Concord City Council approves Academy Gibson athletic fields renovation designs

During the City Council Work Session held on March 11, 2025, in Concord, NC, significant discussions centered around the final design updates for the Academy Gibson athletic fields and the ongoing efforts to address bank erosion at Cottle Creek. These topics are crucial as they reflect the city's commitment to enhancing recreational facilities and ensuring environmental sustainability.

The council reviewed the final design changes to the Academy Gibson athletic fields, which were initially outlined in the master plan adopted in August 2022. The project, designed by Dodd Studios (Fitfields), includes improvements to Webbfield, McAllister Field, and Gibson Field. Notably, the final design deviates from the master plan in several ways. A planned playground between Webbfield and McAllister Field was removed due to space constraints. Additionally, the design of the drive at Webbfield was altered to sidewalks for better accessibility, and the location of a storage building was reverted to its original site. Future plans for on-street parking at McAllister Field were also discussed, with a shift towards creating a dedicated parking lot.

One of the most significant enhancements is the installation of synthetic turf on the baseball and football fields, which will be the first of its kind in Concord's parks and recreation system. This upgrade aims to extend field usage and reduce maintenance costs. The design will also feature new dugouts, spectator improvements, and food truck pedestals for events.

In addition to the athletic fields, the council addressed the urgent need for bank stabilization along Cottle Creek. The council is set to approve a contract with RES Environmental for a project costing approximately $410,593. This initiative will involve constructing a layered rock wall system and planting native vegetation to prevent future erosion, a concern exacerbated by recent flooding events.

The discussions highlighted the city's proactive approach to enhancing community facilities while addressing environmental challenges. The council anticipates moving forward with construction documents for the athletic fields, aiming to begin bidding by early summer. The timeline for the athletic field renovations is projected to take about a year and a half, reflecting the city's commitment to improving recreational spaces for its residents.

Overall, the meeting underscored the importance of these projects in promoting community engagement and environmental stewardship, setting the stage for future developments in Concord.