Town of Cary
Home MenuR. S. Dunham Park
519 Walnut St
Whether enjoying a competitive game of tennis or watching the kids slide, whirl, and dig, Dunham Park is fun for everyone. Come have a picnic, play a game of basketball, and let your inner kid out.
“Dad” Park, as it is often called, is named after a former teacher, R.S. Dunham, who taught at Cary High School for 40 years.
| Tennis Courts | Open - First-come, first-served, unless reserved |
| Basketball Court | Open - First-come, first-served |
| Picnic Shelter | Open - First Come, First Served |
| Playground | Closed Monday, November 11, until mid-December |
| Restrooms | Open |
Features
- Six tennis courts (lighted)
- Two basketball slabs
- Playground
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
Directions
Google Maps directions to R.S. Dunham Park.
Park Hours
Sunrise to Sunset. In lighted areas where visitors are participating in an approved extended-use activity, hours are extended until 30 minutes after the activity ends or 10 p.m., whichever comes first.
Tennis Questions
For all tennis-related inquiries, please contact the Cary Tennis Park at (919) 462-2061.
History and Naming
Rufus Sheldon "Dad" Dunham (b.1905 – d.1987), a longtime agriculture and farm life sciences teacher, taught at Cary High School for 40 years, from 1929 to 1969. It is fitting that his park is situated only a
short distance from the school and the farm life home and barn where he taught.
In the 1980s, the closest thing Cary had to a botanical garden was a pond and 30 acres of shrubs, flowers, and vegetables on the Dunhams' homestead. Although some wanted their property itself for a park, the Dunham property became Glenaire instead, Cary’s first retirement community.
In honor of his green thumb and many years as an educator, “Dad” Dunham was honored with a park on Walnut Street. Greenbrier Construction Company donated land for what is now R.S. “Dad” Dunham Park.