Downtown Cary Park was recently recognized for innovative park design by the 2025 American Architecture Awards. The Park design was a collaboration between the Town of Cary, OJB Landscape Architecture, and Architects & Urban Designers Machado Silvetti. From the outset, the goal was to integrate landscape and architecture to create a cohesive, contemporary civic destination in the heart of Cary.

“The American Architecture Award is a national recognition of the design achievements of Downtown Cary Park,” said Jeffry Burchard, managing partner and principal at Machado Silvetti. “It is a reminder of the importance of community support and collective effort in the pursuit of beautiful and innovative public spaces.”

The Downtown Park design was selected for the award from a shortlist of over 1,500 submissions across 27 unique disciplines. It is one of only five parks in the nation recognized by the Chicago Athenaeum’s 2025 American Architecture Award.

One notable achievement of the Park is the design team’s unified approach, where architecture and landscape function as one experience. The Park transitions from an urban plaza to natural spaces, creating diverse spatial and ecological conditions across the site. 

Equally important to its recognition is the Park’s measurable social impact. With more than 750,000 visitors in its first year and over 1,000 events hosted, Downtown Cary Park has become a vibrant hub for recreation, culture, and community connection, demonstrating the power of design to shape public life and strengthen a growing community.

“This recognition reflects the vision and care that went into creating a park that truly belongs to the community,” said Joy Ennis, Downtown Cary Park General Manager. “Downtown Cary Park was designed to bring people together, and seeing how residents and visitors have embraced the space makes this honor especially meaningful.”

Residents and visitors are encouraged to experience the award-winning Downtown Cary Park and discover how thoughtful design, community vision, and public investment are shaping the future of Cary.