By Erin Smith
Two Bladen County towns have been awarded NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grants. NC Governor Roy Cooper announced the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Authority have approved more than 6.7 million for projects throughout North Carolina.
Locally, the town of Bladenboro was approved to receive $200,595 in grant funds for improvements at McLean Park. And the town of Elizabethtown will receive a $500,000 grant for the Green’s Lake and Conservation Park which is located in the Elizabethtown Industrial Park.
Bladenboro Town Administrator John O’Daniel said the town plans to install a new, larger ball field, add lighting to the existing ball field, and add other recreational activities. He said the town is exploring adding a game of horseshoes, and expanding the walking trails at McLean Park.
“We’re adding a larger ball field so there will be more opportunities for use (of the ball field),” said O’Daniel.
In Elizabethtown, Town Manager Eddie Madden said the largest grant award that can be received from NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund is $500,000; which the town was awarded. He said town staff eagerly anticipates the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund contract in October.
“It’s one hundred percent funded by PARTF,” said Madden.
He said the land for Green’s Lake will count towards the town’s match, and there will not be a financial match required. Madden said preliminary design work is beginning. He added the final design and permitting phase will not begin until after the Parks and Recreation Trust contract is signed in October.
Some of the proposed items for the park include a nature-based playground, walking trails around the perimeter of the lake, a fishing pier and restroom facility.
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