Area Spotlight: Downtown Cary Park

Are you looking for a fun way to spend the day in Cary, NC? Here is everything you need to know about Downtown Cary Park.

Cary, North Carolina, is one of the fastest-growing towns in the state. There are many reasons someone would want to move to Cary, whether it's for the area, the great schools, the weather, or maybe the fact that Raliegh is ranked as the best place to raise a family. 

Located in the heart of Cary, downtown Cary Park is the best place to visit for all the amazing outdoor activities and abundant fun. No matter your age, abilities, or hobbies, this park has everything you could possibly want. 

Intentionally designed with amenities and programs that everyone can enjoy, you'll never be bored at this park. Whether you want to chill under the beautiful tall pine trees, run around the playground, walk through the market, play your favorite sports, or grab a bite to eat, the possibilities are endless. 

Before you visit, make sure you know everything about downtown Cary Park so you don't miss out on anything this fun-filled park has to offer. 

Keep reading to learn about downtown Cary Park.

Downtown Cary Park

Park Address: 327 S. Academy St., Cary, NC 27511

Phone: (919) 469-4000

Hours of Operation: 7 days a week: 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.

On over 7 acres of land, Downtown Cary Park is nestled in the heart of Cary, NC. As the most impressive park in Cary, there are more than enough events and amenities to keep you busy all day. Even after your day at the park, you can walk down to one of the amazing restaurants downtown. 

One of the coolest parts of this park is the town's commitment to sustainability. The park was intentionally designed to flow with the natural environment of the area. The deliberate planning and consideration were used to ensure that sustainability was implemented across the entire park. 

The design was made to prioritize tree health, vegetation preservation, water quality, and wildlife habitat. More consideration was given to elements like energy efficiency, HVAC, plumbing equipment, and more. 

There are several wheelchair-accessible restrooms and water fountains across the park. Don't leave your animals at home; bring them down to enjoy the fun as well, as long as they stay on their leash while in the park. You will have to secure a pass online or in-person at guest services to bring your dog, so make sure you plan ahead. 

You won't have to worry about safety thanks to the Downtown Cary Police Department team in the Park's offices. In addition, officers routinely patrol the park and surrounding areas. 

Amenities

After over 20 years of planning, this amazing park opened in late 2023 for visitors of all ages and abilities. There are more than enough amenities to discover, no matter what you are interested in. In addition to the amenities listed below, Cary Park features Frantz Square, the Great Lawn & Pavillion, the Gathering House and Garden, the Bark Bar, and the Skywalk. Finally, there is a designed play pin for dogs called the Barkyard, which has seperate sections for big dogs and small dogs. 

Check out a couple of the amazing things to do in downtown Cary Park. 

Academy Pavilion & Plaza

North of Frantz Square, the Acadamy Pavilion stands under the stunning oak trees and features the best view of the entire park. Inside, you can find Market 317, public restrooms, and an event space. Walk through the winding building or sit down and enjoy lunches, meetings, and a cool interactive fountain.

Park Street Courts

Along Park Street is Park Street Courts, which is an active recreation area. Here, you can try your hand at table tennis, volleyball, putt-putt, or enjoy the fresh air under the sun. 

Tiered Water Feature

The Tiered Water Feature was not only designed for visitors to enjoy the beautiful view, but it actually improves water quality and mitigates flooding downstream. Visitors can walk down to Willow Isle in the lower pond to enjoy the shade under one of the many public art pieces called L'ile Folie. 

The Nest

The Nest is a must-visit for all the fun. This imaginative playground is perfect for kids of all ages, featuring two iconic cardinal play structures, a splash pad, multiple slides, and a toddler play area. Keep in mind that a responsible adult must supervise all children at all times. 

Safety

Downtown Cary Park has developed a list of general rules throughout the park to lessen the risk of accidents or injuries and ensure everyone has a safe and fun day at the park.

Ensure you are aware of all the safety rules and regulations before visiting Downtown Cary Park. Here are a couple of the general rules of what is prohibited at Cary Park:

• Glass containers and outside alcohol
• Riding skateboards, skates, scooters, rollerblades, bicycles, or motorized recreational vehicles inside the park.
• Entering planting beds, ponds, and fountains
• Letting your pet off leash outside the Barkyard
• Excessively loud sound or noise
• Defacement of park property
• Smoking in indoor spaces

Rules of the Splash Pad:

• No pets, wheeled toys, food, drink, glass containers, gum or candy
• No lifeguard on duty; use at your own risk.
• Appropriate swimsuits and attire must be worn at all times
• No running or rough play

Rules of the Barkyard

• Must obtain a dog pass and signed waiver to enter
• Children under 12 are not allowed inside
• Maximum of two registered dogs per human
• All vaccination shots must be up-to-date 
• No food, bones, or toys are allowed in the play area
• Dogs must remain on leash when entering, leaving, and outside of the fenced area. 

