The debate took center stage Tuesday night during a budget meeting, where some who live in Fuquay-Varina spoke out against a plan that could add a baseball field as part of a roughly $10 million parks project.
They're not opposed to youth sports -- but they don't want to lose the green space they currently enjoy.
"We're not against baseball fields. A lot of us are moms who have kids," said Amy Laukka, who lives in Fuquay-Varina. "We just are asking those baseball fields to go somewhere else, not take away a beautiful gem that we already have here in Fuquay-Varina."
Tensions rose during the public comment portion of Wednesday's meeting, when some speakers were initially asked to hold their comments before later being allowed to speak. That moment underscored growing frustration among neighbors who say they feel unheard.
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The proposal comes after voters rejected a bond referendum several years ago that included park improvements. Now, some in the community say they're surprised to see similar discussions resurface, even if on a smaller scale.
Town leaders, however, say the expansion is necessary to keep up with demand. According to the town, participation in baseball and softball programs has grown by 142% over the past decade.
In a statement, the town said it has already gathered significant public input through previous planning efforts.
"Extensive engagement was done when developing the HNTP master plan and the parks, recreation, and cultural resources systemwide facility master plan," the statement read. "Additionally, many residents provided their input on the budget."
The Fuquay-Varina Board of Commissioners says public comment has now closed and leaders will review feedback from Wednesday's meeting before making a final decision on the budget.
For now, the future of the proposed ballfield -- and the park space neighbors say they value -- remains undecided.