2026 Mayor’s Corporate Challenge

Employees of Burt’s Bees and Three Oaks Engineering at Belmont Park

The power of community was on full display across Durham’s parks during the 2026 Mayor’s Corporate Challenge. What began as a shared commitment to give back turned into a morning of meaningful impact, connection, and pride in the spaces that bring our community together.

This year’s Challenge brought together 15 organizations from across Durham, each stepping up to invest their time and energy into improving the parks we all enjoy. From first-time participants to returning teams, the enthusiasm and teamwork were evident at every site.

In just a few hours, volunteers made a visible difference across 11 parks throughout the city. Projects ranged from planting and mulching to clearing invasive species and enhancing park amenities—work that will benefit residents and visitors for months to come. These improvements not only enhance the beauty of our parks but also support safer, more welcoming, and more sustainable spaces for everyone.

Beyond the physical impact, the day was a reminder of what’s possible when local businesses and community partners come together with a shared purpose. The Mayor’s Corporate Challenge continues to grow as a meaningful opportunity for organizations to engage their teams, give back locally, and build stronger connections to Durham’s neighborhoods.

This event would not have been possible without the generous support of Enbridge Energy, whose sponsorship helped make the day a success. Their commitment to community investment plays a vital role in bringing initiatives like this to life.

To every volunteer, organization, and partner who participated—thank you. Your efforts are helping to shape a stronger, more vibrant Durham, one park at a time.

We’re already looking forward to building on this momentum next year.