Harris Lake County Park Set for Major Upgrades Following Contract Approval
Construction to Begin in August, Improvements Targeted for Completion by Fall 2026
Holly Springs, NC, Jul. 8, 2025 — Big changes are coming to one of Wake County’s most beloved outdoor destinations. At its July 7th meeting, the Wake County Board of Commissioners voted to award a $3.4 million construction contract to TCC Enterprises (document) for a sweeping series of improvements to Harris Lake County Park. The renovations are part of a larger $5.18 million investment (budget summary) funded by the 2018 Parks, Greenways, Recreation and Open Space (PGROS) bond.
The 680-acre park, located near the Shearon Harris Reservoir in New Hill, first opened in 1999 and has grown into a regional destination for outdoor recreation. The upcoming project will enhance many of the park’s most popular features—including its Day Use Area, disc golf course, and park office—without adding any entirely new facilities.
A Focus on Community Priorities
County officials say the upgrades were designed based on the 2017 Wake County Parks Facility Master Plan update, as well as additional input from park staff and users. The result is a renovation plan that targets functionality, accessibility, and community enrichment.
At the Day Use Area, construction will include a new accessible kayak launch, improved parking, and a dedicated loading zone for small non-motorized boats. At the Disc Golf and Fishing Pond Area, enhancements will include a new restroom facility, an expanded parking lot, a picnic shelter, and a newly designed 9-hole junior disc golf course. A canoe storage structure and dock are also part of the plan.
The park office will undergo a 950-square-foot expansion and renovation, creating space for park staff as well as a new classroom for environmental and educational programs. Behind the scenes, the maintenance yard will be upgraded, and a new pole barn structure will be added to support park operations.
Fully Funded and Ready to Launch
The total budget for the Harris Lake improvements stands at $5.2 million, which includes:
$3.4 million for construction,
$1.2 million for design, engineering, and construction management,
$247,000 in fees for signage, storage, furniture, and utility connections,
$50,000 dedicated to public art, and
$265,000 in contingency funding.
No reserve funding is needed, and all costs are covered through Wake County’s Capital Improvement Fund earmarked for Harris Lake renovations.
Timeline and Contractor Selection
Six licensed contractors submitted bids for the project (bid tabulation). The selected firm, TCC Enterprises of Louisburg, NC, was deemed the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The bidding process included a base bid and eight alternate components, all of which were determined to be fundable within the existing budget.
The county anticipates issuing a notice to proceed in August 2025, with substantial project completion expected by Fall 2026.
As the community awaits the groundbreaking, excitement is building around the possibilities these updates will bring, not just for weekend visitors but for future generations of Wake County residents looking to connect with nature, recreation, and one another.