Rec Department Projects Range from Greenways to Skate Parks
The Mooresville Parks and Recreation Department is developing a greenway and planning for a new skate park. But those projects are just the tip of the iceberg.
Funding is on its way for numerous additional parks and rec improvements‚ and the community’s enthusiasm for the added amenities is palpable.
“This is a very exciting time at the Parks and Recreation Department‚” says Wanda McKenzie‚ who has served as the city’s parks and rec director for the past 12 years.
“I’m excited about our future. We have more going on and more funding becoming available for our projects than at any time during the 28 years I’ve been with the department.”
A bond issue passed by the town council generated $25 million for parks and recreation facilities.
The new Mazeppa Road Park is one of the department’s most ambitious projects‚ with amenities likely to include three softball fields‚ a baseball field‚ dog park‚ a BMX/mountain bike trail‚ tennis courts‚ playground structures‚ a trail system‚ a recreation center‚ soccer fields and practice fields.
The John Franklin Moore Memorial Park planned across from the depot would include an interactive water fountain and pavilion.
The department is also working with architects Wirth and Associates of Charlotte to design a skate park.
Land has been purchased on Cornelius Road for a park and a possible recreation center‚ and contractors are currently working on two more Mooresville parks: Bellingham Phase 2 and Nesbit Street Park.
“I am very excited for the citizens of Mooresville‚” McKenzie says.
As if they didn’t have enough going on‚ the department staff recently moved into new offices.
The Mooresville Parks and Recreation Department runs nine parks that include seven tennis courts‚ eight outdoor basketball courts‚ six lighted ball fields and a gym for volleyball‚ badminton and basketball.
The department also offers a variety of classes – such as tennis instruction‚ dog obedience‚ creative arts and fitness – for youth and adults.
At the War Memorial Center‚ the parks and rec staff provides summer programs for 80 to 100 children each week. A special program for eighth- though 10th-graders includes leadership training‚ character education‚ etiquette and life skills.
The city’s 60‚000-square-foot Charles Mack Citizen Center has space for large and small functions‚ which‚ along with the center’s Joe V. Knox Auditorium’s seating capacity of 235‚ are all available for rentals.
