Fuquay-Varina Parks: New Projects & Enhancements
Fuquay-Varina is investing in exciting enhancements to its parks, greenways, and recreational facilities, ensuring vibrant spaces for all residents. The town boasts 17 parks spanning over 300 acres and two community centers, with ongoing improvements planned for the future.
Construction is underway on the Alston Ridge Greenway, a half-mile paved path connecting Fuquay-Varina and Bass Lake Park in Holly Springs. The project has received $1.28 million in grant funding and will provide a safe, accessible route for walkers and bikers. Greenway construction was indicated as a major priority by citizens in the last Community Survey.
Looking ahead, a new 19.3-acre park is slated for development near Willow Spring Elementary. This future multi-use area will feature athletic fields, passive recreation spaces, and essential amenities, with construction planned for 2028. A Joint Use Agreement will also provide access to a playfield, playground, picnic shelter, basketball court, and walking track.
Finally, the Town will soon begin an evaluation of the South Park Community Center to ensure it continues to best meet local needs. HH Architecture, the firm behind the popular Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center, has been contracted to assess the existing building and develop alternative floor plans. The goal is to enhance functionality, improve user experience, and ensure the center continues to serve residents with updated spaces and programming.
For more information on parks, greenways, and programs, visit FVParks.org.
Fuquay-Varina Earns Highest Bond Ratings
Fuquay-Varina continues to demonstrate strong financial health, recently earning the highest possible bond ratings for General Obligation (GO) Transportation Bond from both Moody’s and S&P Global. This prestigious recognition reflects the town’s diligent fiscal management, growing tax base, and strategic long-term planning.
The ratings validate the town’s ability to responsibly manage public funds and secure favorable borrowing costs — particularly important following voter approval of a $20 million transportation bond in 2021. This allows Fuquay-Varina to proactively address crucial infrastructure improvements, enabling the town to fast-track them and avoid the delays that come with federal funding.
Town leadership believes that this financial stability is key to attracting new investment and enhancing economic vitality. Fuquay-Varina is among a select few North Carolina communities to hold these top-tier ratings, solidifying its position as a thriving and well-managed municipality poised for continued growth.
Get an Inside Look at Fuquay-Varina’s First Responders
Interested in learning more about the dedicated men and women who keep Fuquay-Varina safe? The fire and police departments are offering citizen academies in 2026, a fantastic opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of how each department operates.
Both academies combine hands-on activities and informative lectures to provide valuable insight into the world of public safety. The Fire Citizen Academy is a 7-week course, while the Police Citizen Academy spans 11 weeks. Both culminate in a graduation and recognition ceremony celebrating participants’ completion.
If you’re eager to learn more about public safety in our town, this is a great option! Applications open January 1, 2026.
Learn about each of these opportunities: Police: www.fuquay-varina.org/CPA, Fire: www.fuquay-varina.org/CFA
Holiday Events in Fuquay-Varina
Tree Lighting Ceremony, December 4
Celebrate the joy of the holiday season! The tree and a menorah will be lit at 6:00 p.m. in the Vance Street parking lot. Join us from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. throughout Downtown Fuquay for performances by local choral groups, an Artist Village, sleigh rides, s’mores, and pictures with Santa in Fuquay Mineral Spring Park (105 W. Spring Street).
Letters to Santa — Special Delivery! December 6-16
Youngsters are invited to drop off their letters to Santa at the North Pole Express mailbox located in the gazebo at the Fuquay Mineral Spring Park (105 W. Spring Street).
Christmas Parade, December 7
The Writing, Music, and Film Society will host the annual Christmas Parade on Sunday, December 7, at 4:00 p.m. in Downtown Fuquay. Find more information at www.fuquayvarinachristmasparade.org.
Lights at Fuquay Mineral Spring Park
The Fuquay Mineral Spring Park will be decorated with lights beginning the first week in December. Residents are invited to venture down to the park located at 105 Spring Street to see the majestic holiday lights, which will be open nightly for self-guided tours until 10:00 p.m. Lights will be up through early January.
For a full list of holiday happenings, visit www.FVHolidays.org.
On-Demand Transit Arrives in Fuquay-Varina January 2026
The Town is pleased to announce that MicroLink will begin serving the town of Fuquay-Varina on January 5! MicroLink is GoRaleigh’s on-demand microtransit service, connecting riders within and to designated service zones. This new service replaces the FRX bus route and will operate on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Learn more about MicroLink On-Demand Transit, how it works, and the Fuquay-Varina service zone at www.goraleigh.org/microlink
Fuquay-Varina Achieves Highest Fire Rating
The Fuquay-Varina Fire Department has achieved a significant milestone, earning the highest possible fire insurance rating — Class 1 — from the North Carolina State Fire Marshal. This achievement places the department among the top 34 communities in North Carolina and within the top 400 nationwide. Simultaneously, the Furina Fire District, also protected by the department, has improved its rating from Class 4 to Class 2.
These ratings, reviewed every five years, are based on a comprehensive inspection of critical factors including infrastructure, response times, staffing levels, and proactive fire prevention programs. The recent evaluation, initiated in October 2024, assessed all facets of the department’s operations. Insurance companies use Public Protection Classification information to help establish fair fire insurance premiums — generally offering lower premiums in communities with better protection. The improved ratings will take effect on November 1, 2025.
“This Class 1 rating in Town and the improvement in the rural area is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our firefighters and the unwavering support of the Fuquay-Varina Town Board and our partners at Wake County Fire Services,” said Fire Chief Jim Jones.
