Southeast Raleigh is now home to a Panthers Play 60 Challenge Course + playground at Barwell Road Park (located at 5857 Barwell Park Dr.). The new project — funded by a donation from the Carolina Panthers organization and a Parks Bond — is designed for kids ages 8-12, but can be enjoyed by all.
The course includes an NFL-style 40-yd dash with an automated timing device + various climbing obstacles. The park also features a traditional playground and swing set. Tom Glick, president of the Panthers, credited the team’s community relations director Riley Fields as calling the challenge course “the NFL combine meets American Ninja Warrior.”
The NFL Play 60 program — which is celebrating its 15-year anniversary — aims to help youth be active for at least 60 minutes each day. The Panthers have opened playgrounds + challenge courses in line with the program in Charlotte, but Barwell Road Park is Raleigh’s first.
Former Panthers player Kevin Donnalley attended the ribbon cutting ceremony on Tues., July 13. Kevin grew up in Wake County, and attended Athens Drive High School before playing for Davidson College + UNC Chapel Hill.
“I spent a lot of time in Pullen Park — my mom had to raise 5 kids, 4 of them boys, and we were very active,” Kevin said. “So the park system was vital to keeping her sanity. It kind of helped me develop some things that helped me go on to be a professional football player.”
After working for the UNC Charlotte football team for a few years, Kevin now works for the UNC Chapel Hill football program.
“I’m just thrilled that I got to be a part of this because I think it’s just great for the Panthers organization. It’s great for, obviously, Raleigh and the park system here and all these kids will have so much fun.”
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