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PARKS PART THREE 166 REGISTER ONLINE: classweb.townofcary.org Green Hope Elementary Park 2750 Louis Stevens Drive, 27519 Green Hope Elementary Park is conveniently located just across from Cary Tennis Park and features athletic fields, volleyball courts, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it a great destination for families in West Cary. There are many paved paths for the active walker, runner, or biker. Hours: Sunrise to sunset Features: Three soccer fields, basketball slab (lighted), four sand volleyball courts (lighted), multi-age playgrounds, picnic shelter, picnic tables, restrooms, and paved paths. Harold D. Ritter Park 301 W. Lochmere Drive, 27511 A favorite for families, Ritter Park boasts multiple slides, a sky wheel climber, a climbing wall, and a sand area that includes a small play house and sand diggers. Other highlights include two spring rider toys and a scrambler whirl in addition to sports fields and courts and a picnic shelter. Hours: Sunrise to sunset; in lighted areas where visitors are participating in an approved extended use activity, hours are extended until 30 minutes after the completion of the activity or 11 p.m. Features: Two baseball/softball fields, basketball slab, playground, picnic shelter, picnic tables, and restrooms. Heater Park 400 S. West Street, 27511 Heater Park is an open space park—perfect for playing catch with Fido, throwing a Frisbee, and taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Hours: Sunrise to sunset Features: Open space. Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve 2616 Kildaire Farm Road, 27518 A visit to Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve is sure to captivate and delight. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply seeking solitude outdoors, Hemlock Bluffs offers a variety of outdoor opportunities. The Stevens Nature Center at Hemlock Bluffs provides interactive, educational nature exhibits and historical exhibits from the Piedmont of North Carolina. The nature center also provides nature education programs for all ages throughout the year. Stevens Nature Center Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday- Saturday, 1–5 p.m. Sunday. Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve Hours: 9 a.m.–sunset Features: Eastern Hemlock trees and other mountain plant species, access to approximately three miles of mulched nature trails, scenic overlooks, excellent bird and wildlife watching opportunities, and areas for quiet nature reflection. Downtown Park Corner of Dry Avenue and Academy Street, 27511 Cary's newest park, Downtown Park, is a unique space that complements the larger downtown and surrounding neighborhoods as well as provides a green amenity in the heart of downtown. The water feature in the plaza area provides an ideal setting for gathering and relaxing with friends. The informal and cozy performance area is designed as a venue for small music, dance, and theatrical showcases. Hours: Sunrise to Sunset Features: Public art, water feature, plaza/gathering space, foosball table, ping pong table, bocci court, multi-purpose open space, performance area, benches. Dorothy Park 720 Griffis Street, 27511 Dorothy Park is an open space park—perfect for playing catch with Fido, throwing a Frisbee, and taking in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. Hours: Sunrise to sunset Features: Open space. Fred G. Bond Metro Park & Boathouse 801 High House Road, 27513 One of the largest parks in Wake County, Bond Park is a crown jewel of Cary's Parks. The 310-acre landscape is filled with towering pines, picnic shelters, athletic fields, fitness and hiking trails, a playground, 300-seat amphitheatre, Bond Park Community Center, the Cary Senior Center, Bond Lake, and the Boathouse, which serves as a central point for boat rentals. Challenge Course activities provide great team-building opportunities. The park hosts the Spring Daze Arts & Crafts Festival, cross country races, and 5K rentals. Park Hours: 7:30 a.m. to dusk. Please observe the posted closing times at the gates. Boathouse Hours: Apr-May and Sep-Oct: Weekends & Holidays 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Jun-Aug: Weekends 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Mon-Fri 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; July 4th 7 a.m.–6 p.m. (Closed weekdays with the start of Wake County traditional school year.); Nov-Mar Closed. Hours subject to change. Features: Bond Lake, Bond Park Boathouse, Challenge Course, Kiwanis Picnic Shelter, Lazy Daze Playground, Buehler Picnic Shelter, athletic fields, spillway, 4.2 miles of trails, Compost Education Center, and screened porch. Cross Country Course $750 per use (for-profit group); $500 per use (non-profit group). A $100 deposit is required.