Local News - August 2003

A new park for ‘everybody’

Highland Drive

By ALICE SMITH, Staff Writer

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When making plans for the new Highland Drive Park, city officials wanted it to be more than just a couple of ball fields.

“One goal we had with the park is to try to have something for everybody,” said Jeff Emory, city manager.

The park will offer two soccer/multi-use fields, two softball and baseball fields, a picnic shelter, playground equipment and walking trails.

It will be a haven for sports teams in desperate need of fields, as well as people who just want to get outside and walk around the track, officials said.

The 18-acre park should be ready for use by spring, Emory said, but that depends on several factors, weather being crucial.

Site work is currently under way at the park, which is located on a 25-acre tract of land on Highland Drive in Boger City.

The park is located in an area that doesn’t have many other recreational opportunities.

“I think it’s going to be a big plus having this park on the east section of town,” Emory said.

 The City Council was made aware of the land and decided the location was good for a park, Emory said.

They purchased the property a little more than two years ago.

Officials saw a major need for the park when the number of soccer players began to steadily rise, said Erma Deen Hoyle, county recreation director.

The Lincoln County Youth Soccer League, which is composed of recreation and Optimist teams, will have regularly scheduled games there, Hoyle said. Other groups will be able to use the fields by making reservations.

“There’s always the need for more practice and playing fields,” Emory said.

Soccer and baseball games have been held at the new Optimist Park on Startown Road.

“Up till then, they were playing everywhere,” he said. “(The park) should help relieve significantly the need for additional space.”

There will be no lights on the sports fields in the beginning, Emory said.

“It’s purely an expense issue,” he said.

Officials hope to eventually add lights so night games can be held.

Highland Drive Park will cost slightly more than $900,000, Emory said.

The city received a $250,000 state grant, as well as a $172,926 federal grant for the project. The city and the Recreation Commission have committed to $125,000 each as matches for the project.

A lot of the financing for the park will come from the 5 cent recreation tax Lincolnton residents pay, Emory said.

Officials are confident the park will serve the needs of the city’s residents and the growing popularity of sports activities here.

“I think it’s going to be a first-class facility,” Emory said.

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© 2001 Lincoln Times-News  

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