Fred G. Bond Metro Park, at 310 acres, is one of the largest municipal parks in Wake County. Like an oasis in the middle of town, the park preserves the environment and offers opportunities for many types of recreation.

General Information

Bond Park Video

Gates open by 7:30 a.m. and close at sunset.
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Summer 2024: Wake County is exploring maintenance options for Bond Lake Dam. Learn more and read the County's FAQ. 

Rentals

Kiwanis and Buehler Shelter are Available for Reservation.

Bond Park Waterfront and deck have individual picnic tables with and without grills scattered throughout the area. These are intended for individual and family walk-up use (10 people or less). These areas are not available for reservation or for group gatherings and events. If you are planning a group gathering or organized event, please reserve one of our shelters.

Find bait, snacks, ice cream, snow cones, drinks, and more—all for sale at the beautiful Bond Park Boathouse nestled among the pines on the waterfront of Bond Lake.

 Orienteering

Bond Park offers a basic orienteering course of the point-to-point variety, with a start, a series of controls to be visited, and designated finish. Use the Bond basic map with control points or the master map with the master control markers to create your own course.

Challenge Course

An outdoor learning facility, the Bond Park Challenge Course encourages individuals and groups to see their potential through a graduated progression of challenge activities that foster personal growth and improved teamwork. When not in use for a Challenge Course program, the Challenge Course Shelter is available on a first come, first served basis. 

Other Features

Sertoma Amphitheatre
Compost Education Center
Tree ID Trail
Lazy Daze Playground
Athletic fields

All facilities are integrated into the natural setting. Visitors may enjoy picnics, play ball on the athletic fields, see a performance in the amphitheater, walk along the trails, or play on the Lazy Daze Playground. The Bond Park Community Center, Cary Senior Center, and the Bond Park Challenge Course are within the park boundaries.

History and Naming

Fred Gaines Bond (b.1929 – d.1997) Mayor and Councilmember
When Councilmember Fred G. Bond first proposed turning the area that would become Bond Park into a ballfield, the land was simply labeled as “undeveloped,” and the lake as “Lake No. 3.” Initially, in 1970, the lake and the land surrounding were proposed as a county recreational area, but in 1974, under Bond’s leadership, the Town of Cary assumed responsibility.

Fred G. Bond became Mayor of Cary in 1971. When he took office, Cary’s town limits only extended to roughly Maynard Road. While funding the park proved a challenge, Bond’s dream became a reality. Moreover, initially promising an 80-acre park, expectations were exceeded by opening a park almost four times as large. Bond served as Cary’s Mayor until 1983.