R.S. Dunham Park

A Window to Cary's Educational Legacy

Positioned on Walnut Street, R.S. Dunham Park carries the name of a local legend - Rufus Sheldon "Dad" Dunham, who shaped young minds as an agriculture and farm life sciences teacher at Cary High School for an impressive 40 years (1929-1969). Sitting near the high school itself, this park doesn't just offer recreation - it holds a piece of community history.

What You'll Find

This cozy 5.2-acre community space acts as a natural gathering spot for locals looking to escape the daily grind. Meandering trails cut through patches of greenery, excellent for those morning walks or afternoon jogs when you need to clear your head. One thing you'll appreciate immediately is the canopy of tall trees that blankets much of the park, providing welcome shade that makes even summer visits bearable - a true blessing during those scorching North Carolina afternoons.

Get Your Game On

If you're feeling active, the park offers several recreational options. The tennis courts here aren't just well-maintained - they've been recently renovated and come with lights for those evening matches when daytime hours just won't do. All six courts are in great shape, and there's even a practice wall if you're looking to work on your serve alone. Need to reserve a court? You can do that through the Town of Cary website.

Basketball enthusiasts will find two courts with four hoops total - though unlike the tennis area, these aren't lit up after dark. Newer to the park is a pump track that's become something of a hotspot for skateboarding beginners looking to get comfortable with transition ramps.

Kid-Friendly Zones

The recently updated playground area hits the sweet spot for families, with equipment that works for the little ones but still keeps older kids entertained. You'll find the usual suspects - slides, swings, and some charming stationary rocking horses. The sizeable sandbox is particularly popular, giving toddlers a place to dig, build, and make new friends.

What makes this park especially parent-friendly is its manageable size - you can let one child play basketball while another hits the swings, and still keep an eye on both without running back and forth.

Take a Break

Not in the mood for activity? The park offers several picnic tables and a dedicated picnic shelter where you can enjoy a packed lunch or simply sit with a book.

The practical stuff is covered too - clean restrooms sit conveniently between the playground and tennis courts, filtered water fountains are available when you need to hydrate, and yes, you can bring your four-legged friends along to this dog-friendly space (waste stations are provided, so no excuses).

Finding parking is rarely an issue here, with plenty of spaces available, and the park's location near downtown Cary means you won't have to venture far if you're a local.