Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation

If you would like to submit a question to our staff, please click on the Comment/Question link.

Why do we need new facilities?
The City of Fayetteville is growing. From 2000-2010, the city has seen a 6.64% job growth and a 65.7% population increase. This is almost four times the average population growth for North Carolina. While the Parks and Recreation Department is doing its best to keep pace, the growth places more demands on these facilities everyday.

Fayetteville also falls behind other NC cities with the recommendations for park acreage per person as set by the National Recreation and Parks Association. 



Many of the proposed new facilities are those that Fayetteville currently does not have, for example a Sports Complex, Skateboard Parks, indoor fieldhouse with track or indoor aquatic facility (located in the Multipurpose Aquatic Center with Senior Center).  And while there are tennis courts located in two of the city’s parks they are often crowded and cannot offer league play or local and regional competitions.  Currently, there is only one swimming pool for the 208,000 residents, and the Senior Center is over 20 years old.

Will the new facilities be easy to get to?
All of the facilities are accessible by car or the FAST bus system.

Do parks help reduce crime?
Some studies have shown that parks can help reduce crime in neighborhoods; for example, one study found that crime dramatically decreased by 56% in public housing buildings located near trees and parks. In the same housing development, residents reported that they socialized with their neighbors more, exercised more, and had a stronger community feel.

Why will the vote be held in February, 2013?
This is to allow citizens time to learn about the bond proposal by asking questions or hear a presentation.

Who could use the facilities?
Everyone!  However, depending where you lived and what you want to do a fee may be charged.  Outdoor areas such as neighborhood parks and greenways are open for all to enjoy.  Others, such as the multipurpose aquatic center’s indoor pools, track or fitness center, the tennis center, aquatic centers and skateboard parks would require a user fee.  This fee would vary depending if an individual lived inside the city limits.  If one lived outside the city limits he/she would be considered a “non-resident” and charged a higher fee.  However, parks and recreation department fees are typically much lower than fees charged by private businesses. 
  
Would there be any public or private collaboration for the new facilities?
Partnerships are always welcome!  The Parks & Recreation Department would be glad to hear proposals from other organizations as possible collaborators for the facilities.