Albemarle City Council talks renovations, events

Downtown Albemarle, N.C. | Jon Platek CC

Jon PlatekALBEMARLE — Planned renovations and events dominated the discussion at the Nov. 20 meeting of Albemarle City Council.

City Lake Park is preparing to host a youth mud run obstacle course this spring. Albemarle Parks and Recreation is planning to partner with Carolina Healthcare Systems, Uwharrie Running Club and the Stanly YMCA to host a three-event youth fitness series. The series will include the following events: a trail run through Falcon Trail in Misenheimer; a mini triathalon; and a mud run obstacle course. The event is scheduled to take place on Saturday, June 16, 2018.

Chuck Morehead Park Renovations are moving forward. A report presented at the city council meeting showed that project renovations for Chuck Morehead Park are about 85 percent complete. Tennis court renovations have wrapped up and courts are now open to the public. The basketball court has also been resurfaced by Albemarle Public Works and a new pool filtration has been put in place. Fencing for the dog park has also been installed and new signs have been ordered. A ribbon cutting for the dog park and grand opening is scheduled for Spring 2018.

A new gymnasium floor will soon be on display at the Waddell Center. Thanks in part to a large donation from the Albemarle Rotary Club, the much-anticipated renovation of the Waddell Center gym is in its final stages. New windows have gone in and the gym has been painted, asbestos abatement has been completed and a new entrance has been cut to the facility’s weight room. A brand new rubberized floor is currently being laid as well. The gym is set to reopen on Dec. 3, 2017.

Discussion for expansion of the Roger F. Snyder Greenway Project has stalled. The Greenway Commission recommended waiting on moving forward with northern trail construction for now. The commission was working with the Planning Department to identify parcels and easements where the greenway can be expanded. The commission is now preparing a proposal to Carolinas Healthcare Systems for sponsorship for a portion of the greenway expansion near Stanly Regional hospital. They plan to present a new greenway master plan to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board and City Council at a future meeting.

The next scheduled meeting of the council is Dec. 7, 2017.