Community feedback has been the driving force for the development of Zebulon Regional Sports Complex:
Voter Support: In 2022, voters overwhelmingly extended a sales tax measure for the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space Fund, expected to generate more than $330 million over 15 years.
Community Survey: To further understand the community’s priorities for this fund, the County engaged citizens with a survey in 2024. Survey methodology was designed to ensure the best means for reaching a statistically accurate and representative sample of opinion from Douglas County residents, aged 18 and older.
Public Input: During a Live Town Hall in May 2024 about the Fairgrounds Master Plan, the Board heard from a large group of parents and youth about the need for more youth sports facilities.
Community Engagement: Based on the feedback from the May 2024 Live Town Hall, Commissioners followed up with a Live Town Hall on June 27, 2024, to further explore the community’s priorities for the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space Fund, hearing again about the need for youth sports facilities.
Stakeholder Engagement: Douglas County Commissioners hosted a public meeting with more than 10 key stakeholders on Feb. 24, 2025, including municipalities, HOAs, sports organizations and developers. During this meeting, they discussed location, land use, funding and potential partnership opportunities to meet the needs of the community and surrounding regions. Meetings like this one are open to the public and notified weekly via the Commissioners’ weekly schedule.
Community Engagement: Commissioners hosted a Live Town Hall on April 14, 2025, to debut the initial vision for Zebulon. It was the county’s most-attended Live Town Hall ever, reaching more than 10,000 people online and via phone. More than 200 people attended in person.