Overview

With a budget of $10 million, the project is slated to develop a Master Plan for the 1-2 acre garden and, as funding allows, incorporate a few basic amenities such as hiking trails, restrooms, and parking. Drawing inspiration from traditional elements like serene water features, rock gardens, winding paths, bridges, and tranquil meditation areas, this garden promises to be an homage to Asian heritage. Designed to resonate with Cary’s significant Asian population, comprising over 20% of the community, this garden would help foster cultural exchange and serve as a setting for a myriad of educational and other programs.

Anticipated Project Schedule if Funded

About 2-3 years once funding is allocated, including land acquisition, master planning, design, bidding, construction, and opening.

Project History

North Carolina boasts one of the nation’s fastest growing Asian populations, with a significant concentration residing in northwestern Cary. Recent data from the American Community Survey (ACS) conducted by the Census Bureau reveals that almost 21% of Cary’s population identifies as Asian. Over the past eight years, Cary has hosted the Chinese Lantern Festival at Koka Booth Amphitheatre. It was from the inspiration of this annual event that the vision for a year-round cultural celebration in the form of an Asian Garden took root. This concept garnered strong support from citizens participating in the community survey for the update to the 2012 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Master Plan, who emphasized the importance of display gardens for the community. In 2022, the Asian Garden Concept Study was completed, further solidifying the foundation for this project.