Walnut Street Park

Park Overview

Found in the heart of Cary, North Carolina, Walnut Street Park spans a generous 11 acres of recreational goodness. This green space has a little something for everyone - whether you're chasing after energetic kids, looking to break a sweat, or simply need a peaceful escape from the daily grind. It's no wonder locals and visitors alike keep coming back to this versatile outdoor space.

Trail System

One of the park's highlights is its paved loop trail that winds through the landscape - walk it about 2.5 times and you've covered a mile. What we really like about this path is how the curves create little pockets of solitude, even on busier days when the park is busy.

The trail takes you past serene wetlands that you can admire from the boardwalks built right into the path. Tall trees provide ample shade along most of the route, making it a comfortable option even during those sweltering North Carolina summer days. Need a breather? You can find benches scattered throughout where you can pause and take in the natural scenery.

Sports Facilities

If you're feeling a bit more energetic, head over to the well-kept basketball court or try your hand at one of the two pickleball courts that come with lighting for evening games. Everything's first-come, first-served, so you can spontaneously jump into a pickup game or practice your skills whenever the mood strikes.

Your joints will thank you for the specialized court surface that's gentler than standard concrete - a small but thoughtful detail that regular players appreciate. The pickleball courts are popular for friendly matches between neighbors and new acquaintances.

Family-Friendly Areas

Got kids? The playground areas are divided by age groups so everyone can play safely. Older children can tackle the twisty play structure with its challenging climbing ropes and spinning elements that seem to inspire endless games of imagination.

For the little ones, there's a dedicated preschooler section featuring more manageable slides, balance beams, and swings, all set on a poured rubber surface for softer landings. When the playground energy wanes, the sprawling open space lawn (a generous 1.4 acres) offers plenty of room for frisbee tosses, impromptu cartwheels, or simply spreading out a blanket for some cloud-watching.

Picnic and Gathering Spaces

Scattered within the grounds are several picnic areas, including a covered picnic shelter with tables that offers protection from sudden rain showers or intense sunshine. These spots work well for birthday celebrations, family meet-ups, or casual lunch dates.

Many people grab takeout from nearby restaurants and bring it to enjoy at one of the shaded picnic tables.

Art and Design Elements

The park includes local culture and artistic touches, most notably in the brick pedestrian promenade featuring integrated public art. This walkway adds a touch of sophistication to your stroll and provides a pleasant connection between different areas of the park.

Amenities

You'll find restroom facilities throughout your visit. Dog owners, you're welcome to bring your furry friends for walks along the numerous paths (just remember to bring bags for cleanup).

There's plenty of parking available, however you might want to arrive early during peak weekend hours when spaces fill up quickly. Despite its popularity, the park rarely feels overcrowded - just comfortably alive with activity.

Walnut Street Park welcomes visitors daily from 7AM to 9PM, with court lighting extending into the evening hours for those after-work games or twilight strolls.