The Fuquay-Varina Town Board recently adopted its first Downtown Generational Plan, a long-term vision for revitalizing downtown. The plan aims to create a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive space that meets the evolving needs of residents, businesses, and visitors.
Mayor Blake Massengill explains, “This Downtown Generational Plan isn’t just about today — it’s about building a vibrant downtown that will thrive for generations to come. We envision a space that welcomes everyone, supports our businesses, and celebrates the unique spirit of Fuquay-Varina.”
The plan envisions three transformative projects:
Piney Woods Park, an iconic civic space with programming ideas for town squares, playgrounds, markets, and plazas.
Junction Mixed-Use District, fostering a “live-work-play” environment through infill development.
w, honoring the town’s heritage through arts, health, and wellness initiatives.
The plan also recommends the creation of a Rail Trail, which requires further feasibility studies to determine its viability. In November, the Town Board approved an ambitious mixed-use project that expands downtown living and commercial options, featuring 20,000 square feet of retail space, 244 apartments, and a 420-space parking deck.
Assistant Town Manager Jim Seymour notes, “The Generational Plan serves as a roadmap for our vision, guiding responsible development and ensuring a unique, vibrant downtown.” The plan’s 90+ action items aim to balance new development, redevelopment, and infill projects. Review the Downtown Generational Plan at https://bit.ly/fv-downtown.
A Dash More News
Downtown Varina Pedestrian Improvements to Begin
Construction on the Downtown Varina Pedestrian Improvements project will begin in early March. This project aims to enhance accessibility and safety by adding nearly 4,000 linear feet of new sidewalk along North Street and Ransdell Road near Fuquay-Varina High School. The improvements will include new curb and gutter, as well as the installation of accessibility ramps, making it easier for everyone to get around our community.
Please note that construction may cause some traffic impacts; we appreciate your patience as we work to improve our community.
Revitalizing Roadways with Pavement Preservation Project
The Town of Fuquay-Varina is set to improve its road network through a pavement preservation project. The initiative, which will cover approximately 11.3 miles of streets, aims to extend the service life of existing roads by three to five years. A specialized pavement rejuvenator will be applied, restoring and protecting asphalt without significantly altering its appearance.
This cost-effective approach is designed to improve roadway functionality while impeding deterioration, allowing pavement maintenance funds to go further. Construction is expected to begin in spring 2025 and be completed by June 2025.
Easter Events
Easter Egg Hunt, April 12, 10 a.m.
Grab your basket and get ready for some fun in Fleming Loop Park (503 Fleming Loop Road)! The Easter Bunny will be on site to help kick off the Egg Hunt at 10 a.m. (We recommend arriving a little early.)
Fuquay-Varina Downtown Association’s Candy Hop, April 12, 10 a.m. – 2.p.m.
Bring your peeps to Downtown Fuquay-Varina and fill your baskets with treats from participating merchants. This event is rain or shine, immediately following the Egg Hunt.
New Community Center in Fuquay-Varina Offers Something for Everyone
After nearly 18 months of anticipation, Fuquay-Varina celebrated the grand opening of its second community center on February 4, 2025. The ribbon-cutting ceremony at Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center (HNTPCC) marked the culmination of a project born from robust community engagement and driven by a commitment to enriching residents’ lives.
The journey began in 2021 with town leaders seeking input to ensure the future facility would cater to the diverse needs of the community, both present and future. This collaborative approach led to the selection of HH Architecture, who skillfully translated community feedback into a stunning design for the community center.
Partial funding for this ambitious project was secured through a $18.5 million Parks and Recreation Bond passed in 2021. The result is a breathtaking 77,000-square-foot, two-story building bathed in natural light and featuring wide-open spaces designed for accessibility and comfort.
When entering Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center, visitors are greeted by a clearly defined entrance with easy check-in and an elevator providing convenient access to the second floor. Within its walls, HNTPCC offers a wealth of amenities: three gymnasiums, an elevated indoor walking track, fitness areas equipped with cardio and weight training equipment, a teaching kitchen, racquetball, pickleball and volleyball courts, and a dedicated wing for active adults.
This dynamic space will host a vibrant array of programs, from fitness classes and cooking workshops to arts education and enriching cultural events. Open gym times and organized recreational leagues will further encourage community engagement and foster a sense of belonging.
“This new community center is a true reflection of Fuquay-Varina’s commitment to its residents,” said Mayor Blake Massengill. “Through smart planning and careful investment, we’ve delivered a state-of-the-art facility that exceeds expectations while minimizing the impact on taxpayers. We’re also incredibly proud to open it ahead of schedule and under budget.” The project, originally slated for completion in May, was built by Edifice Construction.
The town is also making vehicle and pedestrian improvements. A right-turn lane is being added for smoother traffic flow which entails extending the pedestrian tunnel that links the yellow trail to the red and blue trails. Until the road project is completed in mid-spring, the tunnel remains closed, but all trails are open at Hilltop Needmore Town Park. Access the yellow path by parking at the HNTPCC, and park at the clubhouse to walk on the red and blue trails.
“The Hilltop Needmore Town Park Community Center is an invitation for all members of Fuquay-Varina to gather, learn, and thrive,” says Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Director Jonathan Cox. “This modern, multi-generational hub offers a wide range of programs and activities that cater to diverse interests, from recreation and fitness to education and cultural enrichment. Our goal is to create a vibrant community space where people can come together, grow, and connect — and we invite everyone to experience it for themselves.”
Resident and non-resident fees for HNTPCC are identical to those at South Park Community Center, with all paid fees granting access to both facilities. Additionally, there are several rooms available for rent, providing flexible event space to accommodate groups of 125 to 214 people. For more information on programs, rental rates, and membership options, please visit FVParks.org.
