Fuquay Varina designates Site Collaborative to lead Willow Springs Park planning
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Summary
The town board designated Site Collaborative as the preferred design firm for the Willow Springs Park master plan, with Weston & Sampson as the next-ranked firm; staff will negotiate scope and fee and pursue a contract funded in FY26 with $400,000 for design.
The Fuquay Varina Town Board voted Dec. 16 to designate Site Collaborative as the preferred design firm to prepare the master plan and design for the Willow Springs Park project, with Weston & Sampson named as the next-ranked firm.
Jonathan Cox, parks and recreation director, told the board staff solicited qualifications and received 17 responses in September. Four firms were interviewed; staff recommended Site Collaborative based on experience with similar projects and knowledge of site infrastructure. "The recommended motion is to designate Site Collaborative as the best qualified and preferred firm and Weston Sampson as the next ranked firm to perform the master planning and design of Willow Springs Park and authorize the town manager or designee to negotiate scope and fee subject to town attorney review as to form," Cox said.
Commissioner Adcock raised a question about the park—s name, noting local usage varies between "Willow Spring" and "Willow Springs." Assistant Town Manager Matt Hughes clarified that no formal naming decision has been made and that the project name currently reflects adjacency to Willow Springs Elementary School. Cox said staff expects to return with negotiated scope and fee at a January meeting, that design work could take about four to six months, and that construction could potentially start in 2026. Town budget documents referenced at the meeting show $400,000 budgeted in FY26 for design.
After a motion and second, the board approved the designation by voice vote and authorized management to negotiate terms and return with a contract for board approval.
