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By Erin Smith
With warmer weather arriving in Bladen County, many residents are starting to take part in more outdoor activities. Some residents who may have ventured to Tory Hole Park in Elizabethtown recently have found the gates locked and closed signs displayed as construction continues at the park.
Rod Fritz, Director of Parks and Recreation for the town, said work on the newly renovated restrooms is almost complete, construction of a walking/nature trail is under way and early next week, work is slated to begin on a boardwalk along the river front. Workers were busy at the park on Thursday finishing a sidewalk at the new restroom facility. The work being performed at the park is funded through a Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF) grant received by the town and other funds.
The town received $250,000 from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund and the land served as the town’s match. The town also received $125,000 from the NC Fish and Wildlife Service and $100,000 from Duke Energy to utilize for the park improvements.
Improvements which have been completed thus far include the installation of new playground equipment, a disc golf course, a complete renovation of the amphitheater and new restroom facilities.
The park hosted its first disc golf tournament sponsored by INNOVA during the Pork and Beats and Festival in November. There were 35 participants in the tournament and about 50 people visited the park. There were three holes-in-one scored during the tournament. Other tournaments are planned for the park in the future.
The parking lot for the park has also been upgraded to accommodate up to 50 vehicles. It has been leveled, gravel installed and new parking stops have been added. A new sidewalk has also been installed in the parking area.
Fritz said the park is on schedule to re-open to the public in May or June. A grand opening ceremony is being planned but no dates have been announced.
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