Ashworth Park (formerly Library Park) is located behind the Fuquay-Varina History Museum and hosts two historic buildings: an old post office and a historic school house building. The Town sought a way to improve the visitor experience and better connect the park physically and thematically to its nearby sister-site, Mineral Spring Park, via downtown sidewalks and urban art.
WithersRavenel developed a master plan to expand upon the existing facilities while incorporating a train depot, caboose, and tobacco barn that the Town is acquiring. In addition to integrating all of the buildings, the master plan provides accessible pedestrian linkages to existing and new park facilities. Brick lined accessible paths meander through the site and connect various amenities for education such as an outdoor classroom and a working demonstration garden. Social spaces are created along the pathway for group gatherings, as the park will be part of day and night tours for tourists.
The landscape of Ashworth Park is a woodland-themed garden that incorporates all native and drought-tolerant species, providing seasonal and annual interest without requiring additional watering or specialized maintenance.