Solar Technology
As part of the Cary Park District's commitment towards maintaining and improving the existing and future environment, the District has included alternate energy options for the use of solar energy in the Hoffman Park Phase 1 Development master plans. The use of solar technology provides many benefits to the Park District, park visitors, and the entire community.  

• Solar energy is a renewable resource. The power comes from the sun and will not run out (at least for several million more years!).
• Solar energy is an environmentally friendly source of power. Solar energy systems produce clean energy with no emissions and puts little or no strain on the environment.
• Solar energy is cost-efficient. Since the energy comes from the sun, it is a free and abundant source. Energy is stored in battery generators for use during dark hours and inclement weather.

Solar technology will be used at Hoffman Park in a few different applications:  

• Providing power for the public comfort station/restroom.
• As a power source for any energy use needed for the dog play area.
• Providing power for some of the security lighting within the park. 

Off-Leash Dog Play Area (OLA)
The off-leash dog play area (OLA) will provide many benefits to the Park District, park visitors, and the entire community.  

• People who walk with their dogs and play with their dogs are engaging in physical activity, promoting personal health and fitness.
• The OLA allows dogs a place to exercise and socialize safely. Dogs who are accustomed to playing with animals and people other than their owners are more likely to be well socialized and react well to strangers.
• An OLA promotes responsible dog ownership. The OLA allows dogs to play off leash without infringing on the enjoyment of other park users.
• An OLA provides an opportunity for dog owners to meet others who share a common interest creating a closer sense of community.

  The enclosed off-leash dog play area at Hoffman Park will contain the following ammenities:  

• A mowed, grassy open play area.
• A field meadow and tall grass area containing mowed walking trails.
• A separate fenced-in small dog area for owners  who wish for their dog to play with small dogs only.
• Separate training pens for owners to acclimate dogs that are off-leash for the first time.

   

Wind Energy
Including small wind energy solutions in the plans adds to the Park District's commitment towards maintaining and improving the existing and future environment. And, if you think about it, long before there was Hoffman Park, and much of Cary, prairie settlers and farmers were using small wind systems for their own needs. Using small wind energy systems at Hoffman Park just seems to naturally and historically fit the site.   The use of wind energy provides many benefits to the Park District, park visitors, and the entire community.  

   

• Wind energy is a renewable resource. As one of Mother Nature's gifts, wind is abundant and will not run out.
• Wind energy is an environmentally friendly source of power. Wind energy systems produce clean energy with no emissions.
• Wind energy is reliable and cost-efficient. Since the energy comes from wind, it is a free and abundant source. Unlike power plants, wind energy requires little maintenance and low operating expense.
   

    There are two types of small wind structures that the Park District will utilize in the proposed plans. The first is a compression pump system that produces no electrical energy. Wind energy from this type of structure can be used for the following applications:  

• Provide pumping for an aeration function for the pond in the Cambria subdivision.
• Provide pumping for a non-potable water source for the community garden plots.

  The second type produces small amounts of electrical power for on-site use. Wind energy from this type of structure can be used for the following applications:   

• Providing electrical power for the public comfort station/restroom.
• As a power source for any energy use needed for the dog play area.
• Providing electrical power for some of the security lighting within the park. 

 

The use of small wind energy systems, in association with the solar power sources previously discussed, will help lower utility and operating costs. 

 

 

 

Trails
An additional 4,000 linear feet of trail will be developed to connect Cambria Subdivision to the existing Hoffman Park trail system. This addition provides nearly 2.25 miles of linked trail and connection to the Village's Cary-Algonquin Road trail.  

 

 

Community Gardens
The plans include community garden plots that will be available to the public. Garden plots are a great opportunity for individuals, families, and groups to grow vegetables and flowers in a communal setting. The accessible, raised plots are placed near the trail head,  and other plots will be made available in the same vicinity as the comfort station and parking lot, and will be accessible via the paved trail system.  

 

Vermiculture
As part of the District's outdoor education programming and efforts to provide tangible green initiatives, the park improvement project includes a demonstration vermiculture unit or worm farm. The worms will break down organic park waste such as apple cores, paper, and other bio-degradable items and turn that waste into castings which can be used for fertilizer.