Cary citizens enjoy access to widespread parks and recreation facilities and activities. The Parks Bond is designed to sustain this as we focus on our mission “to provide high-quality and accessible programs, services, parks, and facilities that inspire and enrich the lives of all Cary citizens.” This bond includes $112 million for new parks including Phase 2 of the Downtown Park, two new parks in western Cary, playground upgrades, historic properties preservation and open space preservation, and improvements to existing parks. More detail about each project is included below.
Parks Bond
Downtown Park
The Downtown Park will total seven acres in size. The main features of the master plan are a “great lawn” and stormwater feature. The lawn will be fronted by a pavilion. Interspersed around the lawn and will be a series of unique spaces, or “rooms,” linked by paved walking trails. Additional features include performance places, farmers market spaces, public art incorporated into the landscape, food and beverage facilities, a children’s play area, a dog area, and walkways for strolling and relaxing.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024.
Playground Upgrades
Refresh and update playgrounds at numerous parks throughout the community that are many years old. Improvements would include new equipment, drainage, landscaping, surfaces and site amenities at:
- Dunham Park
- Annie Jones Park
- Bond Park Lazy Daze Playground
- Rose Street Park
- Godbold Park
- Thomas Brooks Park
- Kids Together Playground
- Davis Drive Park
- White Oak Park
- North Cary Park
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024; 2025-2029; 2030-2034.
Historic Preservation
Preservation of town-owned historic properties to ensure future generations understand the rich history of our community.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024; 2025-2029.
Open Space Land Acquisition
This funding would be used to preserve open space in Cary, prioritizing the acquisition of forestland, farms, and green space. With a continued commitment to preserving an interconnected system of natural resources, Cary recognizes that preservation of these lands protects water supply and lessens flood hazards.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024.
Carpenter Fire Station Park
This 20-acre park on the southwest corner of Carpenter Fire Station Road and Highcroft Drive in northwest Cary would feature greenway connections, ballfields, a multipurpose court, dog park, fitness hub, play area, and a misting feature as a gateway to the park’s center.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024.
McCrimmon Park
A rolling 22-acre park located near a variety of neighborhoods, including single family, multifamily and age restricted communities, will offer a variety of recreation and leisure activity areas. Along with sustainable design and technology in the park, major proposed features include tennis, pickleball and multi-purpose courts, community gardens, play areas and loop trails through preserved stream corridors.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024.
Dutchmen's Branch Greenway
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2030-2034.
Annie Jones Park Tennis Courts Replacement
The six tennis courts at Annie Jones Park, which are more than 25 years old, would be replaced. Court lights would also be upgraded with the newest technology, allowing remote access and control of LED lights.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024.
Dunham Park Tennis Courts Replacement
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024.
Sk8-Cary Improvements
The addition of a cover over the action sports park would allow year-round use of the facility. In addition, upgrades to lighting and ramps would be made.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2025-2029.
Veterans Freedom Park Enhancements
Enhancements to this popular and cherished Cary park would include more parking, restrooms and a memorial loop trail through the site that will further recognize and honor our country’s armed services.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2025-2029.
Penny Road School Park Refurbishment
Upgrades would enhance the existing facility at Penny Road School Park, for use by the public during non-school hours. The existing park offers a baseball field, multipurpose field, play area, restrooms, parking, and trails.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2020-2024.
Tryon Road Park
A 9-acre park with a lake and greenway trail would be built in conjunction with future private development. Desirable neighborhood park amenities would be added for multi-generational use from kids to seniors and may include a play area, multi-purpose courts, and green lawn areas.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2025-2029.
Walnut Creek Greenway
This extension of the Walnut Creek Greenway would go through the future Fenton development and eventually extend to Downtown Cary.
Anticipated start and completion of this project will occur 2025-2029.
Although it becomes very difficult to accurately predict the future the farther out we go, we offer project date ranges as our best pre-referendum estimates based on current conditions including: the economy, community priorities; access to and costs of products, materials, and services; and the capacity of the Town to take on the project. As conditions change, some project date ranges may also change.
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