Special to Iredell Free News

The Town of Mooresville’s Parks & Recreation Department recently received a $500,000 grant to assist with the continued revitalization of Liberty Park. The Department was awarded the maximum grant amount by the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund, a statewide program that helps local governments reach their park and public access goals in order to improve the quality of life in their communities.

Phase II of the park’s revitalization will include a three-tier playground, interactive fountain, picnic shelter, greenway connection to Center Avenue, new restrooms and concession stand, and a covered basketball court that may also be used for events like the seasonal Farmers’ Market.

The Mooresville’s Board of Commissioners recently awarded a $7.9 million contract to J.D. Goodrum Company to complete the construction and renovation. The grant, an offset to taxpayer funding, will help with the construction costs of the interactive fountain and the playground.

Phase I of Liberty Park was completed in 2020 and includes a 1,400-square-foot band shell, an event lawn, lighting, walking paths, a Veterans Promenade, public art, and new pedestrian connectivity to Church Street.

“Liberty Park has served as the catalyst for downtown development in Mooresville,” said Pam Reidy, Parks & Recreation director. “When developers began to see the Board’s vision and commitment for a beautiful urban park in downtown, they recognized its value, too, and things really began to take off. With the completion of Phase II, residents will have a beautiful space to gather, to have fun and to feel connected to the community.”