Town of Cary
Home MenuR. S. Dunham Park
Both Playground will be closed starting Monday November 11, until mid-December for replacement. Basketball courts and pump track will remain open.
519 Walnut St
Whether enjoying a competitive game of tennis, or watching the kids slide, whirl, and dig, Dunham Park is fun for everyone. Come have a picnic, play a game of basketball, and let your inner kid out.
“Dad” Park, as it is often called, is named after a former teacher, R.S. Dunham, who taught at Cary High School for 40 years.
| Tennis Courts | Open - First come, first served, unless reserved |
| Basketball Court | Open - First come, First Served |
| Picnic Shelter | Open - First Come, First Served |
| Playground | Closed Monday November 11 until mid-December |
| Restrooms | Open |
Features
- Six tennis courts (lighted)
- Two basketball slabs
- Playground
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
Directions
Google Maps directions to R.S. Dunham Park.
Park 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 10 p.m.
Tennis Questions
For all tennis related inquiries, please contact the Cary Tennis Park at (919) 462-2061.
History and Naming
Rufus Sheldon "Dad" Dunham (b.1905 – d.1987), longtime agriculture and farm life sciences teacher, taught at Cary High School for 40 years, from 1929 to 1969. It is fitting that his park is situated only a
short distance from the school and the farm life home and barn where he taught.
In the 1980s, the closest thing Cary had to a botanical garden was a pond and 30 acres of shrubs, flowers, and vegetables on the Dunhams' homestead. Although some wanted their property itself for a park, the Dunham property became Glenaire instead, Cary’s first retirement community.
In honor of his green thumb and many years as an educator, “Dad” Dunham was honored with a park on Walnut Street. Greenbrier Construction Company donated land for what is now R.S. “Dad” Dunham Park.