Current Status

Fall 2024 Update: This project is currently paused to allow for work on some other plans' projects.

Overview

The Cary Community Plan (Imagine Cary) was adopted in 2017 and consolidated past plans. In 2022, Cary began updating or creating additional plans to help guide Cary’s future. As part of this project, we will be updating chapters within the Cary Community Plan. The Open Space Plan will be the overarching plan that pulls specific plans together.

This plan will build upon the following existing plans, some of which are currently being worked on or updated:

• Bike Plan
• Count Me In, Cary! Sustainability and Climate Action Strategy
• Historic Preservation Master Plan
• Public Art Master Plan
• Stormwater Master Plan
• Urban Forest Master Plan
• Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Master Plan

Project Scope

These planning efforts build on past plans and others that are in the works. There will be four major phases of work:

• Phase 1 – Understanding and Analysis
• Phase 2 – Needs and Gaps
• Phase 3 – Vision
• Phase 4 – Action Plan

A consultant team was selected at the end of the summer 2022 and kicked off that fall. The initial phase, Understanding and Analysis, focused on data collection, review of relevant planning documents, and analysis about existing park and recreation resources. The Needs Assessment, the second phase, occurred in Spring/Summer 2023 and determined how the existing system meets the current and future needs of Cary residents. The Vision phase will result in high-level vision and goals that guide the development of the Plan. The Action Plan phase will include recommendations to address any identified gaps, meet future needs, support community and project goals, and increase the environmental, social, and economic benefits of the system.

Public Input Opportunities

There will be a variety of ways to participate during the planning process and to hear about and provide feedback on the project. Community workshops & pop-up outreach at existing events will occur, and the project website will be updated. Survey and pop-up outreach opportunities began in January 2023. We have held stakeholder meetings, had booths at Spring Daze, Great Trails Day, and Lazy Daze, and offered several public meetings at the end of August 2023.

Master Plan Consulting Team

• Agency Landscape + Planning
• Eppley Institute for Parks and Public Lands
• Heritage Strategies

Contact

Phone: Dial 311 with in town limits or (919) 469-4000 outside of Cary
Email: 311@carync.gov
Online: services.carync.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
Requests made by email may take up to one business day to receive a response.