Cary now sells gift cards for park, recreation, cultural programs, events

I know it's a little early for many of us to start thinking about Christmas and holiday shopping, but here's one to sock away for future use or let the grandparents know about it.

Cary now sells gift cards available in any dollar amount to be used for the town's parks, recreation and cultural resources classes, programs and events. The cards are available for purchase at Cary Town Hall, 316 N. Academy St., and at any staffed town facility. They can be redeemed for any Cary parks, recreation and cultural resources class, camp, membership, rental, lesson or gift shop item.

If the program is successful, the town may expand the gift card to other town services. The program cost the town about $4,550 for the one-time software licensing fee and the cost of the actual gift cards. There's also a $750 annual maintenance fee.

Apparently, residents had asked for this.

“We’re excited about launching this program, especially given that Cary residents have been interested in the card option for quite some time,” said Leda Isenhour, a town marketing specialist, in a press release. “The gift cards are a chance to provide friends and family with the gift of a new experience, whether it’s in the form of a class, lesson or camp.”

I've always sought to give my kids experiences, not stuff when it comes to birthdays and holidays. That's why gifts in my house include trips to the zoo, museum memberships, a day at the movies or a trip to the ballpark. I can definitely see the appeal of this program.