Accessibility
Park Accessibility
Downtown Cary Park is committed to making the Park accessible to people of all abilities. We have created a social story for a general, daily Park visit and a social story that outlines attending the Park for a concert, movie or event. Each social story will provide you with information and pictures on what to expect and where to find accessible services when visiting Downtown Cary Park.
Access
The entirety of the park is ADA accessible, with the exception of a maintenance path along the water’s edge. All spaces throughout the Park were thoughtfully designed and created to accommodate all capabilities. Patrons will experience accessible entries into each area of the Park with built-in ramp access as needed.
Drop Off & Parking
Patrons with limited mobility may be dropped off in the designated drop-off zone along Walker Street.
A limited number of accessible parking spaces are available in the parking garage adjacent to the park and the lot located on Academy Street across from the Park. A handicap hang tag or license plate must be displayed in order to park in these spaces. Patrons park on a first-come, first-served basis.
Restrooms
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms and water fountains are located throughout the Park. An adult changing table is available in the family bathroom in Guest Services.
Wheelchair
We have a push wheelchair available to use free of charge at Guest Services. The wheelchair is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please bring a drivers license for us to hold while you enjoy your time in the park. Advanced reservations are not available.
Sensory Kits
Downtown Cary Park provides free sensory kits for guests to use while at the Park. The sensory kits include noise-canceling headphones, glasses with colored lenses, fidget toys, and other sensory items. Sensory kits can be checked out from Guest Services or at the sensory kit area at larger events (concerts, festivals, movie nights – look for a feather flag that says “Sensory Kits”). Please note that the sensory kits are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis and are not available to be checked out ahead of time. Please return your sensory kit to the same location that you checked it out from.
Assisted Listening
Assisted Listening is available for events at the Great Lawn Pavilion using a smartphone. You can listen through Bluetooth-capable hearing aids or headphones. Wired headphones work best. Headphones will not be provided.
Upon arrival, you can connect to the system:
Step 1: Connect to “DCP_Hearing_Assist” Wi-fi network while standing in the Great Lawn. The password is “DCP_Listen”.
Step 2: Download the free Sennheiser MobileConnect app from the app store to your smartphone:
Step 3: Open the app, and click on the blue QR code in the white Search box:
Step 4: Scan the QR code below from another mobile device or print this handout in advance:
Communication Board
Downwtown Cary Park features a communication board in The Nest play area.
A communication board is a tool that uses symbols to aid in the communication between nonspeaking or minimally speaking individuals and their caregivers or peers. Individuals can express their needs, ask questions or indicate a desire/decision by pointing to different symbols on the board. Communication boards are an alternative for spoken language that promote inclusivity and allow individuals to verbalize their needs and thoughts with those around them. For more on communication boards, please click here.
Service Animals
Service animals are welcome at the Park provided they remain on a leash at all times. If you are bringing a service animal to an event, please notify the staff in advance or when you arrive.
Other Notable Accessibility Features
- Accessible slides are located in The Nest play area.
- The Nest features two play areas to accommodate various ages and abilities.
- Accessible furniture is scattered throughout the Park, including picnic tables that can accommodate wheelchairs.
- Visual Indicators, Tactile Paving and Stair Treads have been incorporated into walkways to assist those with vision limitations.
Event Accessibility
Planning on visiting the Park for a performance or event and need to take advantage of our Accessibility Services? Let us know how we can accommodate you by filling out the form below!
Website Accessibility
Downtown Cary Park strives to provide a positive experience for all guests. Our goal is
to facilitate accessibility on our website to better allow patrons to learn about the Park
and its offerings.
Accessibility Assistance
If you have difficulty using or accessing any element of this website or the Downtown
Cary Park mobile site, please feel free to call (919) 653-7181 or email
downtownparkinfo@carync.gov. We will work with you to provide the information, item,
or transaction you seek through a communication method that is accessible for
and consistent with the applicable law.
Feedback
We view accessibility as an ongoing effort and are continually seeking solutions that will bring all areas of our website and mobile site to the same level of overall web accessibility. Please contact (919) 653-7181 or email downtownparkinfo@carync.gov if you have any feedback or suggestions as to how we could improve the accessibility of this website.