For the safety of visitors, the Downtown Cary Park Police unit is embedded in the Park's offices. Again, officers patrol the park and surrounding area. Plus, there is overnight security in the park, several security cameras, and two emergency phone boxes in the park. 

Local Restaurants

Downtown Cary is full of renowned restaurants, which are a short walk from the park. In addition, there are two places to sit and relax in the park with a cold beverage and snacks.

The Bark Bar

Located next to the Barkyard, the Bark Bar is an open-air pavilion that features beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks. The roof creates the perfect covered outdoor seating for you and your pup to relax after playtime. 

Market 317

Located in the Academy Pavilion, Market 317 has an everchanging list of items you can buy, including grab-and-go meals, take-and-bake items, pastries, packaged snacks, coffee, lattes, espresso, beer, wine, soda, water, unique merch and swag, and North Carolina-based items. You can find anything you could possibly need to fuel up for a day at the park. 

The Social District

Alcoholic beverages are not permitted throughout the entire park, but the Social District is open Sunday- Saturday, 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m. for alcoholic beverages to be consumed. The boundaries are clearly marked with signage at the entrance and exit points. 

In addition to these establishments in the park, Cary has many mouthwatering restaurants whether you need a quick bite to eat or a place for a special occasion. Make sure to check out Academy Street Bistro, Big Dom's Bagel Shop, BREW Coffee Bar, BottleDog Bites & Brews, Maximillians Grills & Wine Bar, and many more. 

Events in Downtown Cary Park

Downtown Cary Park is full of fun-filled events that are hosted throughout the year. No matter what you are interested in, there is something for everyone at this park. Make sure you check the event schedule before paying the park a visit to stay up to date on all the fun. 

The park hosts yoga classes throughout each week for people of all levels. Make sure to pre-register as early as two weeks before the program start date. There are several other exercise classes to take, no matter your ability, including Zumba. 

The Farmer's Market will be moving into the park near Park Street Courts on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 

Here are some of the other fun events that are open to the public:

• Art Cart: This free program is open to people of all ages and artistic abilities. Try your hand at art with a variety of supplies that are supplied by the park.
• Movie Nights: Several family-friendly movie nights are hosted by the Cary Theater. You can enjoy the films with popcorn and snacks from Market 317, plus food trucks on site along Park Street.
• Pimento Cheese Festival: As a southern delicacy, this year's Pimento Cheese Festival is said to be the best one yet. There will be many activities and things to do this year, including Cheese Wiz Trivia, Food Trucks and Breweries, Pimento Cheese Sculpting Contest, and much more. 

Methodology

We used information and data from several different sources, as well as our own data, to determine everything you need to know about downtown Cary Park, NC. Most of the data was sourced from the following sources:

• CBS17
• Forbes
• Town of Cary

FAQ: Downtown Cary Park

Here are a couple of commonly asked questions about downtown Cary Park.

How much did downtown Cary Park cost?

According to CBS17, this one-of-a-kind park was mainly funded through bonds, and the construction cost $69 million in total.

How many acres is downtown Cary Park?

Downtown Cary Park is nestled on seven acres in the heart of Cary. Surrounded by Academy, Walker, Park, and Walnut Streets, this park was set right in the middle of town for convenience for residents and visitors alike. 

How many parks are in Cary?

Cary has 35 parks and natural areas, winning the town the title of the 2016 National Gold Medal for Parks Management. These parks consist of a greenway and trails for more than 80 miles. Additionally, there are four sports and entertainment venues and nine facilities with staff to help you. 

Where to park in downtown Cary Park?

Visitors can park at the First United Methodist Church Lot, Library Parking Deck, Cary Arts Center Lot, East Ceder Street Lot, and 327 South Academy Street Cary, NC 27511.

Downtown Cary Park - The Bottom Line

Whether you are looking for a fun place to take your kids or a place to play your favorite sports with friends, downtown Cary Park is a must-visit if you're in the area. Make sure to check the schedule so you don't miss out on any of the fun-filled events throughout the year. 

Clearly, Downtown Cary Park cannot be beaten, but you'll have to visit yourself to see what all the hype is about. Don't worry; many fun events are coming up that you won't want to miss. While you are in the area, don't forget to check out Cary's newest park, Fenton, for even more fun. 

Cary is one of the best places to move to as a family, retiree, or young professional. With its close proximity to Research Triangle Park, Durham, and Raliegh, many drive the short commute to work so they can enjoy the small-town life in Cary. 

No matter where you decide to move to Cary, your family will be surrounded by amenities and local favorites. Whether you are searching for a single-family home, townhome, condominium, or apartment complex, you are bound to find the perfect home in Cary.

Before you buy your next home in the Triangle, feel free to contact one of our helpful real estate specialists, as they are eager to help you find the perfect home. We know that buying a home can be overwhelming, so make sure you are prepared beforehand.