Local Residents' Donation Changes the Look and Feel of Downtown Cary

Mayor, Mark Kownick, and members of the Gliniecki family cut the ribbon and officially opened the Gliniecki Community Plaza on July 8, 2026. The new plaza, located at the former Cary Metra Depot site, includes an open-air shelter, gas fireplace, bike racks, and landscaped seating areas.

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After living and raising three boys in Cary, Greg and Dana Gliniecki wanted to share some of their success, and donated $500,000 to the village in 2021.

The donation, managed by the Community Foundation of McHenry County, has been broken down into the village's 5-year Capital Improvement Plan. Other improvements include the Cary Lake Pavilion (at Rotary Park), new village signs, and a poice drone.

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The new Gliniecki Community Plaza has made Cary's weekly farmers market, cruise nights, and upcoming Cary Mainstreet Fest safer for all ages. If you're looking of ways to help upcoming downtown Cary events, the Cary Mainstreet Fest is currently looking for volunteers and sponsors for the September 25-27.