Council accepts $400,000 Pegram family donation for Davis Drive playground accessibility upgrades

The Cary Town Council unanimously recognized and appropriated a $400,000 donation from the Shane Pegram Family Foundation to renovate the Davis Drive Park playground and add accessibility improvements.

Parks Director John Collins told the council the Pegram family approached the town earlier this year about supporting accessible playgrounds and that staff identified Davis Drive Park as an ideal site because of its size, shade, shelter and restroom access. "Our recommendation is that you, council, recognize and appropriate a $400,000 donation from the Shane Pegram Family Foundation for renovation and accessibility improvements at the Davis Drive Park Playground," Collins said.

Council members praised the gift as generous and potentially catalytic for local philanthropy. One council member said the donation could inspire other families to give and highlighted the Cary Community Foundation as an existing vehicle for charitable gifts.

Staff said construction is planned for winter when park visits are lowest and that the town will host a celebration and install an honorary plaque after the renovation is complete. The council’s formal motion to recognize and appropriate the donation was moved and seconded and carried unanimously.

The appropriation is a one-time private donation directed to a capital park project; council action accepted and allocated the funds so staff can proceed with design and contracting. The project will follow town procurement and construction procedures and return to council with any required contract awards or budget amendments.