Background:
McDowell County purchased the Maple Leaf Sports Complex in 2004. The complex was built with four baseball/softball fields. Improvements to the complex under County ownership have included paving of a graveled parking lot and the construction of a restroom facility.
Project Information:
In 2021, McDowell County began to develop a facility improvement plan for the Maple Leaf complex. Prior planning and study efforts indicated a desire for more picnic shelters and playgrounds at County-owned parks. Therefore, the Board of Commissioners authorized the submission of a grant to the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to help pay for a playground and associated picnic shelters. A grant was awarded to McDowell County in 2022 from the Accessibility for Parks program. Construction of the improvements began in the fall of 2023 with the opening of the playground and picnic shelters following in early 2024. Additional enhancements are planned including benches and landscaping.
Funding:
The NC Parks and Recreation Trust fund awarded McDowell County a $500,000 grant for the construction of the playground and picnic shelters. The grant is being matched with $100,000 of American Rescue Plan Act funds. There are no County funds in the project.
Timeline:
The playground and picnic shelters opened in February 2024. Additional enhancements are underway.
