03/28/2024
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By: Cheryl Thurston

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Mayor Sylvia Campbell gave the welcoming speech at today’s groundbreaking ceremony for the additions that are coming to Leinwand Park in the near future. Elizabethtown will contribute $215,000 to the completion of the project, to match the $215,000 that was granted to the town by PARTF, the Parks And Recreation Trust Fund of North Carolina.

Phase one of the project is well underway. The ground is being graded and prepared for the construction of a skate park and soccer field. “At this rate,” said Mayor Campbell, “we may see this construction finished in less time that we planned. Then the community will be able to enjoy it sooner.” Mayor Pro Tem, Rufus Lloyd delivered a moving prayer, which included a blessing to all who will use the park in the future.

Ms. Jenn Beedle, with PR&TM, NC State, offered some congratulations to Elizabethtown on having received the PARTF Grant. She commended Town Manager, Eddie Madden and Chairman of the Recreation Committee, Mark Gillespie, for their hard work and committed effort in bringing this grant to Elizabethtown. “Since it’s inception in 1995, PARTF has bestowed grants which total $175 million,” Beedle continued, “It takes a lot of planning and preparation to write one of these grant proposals, but the Mayor, and Town Government worked together to win this award for this area.” This demonstrates their sincere desire to give the community the best possible facility for recreation.

Phase Two of the renovation will include a Horseshoe Pitch, a Shuffleboard Court, Playground Surfacing, Parking Lot, and Landscaping. The entire project is expected to take 36 months to complete, and will be spread over 2.25 acres with frontage on King Street.

Among those who took up a shovel to break ground included: Mayor Campbell; Mayor Pro Tem Rufus Lloyd; Dickie Glenn: Paula Greene and Darrell Page.  Others participating included Town Manager Eddie Madden; Mark Gillespie, Chairman of the Town Recreation Committee; and Jenn Beedle representing Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management for the state agency making the grant.

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