Holly Springs Seeks Private Partners, Plans Dual Park Development

Holly Springs officials moved forward on November 11 with a plan to solicit private development partners for projects at both Ting Park and Mims Park, setting a timeline that could reshape how the town funds and manages its recreational assets. The Solicitation for Development Partners will be released in early December 2025, and will allow developers to submit proposals for either site, both sites, or a combined project, giving the town flexibility to compare options and negotiate terms later.

The town highlighted the substantial public investment already made at Ting Park, noting twenty million dollars in prior spending as a foundation for future work. For Mims Park the focus is on roughly five acres at the corner of Main and Avent Ferry, while nearby town owned lots were identified as potential assets that could be used or traded to offset costs. Town leaders stressed that the objective is to seed funding for park improvements through partnerships, rather than to convert parkland to non recreational uses, and to minimize adverse impacts on Mims Park.

Key milestones in the adopted schedule call for proposal submissions by March 2026, partner selection in fall 2026, and formal development review in 2027. The Land Use Advisory Committee will play a role in reviewing plans as part of the council directed process. That staged timetable is intended to allow detailed comparison of different proposals and to preserve town discretion over final agreements.

For residents of Wake County and Holly Springs the initiative carries both opportunity and risk. On the positive side partnerships could unlock private capital for new amenities, improved maintenance, and expanded activities without relying solely on municipal budgets. Enhancements at Ting Park could build on existing investments and attract more regional visitors, while targeted improvements at Mims Park could support downtown vitality along Main and Avent Ferry.

At the same time, community stakeholders will be watching how the town protects public access, preserves green space, and ensures that any commercial or residential components align with neighborhood character. The council emphasis on flexibility and return on investment signals a pragmatic approach, but also raises questions about long term stewardship of public land and the terms under which town owned parcels might be traded.

As the solicitation process begins next month, town officials will move from planning to active negotiation. Residents concerned about park access, traffic, or the character of nearby neighborhoods should follow the Land Use Advisory Committee reviews and the formal development hearings expected in 2027, where specific proposals and terms will be publicly evaluated.