'Dad Would Be Proud': Chatham County Breaks Ground On Parker's Ridge Park

Chatham County recently broke ground on Parker’s Ridge Park, which will be located on former farmland. The ceremony took place on Wednesday, April 29. It was held indoors at the Moncure Fire Station due to rainy conditions.

The park will feature an inclusive playground, a pump track, a walking trail, and a picnic shelter.

The park is named after Atlas and Lola Tart Parker, who alongside their family farmed the land for 70 years. It was then sold by the Parkers to the county in 2011, and the name was chosen in 2019. In total, the land sold by the family makes up approximately 138 acres.

“We love the community, and all of my brothers and sisters have put a part into this park, and had a part in the farm, and my dad would be proud,” said Hilda Nelson, of daughter the Parkers, in a release.

The name also references its address at 994 Pea Ridge Road, where the park can be accessed. With its location in the southeastern part of the county, the park will be close to residents of Moncure, as well as people living near Jordan Lake.

“As we break ground on Parker’s Ridge Park, we’re investing in both the future of southeastern Chatham County and the legacy of the families who shaped this land,” Chatham County Board of Commissioners Chair Amanda Robertson said in a release. “This park reflects our commitment to thoughtful growth—creating inclusive, high-quality spaces where residents can gather and connect while preserving the rural character that makes this community so special. We are grateful to the Parker family for their generosity and to everyone who helped bring this vision to life.”

The release from Chatham County also clarified its goals in transforming the space into a new park while retaining the land’s natural beauty.

“As we move forward, we’ve been very intentional about honoring what makes this place special,” said Tracy Burnett, Chatham County Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Director. “The goal has never been to change the character of the land, but to build on it – to create a space where people can gather, play, reflect, and connect with nature, while still preserving the rural beauty that defines this part of Chatham County.”

Construction on phase one will begin in late spring of 2026, with the county eyeing summer 2027 for opening.

Featured image via the Chatham County government.

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‘Dad Would Be Proud’: Chatham County Breaks Ground On Parker’s Ridge Park

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