It is located on Ashe Avenue and is adjacent to the Main and Centennial campuses of North Carolina State University, covering an area between Western Boulevard and historic Hillsborough Street.

The East Coast Greenway, a 3,000 mile long system of trails connecting Maine to Florida, runs through Pullen Park.

A congressman from another county donated fifty Japanese carp for the fountain which shows the significance of the park even outside of Raleigh.

Beginning with only two raccoons, the collection soon grew in size and variety and by 1903 included an Australian owl, mink, bears, alligators and monkeys and many other species.

It began operating in 1915 but apparently it was in poor condition because the city decided to purchase a replacement Dentzel carousel only five years later.

Over the past several years many changes have been made, including the removal of an iconic 'Swiss cheese' play structure and other playground equipment.

[citation needed] The park was closed from December 14, 2009, to November 18, 2011[4] for extensive renovations including a new, climate-controlled carousel house, welcome center, concessions building, restroom facilities, and train station.

Eventually Pullen inherited quite a large sum of money from his uncle and began embarking on developing Raleigh through business endeavors as well as philanthropic projects.

His land and monetary donations contributed to the development of city roads, and what later became Peace College, UNC Greensboro, NC State University, Edenton Street United Methodist Church and, of course, Pullen Park.

No monument or plaque was erected on park ground commemorating his contributions until 1992, as the city feared that this use would violate the clause that stipulated that the land must be used for recreational purposes.

[6] In addition to several swing sets, sand areas and other various playground equipment for children of all ages, the park also features lighted tennis courts, two ball fields, a lake with paddle boats, covered and uncovered picnic areas, many picturesque paths and bridges, the Aquatic Center, Arts Center and Theatre in the Park.

The Arts Center also hosts a summer camp program called Art4Fun for children, and special events and gallery exhibits are held throughout the year.

This air conditioned indoor theatre facility, located in the northern end of the park, includes a beautiful Season Member Lounge, administrative offices, costume shop, technical workshop, dressing rooms, lobby and a flexible 'black box' performance space.

The theatre is internationally acclaimed and well known locally for Ira David Wood III's musical comedy adaption of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol," an ongoing annual production since 1974.

Although monuments and statues have traditionally been avoided due to the clause that stipulates that the land must only be used for recreational purposes,[citation needed] in 2003 the cable television network TV Land permanently loaned a statue of Andy and Opie Taylor depicting a well known scene from The Andy Griffith Show.

Unfortunately, the carousel is often closed for repairs — a small price to pay to continue to be able to enjoy this beautiful antique ride when it is in good working condition.

Many generations of park visitors have enjoyed riding a giraffe, pony or ostrich on the carousel as a child and continue to pass that tradition along to their own children.

Despite the bargain purchase, this city expenditure angered many Raleigh residents at the time but they soon acquiesced after the new carousel began operation.

The current carousel underwent major restoration from 1977 to 1982, during which time the original factory paint was uncovered, documented and conserved.