Cardinals, gardens, skywalk: Firsthand look at progress on Cary's Downtown Park

A pair of giant cardinals appeared. Swirling pathways and circular buildings began taking shape. The outline of an elevated skywalk began stretching across the land that will someday take guests overtop a botanical garden.

The park is still under construction, but the elements are coming together quickly. In the next days, grass will be laid at the site.

"Every day there's something new," said Joy Ennis, general manager of the Downtown Cary Park. "It's very unique, it's a unique urban park. There's nothing like it in our region, and we're very excited to welcome people in to see it."

The Downtown Cary Park is slated to open later this year beside the Cary Regional Library.

The six-acre park will feature ponds, a waterfall, walking bridges over bubbling streams, gardens, event space and nature-based areas. There will be an amphitheater, a grab-n-go market, picnic areas, multiple dog parks, a splash pad and playgrounds for kids of all ages.

A central feature called "The Nest" is already home to two enormous red cardinals, which are part of a children's play area, where kids can climb and peer through the eyes of the giant birds -- allowing a bird's eye view of the park below.

Tall, winding slides and stairways for kids are built into the cardinals and the very landscape itself. There are also "acorn" playhouses for children to play inside.

There is a smaller playground for babies and toddlers and a splash pad for all ages to enjoy. There are also multiple fenced-in dog parks, part of Cary's dog park system -- including a play area with tunnels and other whimsical features just for small dogs.

The concept is unlike any park in the area. There is even a circular "Bark Bar" in the middle of the dog park where dogs can get snacks and drinks.

At night, people can enjoy three cozy fire pits, where Cary officials envision hosting s'mores nights. The fire pits, which are covered, can be reserved for private events.

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There are multiple event venues and indoor amenities, too, including the Academy Pavilion building, which will hold the food market, event space and public bathrooms. Another beautiful event space features 28 French doors to make it both an indoor and outdoor venue.

The town of Cary will use these buildings and the open green space for over 500 community events, which will include theater, music performances, movies, food trucks, picnics and more.

Even with all the development, the park is nature-focused. The town is planting 600 trees and 66,000 plants. Eleven trees that were dying are being recycled into benches that will provide a resting place in the botanical garden, a quieter section in the park perfect for reading.

And, of course, the beloved Cary fountain will return for public use.

"I think people are going to love it when they see it," Ennis said. "This is really a park for everybody, we'll have something for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy."

The town of Cary broke ground on the park in summer of 2021. The Downtown Cary Park has been 20 years in the making and is expected to open this year.

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