As the summer heat fades into cooler evenings, Downtown Cary Park has become a peaceful and nicely lit place to enjoy a nighttime walk.
The lighting design enhances the park’s architecture and public art installations, creating an inviting environment for evening walks, casual photos, and moments of quiet reflection.
Fountain Anchors the Landscape
The central fountain remains a focal point of the park. The fountain lights slowly changes color as time progresses, making it a popular spot to sit and enjoy the ambiance of the running water.
Light Passage Highlights the Skywalk
One of the standout features is the elevated pedestrian bridge, part of the park’s Skywalk system. The bridge includes a large public art installation called Light Passage by the artist team Haddad and Drugan. The sculpture consists of four steel rings suspended over the walkway, each internally lit to produce shifting colors and shadows. The rings glow overhead as people walk through while cycling different colors, adding a dynamic sense of motion and atmosphere.
Octopus Sculpture Adds a Playful Touch
Near the pond, a glowing octopus sculpture named L’ile Folie by Mark Fornes rises from the water. Its whimsical design and strategic lighting create a striking contrast with the stillness of the scene. The sculpture is made out of 3,529 unique parts and is over 25 feet tall. Park residents can sit directly underneath the sculpture and soak in the sounds of the park.
A Peaceful Nighttime Experience
After dark, Downtown Cary Park offers a quiet and peaceful experience. The walkways are softly lit, the reflections ripple gently across the pond, and the occasional peeps of frogs echo in the distance. At night, it shows a quieter side of Cary that is worth experiencing, especially as cooler nights begin to return. It is open from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily.
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