WakeMed's PlayWELL Park at Poe Center for Health Education

The world’s first health education playground

Built in 2004, the Poe Center’s PlayWELL Park is a community resource visited by over 30,000 school children and local families per year. Our 1.5-acre one-of-a-kind health education playground offers children the opportunity to learn about health and engage in imaginative educational play. The mission of the Poe Center for Health Education is to educate and empower North Carolina children, youth and their families to make choices that increase positive health behaviors.

The Poe Center recently completed a $1.6 million renovation. Updates include new health-themed playground equipment, interactive sidewalk art, refreshed signage throughout the park, and increased safety and security features.

Features:
Physical Activity Tree House – Scale the rib rise, climb the nerve net, and slide through giant arteries.
Nutri-Climb – Make healthy food choices to master the wall.
Zip Line – Zip between two giant ears.
Pedal Posts – Pedal your arms and legs for strong bones and muscles.
Healthy Choices Maze – Make wise decisions with each twist and turn to reach the end.
Lickety Split – Protect your peepers with giant sunglasses before taking a trip down the tongue slide.
Adventure Climb – Work those bones and muscles as you make your way through the obstacle course.
MindWELL Garden & Labyrinth - Rest and reset while exploring Poe's mental wellness themed sensory garden.
Little Free Library – Take a book, leave a book, read a book.
Traffic Safety Course educates and empowers participants to make healthier, safer choices while being more active as pedestrians, cyclists, scooter riders, and future drivers.

In addition, Poe Center also offers field trips (in person or in offsite programs) and online exhibits and experiences.