife habitat, and is aware of its impact on surrounding areas. The park provides educational opportunities, promotes health and wellness within the community and serves as an example of environmental responsibility and stewardship.
The History of White Deer Park
White Deer Park is the result of extensive planning. First called for in the Garner Parks and Recreation 1998 Comprehensive Master Plan, the park’s own master plan is the result of many hours of planning and community input, and represents what we believe to be the best and most creative use of the property for our community.
Like the rest of Wake County, Garner has been experiencing explosive population growth, along with a substantial and ever-increasing need and demand for a broad array of recreational facilities and activities. In 2001, Town administrators had the foresight to recognize the need for additional park land and to purchase almost 100 acres adjacent to Lake Benson and three existing Town park properties. Thanks to a suggestion by citizen Diana Arnold, the new park was named for an albino doe that was said to have roamed the forests and fields around Lake Benson Park.
With help from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, White Deer Park became the Town’s first natural area/environmental classroom with a nature center, outdoor classrooms, walking and biking trails and picnic facilities. Throughout the planning process, general consensus expressed a distinct need for the Town’s first nature park with environmental education as the key programming and planning issue. Community spokespeople wanted a park that not only emphasized the environment, but personified it. They asked for the park to be environmentally sensitive, preserve significant natural areas and wildlife habitats and most importantly have a strong educational focus. They envisioned potential connectivity with the larger community and regional recreation systems. A nature center, education stations, passive trails and interpretive stations were all key components.
One of the most exciting features of White Deer Park is that it, along with its neighboring active-use parks, is slated to be connected to other parts of Garner and eventually other Wake county communities through its first mile of greenway.
Storybook Trail
Enjoy the park's storybook trail, located on the west side of the park and connecting the natural playground to the Nature Center. The trail features 10 panels featuring pages from children's books that alternate throughout the year.