COMMUNITY PROJECTS
Better Outdoor Lights Durham (B.O.L.D.)
Our streetlights could use a dimmer switch.
Some of Old West Durham's streetlights are bright enough to read by from your bedroom, and that isn't a compliment. In September 2026, a lighting engineer measured our streets and found them far brighter than national guidelines recommend, with light on some homes more than 80 times the recommended level. BOLD is a volunteer effort by Durham neighbors asking the City to swap in warmer, dimmer, shielded fixtures that light the street, not our living rooms. See the findings, write to City Council, and help bring back the night sky.
Neighborhood Bicycle/Pedestrian Safety Study
OWDNA launched a three-month study of the safety issues facing cyclists and pedestrians in Old West Durham and Watts-Hillandale. We thank the Watts-Hillandale Neighborhood Association for partnering with us on this effort.
The nonprofit Bike Durham coordinated the study, funded by a generous grant from the Duke Office of Durham and Community Affairs. From March to May, Bike Durham gathered input from neighbors about where safety could be improved. They also conducted a street-level audit and discussed conditions and pending projects with the City, with special emphasis on safe routes to school. The findings went into a report to the neighborhoods and City officials. A second phase then worked to put the recommendations into action, through both City projects and DIY improvements.
For more information, see the project updates here, check the listserv, or contact Bike Durham.
Pocket Garden & Roundabouts
Small green spaces, big neighborhood pride.
The OWD Pocket Garden
What used to be a vacant lot next to LocoPops, across from Cocoa Cinnamon, is now a neighborhood garden. John Wood, a landscape architect and OWDNA board member, designed it. Neighbors and local businesses raised $3,000 to build it. Inside, you'll find winding paths, a small lawn, native plant beds, and benches made for lingering over a popsicle. At the corner stands a decorative entry gate by local artist Frank Hyman, and the City planted two dozen new trees nearby as part of the project.
Many thanks to everyone who pitched in, especially Artistry in Plants and owner Wendi Gale for donating skilled labor, Linton Architects for a $1,000 match, and Cocoa Cinnamon and Inhabit Realty for their generous donations.
Our Roundabouts
Old West Durham's traffic circles do more than slow cars down. Neighbors plan, plant, and care for them, which makes them some of the prettiest intersections in Durham.
We all know gardens don't weed themselves, unfortunately. We need neighbors to water, weed, plant, and occasionally haul mulch. No green thumb required, just a willingness to get your hands a little dirty. Each spring, we also collect plant donations.
If you'd like to get in the dirt and lend a green thumb, some plants, or a shovel, Email OWDNA.