Holly Springs (NC) Advances Public-Private Partnership Plan For Ting and Mims Parks
Dual-park development solicitation to be issued next month to help shape the future of Ting Park and Mims Park through flexible public-private partnerships; Council emphasizes flexibility and ROI.
Holly Springs, NC, Nov. 10, 2025 — Building on months of planning, it became clear tonight that the town will soon release a Solicitation for Development Partners (SDP), inviting private developers to collaborate on future improvements to both Ting Park and Mims Park.
The move represents the most significant step yet in a long-running effort to redevelop town-owned parcels through public-private partnerships (PPPs), an approach officials say could accelerate investment and enhance both the downtown core and the popular sports complex.
Two Parks, One Process
During the workshop, Development Services staffers Chris Hills and Sean Ryan presented what they called a “final check-in” before the SDP is released in early December.
The dual-park solicitation will allow developers to submit proposals for either or both sites, or even a combined project, giving Council flexibility to compare options and negotiate terms later.
“It’s an opportunity to capitalize on our assets, our inspiration, and our potential,” Hills told the board.
The decision follows the Council’s April endorsement of a mixed-use “Sports and Entertainment District” concept for Ting Park, now coupled with a plan to leverage town-owned property near Mims Park to help fund additional downtown revitalization projects.
Earlier HSU Story: Holly Springs Town Council Charts Vision for Ting Park Redevelopment (April 10, 2025)
Ting Park: Expanding the Experience
Council reaffirmed that the SDP should include three specific sites at Ting Park:
Site A – behind the stadium, envisioned for mixed-use retail or office space;
Site B – the current playground and batting-cage area;
Site C – a smaller parcel along the outfield used for storage.
While members supported keeping all parcels in play, they were unanimous about one non-negotiable: the playground must either remain or be replaced.
“Parents love being able to watch the game while their kids play — it’s part of what makes Ting special,” one member said.
The SDP will highlight the town’s prior $20 million in public investment at Ting Park and invite developers to build on that foundation.
Mims Park and Downtown: Leveraging Assets, Preserving Green Space
For Mims Park, the plan centers on roughly five acres at the corner of Main and Avent Ferry, but also identifies nearby town-owned lots, including the Annex building site, the Town Hall parking area, and the Avent Ferry lot, which could be used or traded to offset costs.
Councilmembers stressed that minimizing impacts to Mims Park itself remains a top priority. The goal, they said, is to “seed” funding for park improvements rather than convert the park into a development site.
“I’m open to creative ideas,” said one member, “but I’m not in favor of giving up Mims Park land unless it directly benefits the park.”
Public-Private Partnership Framework
Town Manager Randy Harrington noted that PPPs have already proven successful in Holly Springs, citing the Town Hall Commons project. This $10 million public investment project brought roughly $40 million in private development downtown.
Officials in Fuquay-Varina and Morrisville are pursuing similar models, Hills added, calling the approach “a proven way to accelerate high-quality growth while sharing risk.”
Council agreed to keep all partnership and land-conveyance options open, including market-rate sales, long-term leases, or discounted land tied to measurable community outcomes.
“There’s no commitment to do anything until we see what comes back,” Mayor Mayefskie said. “Let’s cast a wide net and evaluate from there.”
Review Process and Timeline
All responses to the solicitation will be reviewed by the Land Use Advisory Committee (LUAC), which includes representatives from both the Council and the Planning Board, before the Council makes final decisions.
The timeline anticipates:
December 2025: SDP released
March 2026: Proposals due
Fall 2026: Partner selected and Memorandum of Understanding signed
2027: Formal development review begins
Town leaders have also committed to a new round of public engagement once proposals are submitted.
A Vision Coming Into Focus
Monday’s workshop effectively positions Holly Springs to take the next step from concept to competition, inviting the market to shape the future of two of the town’s most visible properties.
“We don’t know exactly what we’ll get back,” Hills acknowledged, “but we know what we’re looking for, projects that are transformative, innovative, and consistent with who we are as a community.”