A Plan to Invest in Fuquay-Varina’s Parks
As Fuquay-Varina continues to expand, the demand for high-quality recreational spaces for our youth and families has reached a critical point. Over the last decade, participation in baseball and softball has grown by 142%, while youth soccer and flag football have surged by 154%. This rapid growth has pushed our current facilities to their limits, resulting in registration caps that, unfortunately, prevent many children in our community from participating in town leagues.
Our goal is simple: we want to ensure that every child in our community has the opportunity to get in the game.
To achieve this, the Town is adopting a proactive, fiscally responsible development plan. By prioritizing improvements to land already under Town ownership or control, we are avoiding the high costs of land acquisition and minimizing the financial impact on our residents. This strategic expansion is funded by a dedicated property rate specifically allocated for recreational enhancements.
Key Projects in the Capacity Expansion Plan: (Listed Alphabetically)
Banks Road Park – Enhancements are underway, including the construction of a new baseball field and the recent addition of lights to a multi-purpose field.
Fleming Loop Park – To increase field availability and reliability, we are upgrading the fields with a durable turf surface, which will minimize rainouts, reduce cancellations and maintenance needs, and ensure more consistent access for youth and adult sports leagues and residents. Six new outdoor pickleball courts will also be added to meet growing demand for this popular sport. Wake County Hospitality Tax Funding covers nearly half the cost.
Hilltop Needmore Town Park – Guided by the adopted Hilltop Needmore Town Park Master Plan (October 2022), we are developing approximately 2.7% of the park’s 147 passive acres for recreational use. This includes two new baseball fields and two multi-purpose fields. We are also honoring our veterans and active service members with an Armed Services Memorial within the park.
Kennebec Road Town Park – This 19.3-acre park, leased from Wake County for just $1 per year for the next 40 years, will expand recreational options for our growing community by adding athletic fields and passive amenities. Design is scheduled for fiscal year 2027, with construction to follow in fiscal year 2028.
South Park Community Center – Renovation of the existing community center that includes an enhanced, larger fitness room, more recreational and active adult programming spaces, and an improved lobby, resulting in a better user experience and improved accessibility.
By strategically investing in our existing parks and prioritizing responsible financial management, Fuquay-Varina is doing more than just adding grass and lights. We are expanding opportunities for our children, enhancing the quality of life for our residents, and honoring those who have served our country by adding an Armed Services Memorial at Hilltop Needmore Town Park.
Together, we are building a thriving, active community for generations to come.
Upcoming Events
Ice Cream Social
Any day is a good day to eat free ice cream, but National Ice Cream Day seems very official, so let’s make it a date! Join the Town of Fuquay-Varina on Sunday, July 19, from 4-6 pm at Fuquay-Varina Mineral Spring Park (105 W. Spring Street) for free ice cream and snowballs
Follow Me to Fuquay-Varina Fall Series Announced
The Town of Fuquay-Varina’s signature outdoor concert series returns for another season! Fall is the perfect time to enjoy a local brew, feast on food truck fare, sit back, relax, and enjoy live music in the heart of downtown Fuquay-Varina! Check www.fuquay-varina.org/fm2fv for concert dates, times, and band information.
Find a complete list of Town of Fuquay-Varina events at www.fuquay-varina.org.
Project Updates
Fuquay-Varina will improve pedestrian safety at key locations (Town Hall, Downtown, and Fuquay-Varina High School) with a $433,000 project. Work includes enhanced crosswalks and flashing beacons. Construction will begin this year.
The installation of a roundabout at Whitted Road and Johnson Pond Road is complete. This project, identified in the Town’s 2020 roadway improvement plan, aims to enhance safety and ensure smoother traffic flow at the intersection.
Behind the Scenes in Fuquay-Varina Parks
When you enjoy a vibrant event downtown or relax in one of our beautifully maintained parks, you see the results of the quiet dedication of the Fuquay-Varina Park Maintenance team. Their impact extends far beyond mowing lawns and trimming trees; they are the stewards of the town’s public image and safety.
The team is responsible for the upkeep of a wide range of areas, including parks, greenways, town facilities, and the downtown district. Their diverse responsibilities encompass everything from repairing walking trails and ensuring playground equipment meets safety standards to managing landscaping, trash removal, and fence repairs.
A key part of their role is supporting community gatherings. The team manages the setup and teardown for over 20 town events each year. As the first to arrive and the last to leave, they work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure every event runs smoothly.
Public safety is another critical priority. As essential workers, the crew manages snow and ice removal in downtown Fuquay-Varina, ensuring that sidewalks and parking areas remain accessible to businesses during inclement weather.
“People see the well-maintained parks and clean spaces, and that’s a good thing,” says Chris Newsom, Assistant Director for Parks, Grounds, and Public Buildings. “But it takes consistent effort and attention to detail to achieve that. Our team is committed to providing a safe and pleasant environment for everyone.”
From daily landscaping to emergency seasonal preparations, the Park Maintenance team ensures Fuquay-Varina remains a community we are all proud to share. To find your perfect park this summer, visit Fuquay-Varina.org/parks.
Fuquay-Varina Offers Citizen Academies to Increase Transparency and Engagement
To foster a deeper understanding of municipal operations, the Town of Fuquay-Varina offers a series of Citizen Academies. These programs are designed to provide residents with a deeper understanding of town operations, public services, and the inner workings of municipal departments.
Recently, the Police and Fire Departments celebrated the completion of their respective programs. The Citizens Police Academy graduated its ninth class on May 21, with approximately 20 residents completing the 11-week course. Similarly, the Fuquay-Varina Fire Department graduated its second Citizens Fire Academy class on April 28. That 7-week program saw ten participants, ranging in age from 18 to 73, gain firsthand knowledge of fire department operations.
Looking ahead, the town is expanding its educational offerings. In June, the Planning Department will host its inaugural Citizens Planning Academy. This month-long course will examine the department’s role in managing the town’s growth and provide residents with the tools necessary to engage in future community projects.
For those interested in participating, both the Police Academy and the Fire Academy will return next year. Residents are encouraged to visit fuquay-varina.org to learn more about upcoming opportunities to engage with town operations.
