1. Fred G. Bond Metro Park
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 469-4100
Address: 801 High House Rd.
Description: The 310-acre Bond Park includes ball fields, the Sertoma Arts Center and amphitheater, a community center, the Cary Senior Center, and Bond Lake. More than 4 miles of trails crisscross the park, including one that circles the lake. It also includes the large Lazy Daze playground, a ropes course for adults, and a compost education center. Admission is free.
2. Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 387-5980
Address: 2616 Kildaire Farm Rd.
Description: Amid the busy throughways and subdivisions of south Cary, Hemlock Bluffs is a quiet space where birds and humans can take refuge. The park takes its name from a stand of rare Eastern Hemlock trees among the pines and hardwoods. It is home to about 3 miles of trails and elevated observation platforms that provide good vantage points for birders. Within the preserve is the Stevens Nature Center, which includes educational indoor exhibits and a wildflower garden. It is a good place to catch a glimpse of the brown-headed nuthatch and the red-headed woodpecker. Admission to the park is free. It is open daily 9 a.m. to sunset.
3. Sk8 Cary
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Address: 2040 NorthW. Maynard Rd. in Godbold Park
Description: Bicyclists, skateboarders, and inline skaters are welcome at the town of Cary’s 12,000-square-foot outdoor skate park. The course includes rails, banks, grind ledges, quarter-pipes, and half-pipes that range from 3 to 9 feet. The park also includes a pro shop and concession area. Young and novice skaters and bikers can take lessons from pros. The park hosts contests in the spring and fall. Time at the park is divided into sessions for skateboarders and inline skaters and cyclists, so check the Web site or call the park. Helmets, pads, and signed waivers are required. The park charges $9 per session for skaters and $10 per session for bikers. Annual memberships and multi-session passes are available and bring down the per-session fee.
4. Cary Dog Park
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 469-4064, (919) 462-3970
Address: 2050 NorthW. Maynard Rd., Godbold Park
Description: The town of Cary operates the one-acre dog park and requires owners to register pets at one of the town’s community centers before using the park. Entrance fees are $5 per day for Cary residents, $10 per day for non-residents. Annual passes for residents are $40 for one dog, $60 for multiple dogs; non-residents pay $80 for one dog and $120 for multiple dogs. Separate areas are provided for large and small dogs. The park is lighted and hours are 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. No children younger than 12 are allowed in the dog park.
5. Lochmere Golf Club
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 851-0611
Address: 2511 Kildaire Farm Rd.
Description: Lochmere is in south Cary adjacent to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve in a residential setting. The surrounding trees and Swift Creek, which cuts through the 6,136-yard, par 71 course, help create an oasis. Designed by PGA great Gary Hamm, it makes great use of water hazards. Lochmere is a semiprivate course that includes a driving range, putting green, pro shop, and a restaurant. Green fees range from $20 to $49. Private lessons are available.
6. Triangle Pilates & Cary Yoga Center
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 466-9989
Address: 202 Ledgestone Way
Description: The experienced instructors at Triangle Pilates do a good job of laying the groundwork for new students, helping them understand the philosophies behind Pilates and yoga while they get acquainted with the techniques. The studios offer a range of classes, from beginning to advanced, including barre work. The instruction is very personalized with an emphasis on form.
7. Buffaloe Lanes
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 468-8684
Address: 151 High House Rd.
Description: Buffaloe Lanes is a locally owned chain with three alleys in the Triangle. The facilities are modern with 40 or more lanes, electronic scoreboards, arcades, and pool tables. Buffaloe throws parties and organizes a variety of other group events. The snack bar is open for breakfast and has specialties like fried okra and yam sticks on the menu. Buffaloe serves no alcohol, so don’t look for those pin-shaped bottles of suds here.
8. North Cary Park
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 460-4964
Address: 1100 Norwell Blvd.
Description: The park’s distinguishing feature is a pair of 8-foot climbing boulders. The structures offer challenges for veteran climbers and opportunities for novices to practice the basics. Admission is free.
9. Cary Tennis Park
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 469-4062
Address: 2727 Louis Stephens Dr.
Description: The Cary Tennis Park is a city-run facility with 30 courts, including one stadium court and one specially designed for teaching, a ball machine, and a double-sided backboard. A pro shop, locker rooms, and snack bar are also on the premises. The tennis center hosts local and regional tournaments and other competitions.
10. Polar Ice House
City: Cary, NC
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (919) 460-2756
Address: 1410 Buck Jones Rd.
Description: Three locations offer skate lessons for ages 3 to adult including figure skating instruction and hockey classes for beginners of all ages. The rinks run day camps for ages 5 to 12 and hold public skate sessions. Parents who aren’t skating can watch from the Wi-Fi zone. On-site amenities include snack bars and pro shops.