The new downtown Cary park opened on November 19th, 2023, after twenty years of planning and construction. It has received many visitors over the past month, especially during the holiday season. Read on to learn more about the details of the park and plan your visit!

The park has a variety of different features and locations for visitors. A main attraction for children and families is the playground with slides and cardinal-shaped play structures. Open field spaces for playing games and hosting picnics have also been included. The marvelous Skywalk lets you walk among the treetops and watch dogs running about in the BarkYard, a specially-designed dog park. 

Next to the BarkYard is the BarkBar where refreshments and seating are available. A bonfire is currently located in the BarkBar for the winter months, with a few other small bonfires scattered throughout the park. A small café, Market 317, with pre-packaged food and unique Cary-themed merchandise, is available for visitor’s convenience.

The park’s mascot and logo is a cardinal, which is also the state bird of North Carolina. Various cardinal themed decorations are located throughout the park. A pond and other small bodies of water called Willow Isle provide a refreshing spot to take rest. A pavilion exists for concerts and other events to be held in the summer. The park’s calendar of events can be found here. 

At the far end of the park, a gaming area with ping pong and foosball tables allows visitors to engage in friendly competition while outside. There is also the Gathering House, which can be rented for events. Botanical gardens will provide natural decoration during the warmer months. A skating rink has been put up for the holiday season and will be available for skating at no cost through January 12th. 

The park has experienced high foot traffic, especially during the week between Christmas and New Year’s. People can be seen bringing their dogs and young children to have some fun outdoors. Parking is available in the new parking deck connecting to the library and in other smaller parking lots around the greater downtown area. 

In addition to exploring the park, visitors can head into the Cary Regional Library to take a break and check out a book. It is very cozy to read or study on the second floor of the library while looking out the windows facing the park. 

The rest of downtown Cary is also a destination worth visiting. It is highly enjoyable to soak in the history of the old churches with their spires and stained glass windows, as well as the Pink House, a restored Victorian mansion. Stop into The Mayton for lunch or sit outside on their rocking chairs for a pleasant afternoon. One of my favorite parts of downtown Cary is the Little Newsboy statue across the street from Ashworth Drugs, which is an iconic photo spot. Continuing down the street, you can find the Cary movie theater and FRESH. Local Ice Cream. There are a variety of different restaurants throughout downtown to suit different tastes. 

Downtown Cary has been completely revitalized in recent years. It is a wonderful place to visit for both everyday strolls and special events. Many students who attend Apex High School are actually residents of Cary and can be proud of their beautiful new downtown. I hope that you pay a visit to Cary downtown park soon!