CARY, N.C. — The Downtown Cary Park officially opened over the weekend. An artist captured the historic day with prints that will be shared with those who made the park opening happen, a project that took over two decades. 

In 2001, the Cary Town Council approved a proposal for a town center park that would be the visual and cultural focal point for the downtown area. Fast forward to 2023, and that park is no longer an idea, but a reality.

On Sunday, the park opened to the public.

Daniel Nelson, a live entertainment artist, was tasked with painting a portrait of the new Downtown Cary Park pavilion.

Prints of his portrait will be handed out to Cary Town Council members.

“Were making prints of this and giving it to members of city council for all their hard work and making this happen," Nelson said.

There’s a skywalk, a bird nest play area, seven acres of space, and countless gathering spots for dogs and their humans.

Nelson says the park brings life to Cary, a city he used to question on visits.

“Where’s downtown? They didn't really have one, but hello, look it's turned into a really cool place and this park is a big part of that," said Nelson.

On December 2, the celebrations continue at the new park.

You can join Santa for a “Gift to Cary Celebration” kicking off the holidays with skating and snowball fights.