Fred G. Bond Metro Park

Park Overview

Nestled in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, Fred G. Bond Metro Park sprawls across 310 acres of refreshing green space. It's one of Wake County's largest municipal parks and is the beating heart of Cary's extensive greenway network, with trails branching out like veins connecting to various parts of the area.

Bond Lake

The park features the 42-acre Bond Lake, where fishing enthusiasts and water lovers gather to enjoy nature. Thanks to the North Carolina Wildlife Commission, the lake stays stocked with fish, making it a go-to spot if you're hoping to reel in some catfish or bass.

Looking to get out on the water? Head to the boathouse on the lake's shore, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, pedal boats, or rowboats for around $8-10 per hour. The boathouse area comes complete with a snack shop for when hunger strikes, clean restrooms, and temporary lockers to stash your stuff while you paddle around.

Trail System

The park's trails wind through woodlands and open meadows, providing a peaceful escape. The main Lake Trail loops around Bond Lake for about 2 miles, presenting lovely views that change with each season. Some parts are paved while others are natural - just keep in mind that those natural sections can get a bit muddy after rain.

If you're craving a longer journey, you're in luck. Bond Park connects to both the Black Creek Greenway and White Oak Creek Greenway, extending your path options considerably. These connections even link up to the massive East Coast Greenway, making this park more than a local escape - it's a significant waypoint in the region's trail network.

Sports and Recreation

Athletes and sports lovers will appreciate the well-kept fields for baseball, softball, and soccer, all with convenient parking nearby. For those seeking a bit more adventure, the park's challenge ropes course offers a fantastic setting for team-building or simply conquering some personal fears while suspended in the air.

If you've got kids in tow, the recently renovated Lazy Daze Playground is a must-visit, featuring a natural treehouse aesthetic with all the swings, slides, and climbing structures little ones could want. Year-round, the park comes alive with events - kite festivals, fishing contests, outdoor movies, and summer concerts complete with food trucks for an evening of entertainment under the stars.

Wildlife and Nature

The park doubles as a wildlife sanctuary of sorts. Bird watchers, bring your binoculars! Various waterfowl make their home on the lake, and if you're really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the majestic bald eagles that occasionally swoop down to fish in these waters.

Nature photographers will find endless inspiration here, especially during spring when everything blooms and fall when the trees put on their colorful show.

Community Facilities

Beyond natural beauty, Fred G. Bond Metro Park houses the Bond Park Community Center and the Cary Senior Center, both offering various programs that bring the community together through recreation and education.

Looking to host an outdoor gathering? The park offers multiple picnic areas with tables and grills, some equipped with shelters and fans for those warmer days. You can reserve these spaces for family reunions, birthday celebrations, or any occasion that calls for fresh air and good company.

Accessibility and Amenities

You'll discover clean restrooms scattered around the grounds, along with readily available drinking water. Dog owners will appreciate the waste stations that make it easy to clean up after four-legged friends, who are welcome throughout most of the park (on leash, of course).

In a nod to environmental consciousness, the parking area near the boathouse even offers free electric vehicle charging stations - a thoughtful touch for the eco-minded visitor.