The Hidden Tech Behind Downtown Cary Park

At first glance, Downtown Cary Park feels like any other charming green space; families picnicking, kids playing on the playground, live music drifting from the stage. But beneath the trees and brick paths, an entire network of smart technology quietly keeps things running smoothly.

Thanks to a technology called Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN), the park is able to support a variety of Internet of Things (IoT) devices that constantly collect and share data with park staff. These sensors might not be obvious to visitors, but they are essential in keeping the park safe, clean, and a place that Cary residents want to visit. Here's a breakdown of the smart tech making it all happen:

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1. Information Kiosks

Next time you stop by the park, be on the lookout for information kiosks spread out around the area. These four interactive displays provide park maps, upcoming events, weather information, and other critical information in the case of an emergency.

2. Free 24/7 Wifi

The Town of Cary partnered with NWN Carousel (some of our very own Cary Founded members) to provide free 24/7 Wifi to park visitors. NWN is also working on an app that easily shares information to park visitors’ phones like weather alerts, public service announcements, and special promotions.

3. Temperature Sensors

A big concern among parents once the park opened was how hot the slides got in the summertime. Temperature sensors are placed around the park, collecting weather data from different areas in the park, at different times of the day. Currently, park staff are still manually using an infrared thermometer gun to check the surface temperature of the slides, and will close the slide if the temperature is too high. With the data being collected from the sensors, they hope to create more dynamic solutions to weather conditions in the future.

4. Soil Sensors

Sensors scattered around the soil in the park measure the moisture level so that the staff knows what areas to water. While staff still follow a regular watering routine, these insights will allow for more targeted and sustainable care.

5. Bluetooth Sensors

Bluetooth signals help count nearby cell phones to estimate how many people are in the park at any given time. This helps the staff monitor crowd levels and optimize operations based on visitor flow.

6. Bathroom Sensors

Affixed to bathroom doors, these sensors track when the door is opened or closed, to collect when people are entering and leaving. Despite visitor concerns, these sensors are not cameras and are not collecting personal information; all information collected from these sensors is anonymous.

7. Noise Sensors

With the park’s frequent event series, it’s important that they are able to measure the volume level to ensure that residents and neighbors aren’t disturbed.

8. Tree Sensors

Attached to tree trunks, these sensors detect subtle movement, which can help identify trees at risk of falling. This early warning system allows staff to respond to potential hazards before accidents occur.

9. Trash Can Sensors

Ever wondered how the park stays so clean? Underneath the top of the trash cans, you’ll actually find sensors! These sensors notify staff once the bins fill up so that they can be emptied before trash builds up.

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While much of this technology is still in its early stages or used alongside manual routines, it’s already providing valuable insights. Downtown Cary Park is becoming a model for how smart technology can enhance public spaces quietly, efficiently, and sustainably.

And if this park is any indication of what’s to come, it’s exciting to imagine how these innovations might expand across the Triangle in the near future.