301 Lochmere Drive West

A favorite for families, Harold D. Ritter Park boasts multiple slides, a sky wheel climber, a climbing wall, 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.

Both younger and older kids enjoy the complex play area, and visitors can appreciate the hiking trails of Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve and greenway trails located within easy walking distance.

Please see the table below for current status of park facilities.

Features

• Two baseball/softball fields
• One basketball slab
• Playground
• Picnic shelter
• Picnic tables
• Restrooms
• Climbing wall
• Sand area

Directions

Google Maps directions to Harold D. Ritter Park

Park Hours of Operation

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.

History and Naming

Harold Dean Ritter (b. 1933 – d. 2022) was a former Cary Mayor and Councilmember and veteran. This park is named after a former Mayor and Councilmember, Harold D. Ritter. During the 1970’s, Ritter became interested in Cary’s development and appearance. He served as the first Chairman of Cary’s Appearance Commission and was awarded Citizen of the Year in 1971.

He was elected to the City Council in an at-large position in 1973. He worked as Mayor Pro-Tem with the Council members and Mayor Fred Bond to develop a comprehensive growth plan for Cary. The Council developed progressive policies to guide the development of the Town including establishing the greenway system, preserving the tree canopy, expanding recreation facilities, and designing a more responsive public engagement process.

Ritter was elected Mayor of Cary in 1983 and served for four years. Under his leadership, Cary helped preserve the Page-Walker Hotel which is now an Arts and History Center; brokered a public-private partnership to conserve Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve; built the Herbert C. Young Community Center; and started several traditions such as the Cary Christmas tree. Ritter also served the State of North Carolina and was awarded the Order of the Long Leaf Pine by all three of the governors under which he served.