Town of Cary
Home MenuParks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Master Plan
Update: Cary is updating the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources (PRCR) Master Plan.
On May 18, 2023, the Town Council adopted the PRCR Master Plan amendment. View the latest 2023 plan.
On October 22, 2020, the Town Council adopted the PRCR Master Plan amendment. View the 2020 update.
PRCR Master Plan Update Chatham County
Project Background
The Town’s nationally accredited Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Department oversees a park system of over 2,400 acres of combined parks and open space. This system consists of 22 developed parks, 58 miles of greenways, 3 community centers, 13 staffed facilities, and 4 major sports and entertainment venues.
The previous master plan, the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Facilities Master Plan, was approved in 2003.
2003 - Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Facilities Master Plan
2003 - PRCR Facilities Master Plan Map
1998 - Parks, Greenways, and Bikeways Master Plan
The Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Master Plan initiative is considered an update of the 2003 plan. The document will have a lifespan of 20 years, with detailed emphasis on the recommendations of the first 10 years. The Town's Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Master Plan represents the Town's commitment to continuing the tradition of providing a balanced system of cultural arts, active recreation, passive recreation, and conservation facilities for all residents. This planning effort recognizes current needs within the Town, as well as allowing for the flexibility to incorporate future facilities that will address trends and the needs of residents as the Town continues to grow.
Project Scope
The Town of Cary initiated two important planning efforts: the update of its Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Master Plan as well as the Public Art Master Plan.
The Town is committed to providing high-quality parks, recreation, and cultural resource facilities for Cary citizens, as these are key components of Cary's recognized high quality of life. Comprehensive planning is the basis for Cary's nationally accredited park system. As completed, the PRCR Master Plan will provide detailed recommendations for the next 10 years, from 2012-2022. These recommendations include new parks and open space, community centers, greenways, and cultural arts facilities for the entire Town.
Final Master Plan Document
Chapter 2: Introduction and Planning Context
Chapter 3 Community Profile and Needs Assessment
Chapter 4 Inventory and Level of Service Analysis
Chapter 5 Park and Open Space System
Chapter 6 Greenways and Trails
Chapter 8 Community and Special Use Facilities
Chapter 10 Implementation - Project Costs
Appendix G - Maps and Level of Service Perspectives
Appendix H - School Park Concept Plans
Appendix I - Park Concept Plans
2012 Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Master Plan Map (PDF)
2020 Amendment Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Master Plan Map (PDF)
2023 Amendment Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources Master Plan Map (PDF)
Project Schedule
The Master Plan took approximately 16 months to complete. The planning process included the following phases:
Phase 1 - Information Gathering (May-July 2011): (Completed)
- Facility Inventory
- Focus Group Meetings
- Public Meetings
- Survey
Phase 2 - Findings (August- October 2011): (Completed)
- Identification of key findings, issues
Phase 3 - Plan Development (November 2011 - February 2012): (Completed)
- Generate Options and Recommendations
Phase 4 - Plan Approval (May – November 2012)
Public Input Opportunities
Phase I - E-mail Input – Citizens wishing to share ideas and concerns with the Town regarding the development of Cary's future parks system can do so by emailing parksplan@townofcary.org.
PRCR Board & Committee Meetings - Citizens can attend monthly meetings of the PRCR Advisory Board and any of the PRCR Committee meetings, including the Cultural Arts, Athletics, and Greenway Committees. Each of these meetings provides an opportunity at the start. Schedules for the meetings are below:
- PRCR Advisory Board Meeting Schedule
- Athletics Committee Meeting Schedule
- Greenway Committee Meeting Schedule
- Cultural Arts Committee Meeting Schedule
> Public Meetings – Public meetings were held in July and October 2011. (See below for input received) A meeting to review the Plan Recommendations is scheduled for April 4, 2012.
Phase 1: Information Gathering
PRCR Advisory Board & Committee Meetings (May 2011) – The PRCR Advisory Board and Committees met in May 2011 to review the plan process and provide initial input into the planning process.
