Kids Together to close for construction of new misting garden

Just in time for the blazing hot summer weather (assuming it's actually going to land here at some point this year), the Town of Cary is launching a new project to bring a misting garden to its popular Kids Together Playground.

The playground is at Marla Dorrel Park, named after the longtime Cary town leader and volunteer who helped get Kids Together built 18 years ago. Dorrel launched a campaign to raise money for a misting garden several years ago.

For a playground that focuses not just on active play, but also sensory experiences that include sand and nature play, Dorrel said it was time to add water features. The park does have water fountains and jug fillers.

"Water play is a really significant part of child development," she said in 2015. "Something is missing at Kids Together Playground and what's missing is water."

The fundraising campaign raised $40,000 for the misting garden. Cary will cover the remaining $90,000 for the $130,000 project.

Don't expect a massive sprayground when it's complete, but the pieces will provide a great place to cool off.

Construction will begin this month. Kids Together will be closed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., April 23 to April 27, and intermittently on weekdays through May 11. Weather permitting, construction should wrap up in May and the misters will open soon after.

Kids Together opened in 2000 as part of a community effort to build a place for children of all physical and mental abilities to play. It's at 111 Thurston Dr., Cary. Today, it's one of the most popular playgrounds in the Triangle.