CARY, N.C.–Cary’s signature play space, The Nest at Downtown Cary Park, has been named the #1 Public Playground in America by USA TODAY’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards.
“This national recognition is something every Cary citizen can take pride in,” said Harold Weinbrecht, Mayor of Cary. “It reflects the thoughtful, community-driven values that guide our work, and the kind of quality-of-life investment that makes Cary such a special place to call home.”
Located in the center of Downtown Cary, The Nest has quickly become a landmark in the Research Triangle Park region. Its forest-inspired towers, slides, splash features, and inclusive design draw visitors from across the region—but it’s the pair of vibrant cardinal play structures, inspired by North Carolina’s state bird, that have become its most recognizable symbol. The Nest also serves as a prominent feature of Downtown Cary Park, a catalyst project driving economic activity and community engagement since opening in 2023.
"More than 750,000 people visited in the Park’s first year, and we’ve seen a direct boost to nearby businesses and events,” said Joy Ennis, General Manager of Downtown Cary Park. “This national award highlights the Park’s growing role as a community anchor, supporting local business, drawing regional tourism, and enriching Cary’s sense of place.”
Voting ran from March 10 to April 7, placing The Nest in a national spotlight among playgrounds in cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Antonio, and states from Florida to Hawaii. Its top billing highlights Downtown Cary’s evolution into one of the East Coast’s most dynamic destinations—walkable, connected, and constantly drawing new energy with free events year-round.
This latest win adds to a growing list of accolades for Downtown Cary Park:
- 2024 Voters’ Choice Award – Best Park, WRAL
- 2024 GOLD Award, National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)
- 2024 GRAND Award, Landscape Contractors Association (LCA)
- 2024 Space Award, Triangle Business Journal – Top Municipal Project
- 2022 Merit Award, NC ASLA – Analysis & Planning
- 2020 Best of Design Award, Honorable Mention – The Architect’s Newspaper
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate top destinations across the country, chosen by experts and voted on by the public. Cary’s growing presence across multiple categories underscores the town’s rise as a hub for recreation, culture, and community in North Carolina’s Research Triangle region.
To plan your visit to The Nest and explore all that Downtown Cary has to offer, visitdowntowncarypark.com.
About Cary, North Carolina
With excellence and innovation at its core, Cary is a thriving community of over 190,000 residents representing more than 60 nationalities, positioned at the heart of North Carolina’s renowned Research Triangle Park region. Consistently ranked among the top places to live, work, and visit, Cary is known for its safe neighborhoods, extensive greenways, environmental stewardship, and premier sports and cultural venues. Its “people first” philosophy drives collaboration, adaptability, and forward-thinking public investments that make Cary an exceptional place to call home and an inspiring destination for visitors. For more information, visit CaryNC.gov and follow us on social media @caryncgov.
About Downtown Cary Park
Spanning seven acres in the heart of Cary, Downtown Cary Park is a dynamic, intergenerational gathering space designed to inspire connection, creativity, and community. Thoughtfully envisioned and purposefully built, the Park offers something from everyone—regardless of age or ability. Key features include the CaryLIVE! Concert Series, the Bark Bar, botanical gardens, and two iconic cardinal play structures at The Nest. As a nationally recognized leader in urban parks, Downtown Cary Park is part of Cary Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources, a four-time nationally accredited department and 2016 Gold Medal Award winner for Excellence in Park and Recreation Management (AAPRA & NRPA). For more information, visit downtowncarypark.com and follow us on Instagram.