9725 Penny Road

The 50-acre tract, formerly the Bartley family farm, is on the south side of Penny Road near Holly Springs Road. Located in southeastern Cary, the outstanding natural and man-made features of the park site present an opportunity to create a unique facility in the Town’s recreational offerings.

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

Features

• Playground: A unique structure for ages 2-12
• Sprayground: The Town's first splash pad has seven water features and is for ages 12 and younger. Sprayground will be closed for maintenance September 9th. Last Day of operation is September 22nd
• Dog Park: Passes can be purchased for this off-leash dog park at any of the Town's community centers. The passes are valid for Jack Smith Park and Godbold Dog Parks. The Dog Park will be closed the second Wednesday of each month from 7 a.m. to noon for monthly maintenance.   
• Climbing Boulder: This 10-foot tall climbing rock for beginner to experienced climbers is inspired by nature.
• Picnic Shelter: Reservations accepted October through April.
• Picnic Tables
• Greenway Trails
• Restrooms
• Public Art: Artists Vollis Simpson from Lucama, NC and William Moore from Pittsboro, NC were commissioned to create unique features for the park. Both drew inspiration from the land's former use as a farm. Simpson’s three whirligigs, made from castoff machine parts and farm equipment, spin in the breeze. Moore's flock of nine Suffolk sheep, a distinctive feature of the original Bartley farm, will graze in the open play field near the playground area.

Sprayground Guidelines

General Rules:

• Operates daily 9 a.m.–8 p.m. (weather permitting). The sprayground operates from mid-May through mid-September.
• The sprayground will be closed the second Monday of each month for monthly maintenance. 
• No lifeguard on duty. Use at your own risk.
• Splash pad availability is weather dependent. You must exit with any sign of thunder, lightning, or severe weather.
• Swimsuits and/or appropriate attire must be worn at all times.
• Swim diapers must be worn by children who are not potty trained.
• No pets, food, drink or glass containers allowed.
• No running or rough play.
• Do not drink the splash pad water.
• No skateboards, rollerblades, bicycles, scooters, or wheeled toys on the splash pad.

Any person violating rules may be required to leave the splash pad area.

Park Map

Click the map to open a larger version.

Directions

• Google Maps directions to Jack Smith Park.

Park Hours

• Sunrise to Sunset

History and Naming

This park is named for Cary’s longest-serving Councilmember and former Mayor Pro Tem, Jack Smith (1989 to present). From the beginning of his public service over more than three decades, Jack’s four primary goals for Cary have been fundamentally the same: responsible growth, fiscal management, economic development and environmental stewardship. Jack is focused on keeping Cary clean and green, neighborhood-friendly, affordable, and well-planned. He is proud of our award-winning greenway system and how it has brought neighborhoods closer together. He supports Cary’s efforts to curtail crime and keep citizens safe. He is proud that the Town leads the state in protecting the environment.

Smith celebrates the diversity of our citizenry and how each person uniquely contributes to our quality of life and has long been an advocate for Cary’s Sister Cities program. He has traveled to and hosted delegations from many of Cary’s Sister Cities around the world. He’s learned that while people may forget what you say and what you do, people never forget how you make them feel.