Durham ranks last in national park system index, trails nearby cities

Durham's park system was ranked the worst among major U.S. cities in the 2026 ParkScore index released by the Trust for Public Land, according to INDY Week. The index evaluates cities on access, acreage, amenities, equity, and investment in parks.

Durham received a score of 35.5 out of 100, well below the national median of 53.7. The city has fallen steadily in the rankings over six years, dropping from 72nd place in 2020 to last in 2026.

Nearby North Carolina cities outperformed Durham significantly. Raleigh spends about four times as much per resident on parks and scored 18 points higher. Greensboro spends nearly twice as much and ranks 20 spots ahead, while Winston-Salem also outscored Durham despite spending less.

The decline in Durham's park rankings reflects cuts in investment while other cities improved. A city spokesperson said the index does not fully capture Durham's park strengths, but critics say acknowledging the problem is necessary for accountability and improvement.