Project Scope

This project includes the development of a downtown park along with support facilities for a future farmers market to be located on Town-owned land bounded by South Academy Street, East Park, Walker, Walnut, and Kildaire Farm Roads. The final amenities and ultimate size of the park and farmers market support facilities will be determined through a master plan and public input process in conjunction with redevelopment plans associated with the entire parcel.

Project Facts

The site is located on Town-owned land bounded by South Academy Street, East Park Street, Walker Street, Walnut Street and Kildaire Farm Road.

Project Background

In 2001, Town Council approved the Town Center Area Plan, which included a proposal for a Town Center Park to be the visual and cultural focal point for downtown, serving the higher-density development, nearby neighborhoods, and providing opportunities for special cultural and community events.

In 2002, Council approved a specific concept plan for the Town Center Park that recommended the development of an urban park that would include outdoor sculpture, a farmers market area, a water feature, and an outdoor amphitheatre or performance area.

In 2006, Council approved the Civic & Cultural Arts Study, which was a plan for the development of a cultural arts district in downtown Cary. The Plan reinforced earlier recommendations for the Town Center Park to emphasize public art that would highlight works by local, regional and national artists integrated into a park-like setting with paths, benches and nighttime lighting. The Plan further recommended a water feature, providing an ideal setting for a café with outdoor dining. Another potential feature of the sculpture park was an informal amphitheatre, which could be a tiered grass seating area and designed to be a venue for small music, dance and theatrical performances of both a formal and informal nature.

In 2012, Council endorsed reviewing the Town Site to identify more specifically the public spaces including a Town Park and a location for a farmers market. The review would look at creating a unique space that complements the larger downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, as well as provides a green amenity in the heart of downtown. The Town Park and public space may include multi-purpose grass area, a plaza or community gathering space, a water feature, an area for performances, and public art.

Downtown Overview Map

Learn more by viewing the linked brochure.

Project Cost and Schedule

Funding for this project was approved by Cary voters in 2012 as part of the Community Investment Bonds referendum. Total project budget is $2,000,000, which includes design and construction costs.

• Master Plan (2013)
• Design/Bidding (2014)
• Construction (2015)

Contact

Paul A. Kuhn, PLA
Parks Planning Manager
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Department
Town of Cary
(919) 469-4360
paul.kuhn@townofcary.org

Ed Gawf
Downtown Development Manager
Town of Cary
(919) 462-3870
ed.gawf@townofcary.org