Cary Parks #10: Lexie Lane Park
Part 10 in our Cary Parks series.
Cary, NC — Lexie Lane Park is hidden next to the Citizen’s Convenience Center (also known as the town dump) in Downtown Cary. But don’t let that dissuade you from visiting.
A Series About Parks
Did you know that Cary has more than 30 parks with even more on the way? Years ago, we started a series of articles about Cary’s parks – one story for each park in Cary. Today, we’re picking that series back up with Lexie Lane Park, Cary’s very first park.
In each story, you’ll find a basic description of the park along with advice about the amenities, environment, etc. As we said in the very first story, “Maybe you’ll discover a park you didn’t know. Maybe you’ll make it a quest to visit all the parks in Cary. Maybe you’ll just like reading about it and feel a flush of civic pride in our great resources and facilities.”
Lexie Lane Park
Lexie Lane is Cary’s very first park. It opened in 1972 and was named for the town manager at the time. At first, the park was just a baseball field.
Later, in 1980, restrooms, a playground and a basketball court were added. According to Mayor Weinbrecht in a recent blog post, the town reinvested in Lexie Lane’s playground in 2009. Several months ago, a ribbon cutting was held to recognize the beautification efforts of the park, which was renewed by sisters from Cary’s chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.
Odd Location, Charming Park
I visited Lexie Lane park on a rainy, chilly day. Not great park-going weather, I’ll admit, but the empty space made it easy for me to look around and take photos.
Don’t let Lexie Lane’s location faze you – it’s right next to the Citizen’s Convenience Center, where people bring their bulky recyclables and trash. Apart from the sound of a truck making a drop-off every now and then, I was able to enjoy the park without no distractions. There was absolutely no smell, loud noise or hazardous elements that would deter you from the park.
You’ll see the sign for Lexie Lane Park on your left shortly after you turn onto N. Dixon Avenue on your way into downtown. You’ll have to drive down a small road right beside tall, industrial electrical equipment before you actually get to the parking lot, but, again, don’t let this faze you. Cary’s first park waits for you at the end of the road, and it’s small but charming.
Features
For recreation and convenience, Lexie Lane has the following features:
- Bathrooms
- Play structure
- Baseball field & benches
- Basketball court
- Shaded picnic table
- Parking lot
Based on these features and on my personal observances, I’d say that the Lexie Lane Park good for families with young kids. The play structure is small and sturdy, so it should be easy to keep an eye on little ones. People looking for a quiet place to read or eat lunch would enjoy Lexie Lane, too, as the several benches and one shaded picnic table provide ample seating.
The baseball field and basketball court provide a lot of space for recreational activities – whether it be a personal sporting event, running around or just a basic game of catch. I wouldn’t recommend Lexie Lane to people looking for walking trails, though, or families trying to host an outdoor event or birthday party. The one sheltered space is small with only one picnic table.
Address & Map
Lexie Lane Park
301 N. Dixon Avenue in Downtown Cary
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Story and photos by Jessica Patrick. Read more in our Cary Parks series.
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CaryCitizen is sponsored in-part by Studio 180 Salon in Chocolate Smiles Village.
