Project Update

Summer 2024 Update: The project has been identified as a potential bond project for the 2024 proposed bond referendum. For more information on the bond referendum visit carybonds.org

Overview

The 2012 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Master Plan, adopted by Council, recommended the construction of a community center in future phases of Mills Park. In November 2015, this need for the community was reiterated in the Council approved Mills Park Concept Plan. Included within this plan was the recommendation to construct a 50,000-100,000 square foot community center with adjacent outdoor amenities such as a multipurpose field.

The process to develop a master plan for the Mills Park Community Center started in 2022. First beginning with a community survey and public input meetings. The proposed Mills Park Community Center Master Plan reflects this public feedback and the overall needs to serve the growing community of Cary.  The program for the community center and the surrounding site proposes the following elements:

Community Center Building:

• Community lobby with gathering areas
• Indoor playground
• Senior center and lounge with multipurpose rooms
• Catering kitchen
• Ceramic studio spaces with kilns
• Visual arts and performing arts classrooms
• Multipurpose classrooms
• Gymnasium with three high school sized basketball courts
• Adventure walking/jogging track
• Child Watch for parents/grandparents taking classes
• Group fitness rooms
• Fitness areas with cardio equipment and strength training
• Locker rooms

Community Center Site:

• Multipurpose field
• Structured parking
• Outdoor program spaces
• Trailhead to the Panther Creek Greenway
• Splash pad and outdoor playground
• Climbing wall
• Public Art
• Sustainability infrastructure including solar panels, EV charging stations, and green stormwater 

Project Schedule and Funding

If the 2024 bonds are approved, a project schedule of about 5-7 years will be finalized to include, as needed: master planning, design, bidding, construction, and opening.

Public Engagement

To ensure Cary’s current and future facilities serve as extraordinary public spaces a community center survey and public meetings were conducted to gather input from the community.

View the results of our Community Center Survey 

Watch the Public Meeting #1 Video - January 11, 2022

Contact

Cassie Schumacher-Georgopoulos
Director, Community Projects
Cassie.Schumacher-Georgopoulos@carync.gov