We got a sneak peek of the new Downtown Cary Park. Here’s what you’ll see this fall.

Kristen Johnson
·5 min read

Over 20 years ago, a seven-acre park in the heart of downtown Cary was just a concept.

Now, in a few months, the town plans to open Downtown Cary Park where people can play, learn, relax and connect.

The town already has several events lined up for the fall and winter when the park opens on Nov. 19, including a ribbon cutting, an ice skating rink, Cary’s annual Christmas tree lighting and photos with Santa Claus.

After some delays due to weather and construction, the park is almost complete, said Joy Ennis, the park’s general manager.

“We’re taking our time because when we open, we want it to really be right for the citizens and the patrons that come,” Ennis said. “We know that if we take this little extra time leading up to November, that we’ll have the time to really have those little things in order.”

Here’s what you’ll see this fall.

The children’s play areas

Facing Academy Street are the children’s play areas, including The Nest, a splash pad, slides and an area for toddlers with smaller equipment.

Two wooden red cardinals perch in the center of the Nest and will allow children to climb up their feathers to look out of their eyes. The birds were delivered to the park in February and will light up at night. Beneath them is a splash pad for hot days.

“This area is all about imaginative play,” Ennis said. “What this is created to do is stimulate children’s imagination.”

The walkway leading to The Nest, the children’s play area, at Downtown Cary Park sits over a splash pad, slides, and a toddler play area. Two large wooden Cardinals, the state’s bird, sit at the center of The Nest. Kristen Johnson/The News & Observer
The walkway leading to The Nest, the children’s play area, at Downtown Cary Park sits over a splash pad, slides, and a toddler play area. Two large wooden Cardinals, the state’s bird, sit at the center of The Nest. Kristen Johnson/The News & Observer

The Pavilion & Park Street courts

In the center of the park is the performance pavilion overlooking the great lawn.

Here, visitors can watch movies, shows, performances and concerts or enjoy yoga classes and large events.

Next to the great lawn along Park Street is an area for tennis, mini golf, volleyball or soccer. The courts will also host food trucks, pop-up shops, and the Cary Downtown Farmers Market.

The Bark Bar & Barkyard

There aren’t many parks where pups can play while their owners sip a glass of wine.

Behind the pavilion and great lawn are two dog parks called the “Barkyard,” one for bigger dogs and one for smaller ones. They have shade, water features and small hills. Dog owners will need an annual membership or $5 daily pass, similar to Cary’s other dog parks.

The Bark Bar serves beer, wine, non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks with outdoor seating and a fire pit.

The Bark Bar, located next to the dog parks at Downtown Cary Park, offers wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks. The structure is behind the open-air pavilion in the center of the park. Kristen Johnson/The News & Observer
The Bark Bar, located next to the dog parks at Downtown Cary Park, offers wine, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and light snacks. The structure is behind the open-air pavilion in the center of the park. Kristen Johnson/The News & Observer

A skywalk, art & botanical garden

Sitting 17 feet in the air on the east side of the park is the skywalk. The path leads to the tree canopy overlooking the entire park.

On the skywalk is the “Light Passage,” a piece of stainless steel art created by Laura Haddad and Tom Drugan. The passage allows visitors to walk through it and offers a good photo opportunity, according to Ennis. Each night, the structure will be lit by LED lights.

The walkway leading to The Nest, the children’s play area, at Downtown Cary Park sits over a splash pad, slides, and a toddler play area. Two large wooden Cardinals, the state’s bird, sit at the center of The Nest. Kristen Johnson/The News & Observer
The walkway leading to The Nest, the children’s play area, at Downtown Cary Park sits over a splash pad, slides, and a toddler play area. Two large wooden Cardinals, the state’s bird, sit at the center of The Nest. Kristen Johnson/The News & Observer





Below, the botanical garden displays an array of flowers, plants and trees. In total, 36 trees were saved during the park’s construction, and more than 650 new trees were planted. Ennis said 66,000 new plants also were added,

A filtered pond flows through the area that Ennis said will also help alleviate flooding downtown.

“It benefits not only us but neighbors around it. It gives us water, movement and sound,” she said.

Other features

  • Town Square — the first acre of the park on the corner of Academy and Dry streets includes a three-tiered water fountain, multipurpose lawn, public art, and will include the town’s Christmas tree.

  • Academy Pavilion and Plaza — north of the town square, the Academy Pavilion will house Market 317, restrooms, seating areas and classes

  • The Gathering House — the house features 28 French doors and is used for indoor and outdoor events

  • Security — the Downtown Cary Police Department oversees operations during the day and there will be overnight security

  • Restrooms — there are five restrooms around the park with a total of 24 toilets

Downtown Cary Park will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.

There is an accessible parking deck behind the Cary Regional Library, and parking is available in the lot on Charlie Gaddy Lane and at the Town Hall Deck, where a trolley will carry people to the park.

In total, the park cost an estimated $68 million. Ennis said it was too soon to tell how great of an economic impact the park will have on the town. Visitors are able to enjoy most of the amenities for free.

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