North Carolina Construction News staff writer
A new initiative is underway to plan, design, and build several new community centers in Cary, beginning with a citizen-focused Community Center Projects Survey.
The survey, open until Feb. 28, will help planners ensure facilities reflect identified needs of Cary and “create unique public spaces.”
The vision for Mills Park Community Center is to be substantially larger than current centers and designed as multi-generational, multi-purpose facilities.
Mills Park Community Center is at 425 Mills Park Dr. This property was purchased in 2001 and since then has had two schools, a fire station and greenway connection added to it. It will include:
- three multi-purpose play courts
- indoor walking track
- workout space
- multi-purpose rooms
- outdoor spaces
- senior center
- aquatics
- police substation
Construction is expected to take two years to complete The Centre at South Hills Mall that will host youth, collegiate, and amateur sporting events and serve as a community facility with:
- 100,000 sq. ft. of competition space
- 12 full-sized basketball courts
- Capability of transforming portion of competition space into a 4,000-seat arena
- 25,000 sq. ft. of multipurpose space for events
- Dedicated space for seniors
- police district office
“The vision for these facilities reflects Cary’s goal to continue promoting health and enjoyment to our citizens and their community,” said Cary Director of Community Projects Doug McRainey. “At the same time, these projects allow us to look at our area as a whole and balance the needs of our greater community as we work with Wake County to also help attain long-term tourism and visitation goals.”