Summary of May 2011 Meeting
Focus Group Meetings (Held in June, July, and August 2011)
Summary of Focus Group Input
Phase 1 Public Meetings (July 18-19, 2011)
Summary of Public Comments
Master Plan Word Cloud Graphic
Survey – The Town has completed a statistically valid survey as part of the quantitative needs assessment for the plan.
Survey - Final Report
Survey – Open-Ended Comments
> Phase I E-mail Input – Citizens wishing to share ideas and concerns with the Town regarding the development of Cary's future parks system were given the opportunity to do so by e-mailing: parksplan@townofcary.org between June and September of 2011.
Here is a summary of the input that was received via e-mail
Phase 2: Findings
Below is a summary of the findings.
Inventory Findings - This section provides an overview and analysis of the parks, recreation, trails, and open space system in Cary.
Inventory - Findings
Inventory - Indoor Summary
Inventory - GRASP & LOS Methodology
System Map
Perspective Map A – Access To All Components
Perspective Map B – Walkability Map
Perspective Map C – Access To Indoor Rec Centers
Perspective Map D – Composition Analysis
Perspective Map E – Trails Access Analysis
Benchmarking Analysis - Benchmarking is an important tool that allows comparison of certain attributes of a municipality’s management of public spaces (parks, recreation, aquatics, and related services) with those of similar communities. It is very difficult to find exact communities for comparison because each has its own unique identity, its own way of conducting business, and differences in the populations they serve. It is important to keep in mind that while many park and recreation departments primarily serve their residents, others serve a large portion of nonresidents. This being said, the benchmarking information presented here should be used as a catalyst for the Town of Cary to continue to research best practices for more specific areas when they are needed.
Summary of Benchmarking Analysis
Trends - A challenge for parks and recreation departments is to continue to understand and respond to the changing characteristics of those they serve. It is important to stay on top of current trends impacting parks and recreation. The following information highlights relevant local, regional, and national parks and recreational trends from various sources.
Summary of Trends
Demographics - To sufficiently represent current and future demographics, data were obtained from the 2010 U.S. Census, the Environmental Systems Research Institute, Inc. (ESRI), and the Town of Cary’s Planning Department.
Summary of Demographics
Phase 2 - Town Council Work Session (October 25, 2011)
Work Session Staff Report
Work Session Presentation
Summary of October 25, 2011, Town Council Work Session (Minutes)
Phase 2 Public Meeting (October 26, 2011)
Summary of Public Comments
Phase 3: Plan Development
The third phase of the Master Plan Process was: Plan Development – Generating Options and Recommendations. (Completed)
Draft Plan Recommendations (Goals, Objectives & Actions)
Draft Goals and Objectives
Joint PRCR Advisory Board/Committee Meeting – The PRCR Advisory Board and Committees reviewed the Plan’s Goals, Objectives, and Action Steps in February 2012.
Summary of February 2012 Joint Board/Committee Meeting
Town Council Work Session – The Town Council reviewed the Plan’s Goals, Objectives, and Action Steps at a work Session held on February 7, 2012.
Work Session Staff Report
Work Session Presentation
Summary of February 7, 2012, Town Council Work Session
Phase 4: Plan Approval
For the plan to be approved, numerous board and committee approvals were required prior to Town Council approval. The groups include the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Board, Athletic Committee, Greenway Committee, Cultural Arts Committee, and Planning and Zoning Board. (Completed)
Master Plan Consulting Team
GreenPlay
Anne Miller, AICP, Senior Project Consultant
LandDesign
Beth Poovey, RLA, Senior Associate
Dan Dodd, RLA, Senior Associate
Ross Massey, PE, Senior Associate
Stewart Engineering
Iona L. Thomas, AICP, Greenway Design Group Manager
Curtis Bridges, AICP, Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner
Clark Patterson Lee
Bob Cwikla, AIA, LEED AP – Principal Associate
Jeff Sherer, AIA - Principal