The Nest at Downtown Cary Park has been nominated again for USA TODAY’s 10BEST Public Playground—after ranking #1 in the United States last year.

Mar 20, 2026 | News

Since opening in 2023, the 7-acre Downtown Cary Park has become a major regional draw, attracting millions of visitors and thousands of events.

Why this matters for property owners and business owners:

High-quality public spaces drive foot traffic
Parks can significantly increase nearby property values
Public investment often accelerates private development

According to economic impact estimates, the park has already contributed to $800M+ in property value increases and is expected to generate millions in annual tax revenue in the coming years.

For commercial real estate, this reinforces a simple trend:
Great public spaces create stronger markets.

https://www.carync.gov/Home/Components/News/News/16966/715

Dylan Cunningham

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.