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County, Bond Park is a 310-acre facility with picnic shelters, athletic fields, fitness and hiking trails, playground, 300-seat amphitheatre, community center and the Cary Senior Center. The boathouse serves as a central point for boat rentals, including kayaks, pedal boats and sail boats. Rope course activities are available for a fee on the challenge rope course. Free admission; fee for boat and facility rental. Hours vary; call or visit website.
Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve / Stevens Nature Center
2616 Kildaire Farm Rd., Cary 27518; 919.387.5980 The preserve includes approximately 150 acres along Swift Creek, with north-facing bluffs supporting vegetation more typical of the mountains, including Eastern Hemlocks. The three-mile trail system highlights its unique natural features. Nature programs are conducted at the Stevens Nature Center that also includes an educational exhibit hall and Nature’ s Niche Gift Shop. Free admission. Preserve Hours: Daily, 9amsunset. Nature Center hours vary; call or visit website.
North Cary Park 1100 Norwell Blvd., Cary 27513; 919.460.4964 North Cary Park offers a variety of recreation opportunities including sand volleyball, soccer, walking trails and picnic shelter. The park is highlighted by two, eightfoot climbing boulders. Experts enjoy the challenge of traversing the two challenge elements, while beginners can learn grips and footing. Free admission. Hours: Daily, sunrise-sunset.
Sk8-Cary Skate Park 2040 N. W. Maynard Rd., Godbold Park; Cary 27513; 919.380.2970; www. townofcary. org Sk8-Cary offers individual sessions for inline skaters, skateboarders and bikers, plus a pro shop and concessions. The design of the course allows a safe experience for novice skaters while giving more advanced skaters the challenge they have been looking for. The park is managed by the Town of Cary, which provides instructional programs for young or inexperienced skaters and bikers. Skate and BMX bike contests are held in the spring and fall. Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 3-10pm; Fri., noon-10pm; Sat., 10am-10pm; Sun., noon-10pm.
Thomas Brooks Park V 111 Brooks Park Ave., Cary 27519; 919.387.5844; www. townofcary. org A paradise for the baseball / softball player, the 220-acre multiuse park consists of a four-field, lighted softball complex, two batting cages, two lighted basketball courts, two soccer fields, playground, two picnic shelters, restrooms and a half-mile walking trail around the softball complex. The Town of Cary was selected as the training home of USA Baseball in 2002, and this park also includes the USA Baseball National Training Complex V, with four baseball fields maintained at Major League Baseball standards. Free admission. Hours: Daily, sunrise-sunset.
Other Municipal Parks Departments
Many other greenways, parks, recreation facilities and programs can be found in the 11 towns that surround Raleigh. When visiting one of Greater Raleigh’ s towns, please consult its parks department website for more information on sports & recreation resources:
Apex Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources 919.249.3402, www. apexnc. org / depts / parks
Fuquay-Varina Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources 919.552.1430, www. fuquay-varina. org / parks
Garner Parks and Recreation Department 919.772.4688, www. garnernc. gov
Holly Springs Parks & Recreation Department 919.557.3930, www. hollyspringsnc. us / dept / park
Knightdale Parks & Recreation Department 919.217.2238, www. knightdalenc. gov
Morrisville Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources 919.463.7110, www. townofmorrisville. org
Rolesville Parks and Recreation Department 919.554.6582, www. ci. rolesville. nc. us / recreation
Wake Forest Parks & Recreation Department 919.554.6180, www. wakeforestnc. gov
Wendell Parks & Recreation Department 919.366.2266, www. townofwendell. com
Zebulon Parks & Recreation Department 919.269.7455, www. ci. zebulon. nc. us
Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space V
Wake County Parks, Recreation and Open Space acquires and maintains parks and natural areas that promote environmental and cultural resource stewardship and provide safe recreational and educational opportunities. The division delivers a wide range of services, programs and recreational opportunities across its seven major parks.
For additional information about parks in Wake County, visit www. wakegov. com / parks / or call 919.856.6170.
Blue Jay Point County Park 3200 Pleasant Union Church Rd., Raleigh 27614; 919.870.4330 Located on the shores of Falls Lake in northern Wake County, the 236-acre park’ s mission of environmental education is accomplished through exhibits, demonstration areas and educational programming. The park also offers picnicking, hiking trails, play fields and a