For someone just starting out in a sport or wishing to try something new, parks and recreation departments are excellent sources of instruction in a wide range of sports. The agencies also offer competition in leagues and tournaments.

ALAMANCE COUNTY (336) 229-2410

ANGIER (919) 639-6567

APEX (919) 249-3419

BENSON (919) 894-3553

BURLINGTON (336) 222-5138

CARRBORO (919) 918-7364

CARY (919) 469-4062

CHATHAM COUNTY (919) 545-8555

CLAYTON (919) 553-1550

DUNN (910) 892-2976

DURHAM (919) 560-4355

FRANKLIN COUNTY (919) 496-6624

FUQUAY-VARINA (919) 552-1430

GARNER (919) 662-5051

HARNETT COUNTY (910) 893-7518

HENDERSON (VANCE COUNTY) (252) 431-6000

HOLLY SPRINGS (919) 557-9601

JOHNSTON COUNTY

KENLY (919) 284-9667

KNIGHTDALE (919) 217-2231, (919) 217-2230

LEE COUNTY (919) 775-2107

LOUISBURG (919) 497-1010

MOORE COUNTY (910) 947-2504

MORRISVILLE (919) 463-7114

ORANGE COUNTY (919) 245-2660

OXFORD (GRANVILLE COUNTY) (919) 603-1135

RALEIGH (919) 831-6836

ROLESVILLE (919) 554-6582

SELMA (919) 965-9841

SMITHFIELD (919) 934-2148

SOUTHERN PINES (910) 692-2463

WAKE COUNTY (919) 460-2723

WAKE FOREST (919) 554-6180

WENDELL (919) 366-2266

YOUNGSVILLE (919) 556-5073

ZEBULON (919) 269-8265

Triangle residents vacationing on the coast also can find sports competitions, including road races, triathlons and volleyball tournaments, offered by EMERALD ISLE (252-354-6350) and WILMINGTON (910-341-3237).