MOORESVILLE — From new amenities and improved facilities, Mooresville’s parks had a busy year in 2023.

According to a report presented to the Mooresville Park Board at its April 15 meeting, some of the new amenities include an 18-hole disc golf course at Pioneer Park, removal of the zip line and installation of new restrooms and purchase of new playground equipment at Old Town Park.

The report also highlights the Mooresville Redevelopment Commission agreement to provide up to $3.15 million for upgrades at Pioneer Park.

“It was our goal to basically do a snapshot of what 2023 looked like for Mooresville parks,” parks superintendent Phil Cornelius said. “So, anybody could pick this up not having a clue about what Mooresville parks is, and at least get a snapshot of who we are and what we’re doing.”

The report also notes that there were 1,240 volunteer hours logged at Mooresville parks in 2023, which helped save the department more than $16,000 in labor costs.

The 2023 report, Cornelius said, would be presented to the Mooresville Town Council and be available for review at the Mooresville Public Library and town government center.

The report is also available online on the “Mooresville Parks & Recreation District” Facebook page.

Old Town Park improvements

During the meeting, Cornelius told the board that the new playground equipment has been installed at Old Town Park.

He also said the department would be installing new concrete for sidewalks in the days following the April 15 meeting.

Cornelius added there would be a “surprise” installed at the park along with the new playground equipment.

The hope is to do a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new equipment at the end of April or early May, depending on how work progresses on final work of the installation.

April 8 Eclipse

According to assistant superintendent Keelan Simpson, the eclipse weekend at Pioneer Park went well.

“We had about 185 vehicles, give or take, (and) we made about $1,100 in revenue over that weekend,” Simpson said. “(We had) 500 (to) 600 people, give or take, for Monday.”

Simpson noted that during the July 4 celebration, the parks can have up to 2,000 people at Pioneer Park.

“We prepared for a lot more, in case we needed it, but I’m glad everything went smoothly,” park board member Danny Lundy said.

5-year park master plan

Cornelius told the board that park staffers are continuing to meet with Troyer Group for the 5-year park master plan.

According to Cornelius, the parks will host a community open house at the Pioneer Park office on May 17 so local residents can learn about the updated plan and offer insight to park staff and Troyer Group.

That day, there will also be stakeholder meetings with Troyer Group, prior to the community open house.

“We do have a survey ready for community input, our goal is to launch that on April 29,” Cornelius said, adding the plan is to keep the survey open through May 17.

In other business

• The board voted to continue searching for a new recreation coordinator for the system

~ By Lance Gideon | Reporter | Published April 25, 2024 in The Morgan County Correspondent