Commissioners propose upgrades for East Alexander Park to enhance sports facilities

The Alexander County Board of Commissioners convened on May 5, 2025, to discuss significant developments in local recreational facilities, particularly focusing on the upgrades needed at East Alexander Park. This meeting highlighted the growing participation in youth sports and the community's need for improved facilities to accommodate this increase.

During the meeting, officials reported impressive participation numbers across various sports seasons. In the fall, approximately 800 children participated in cheerleading, football, soccer, and volleyball, organized into 67 teams. The winter basketball season saw 600 participants across 75 teams, while the current spring season boasts 1,100 kids playing in 92 teams, including a record 27 T-ball teams. This surge in youth sports participation underscores the community's demand for enhanced recreational spaces.

John, a representative from the Parks and Recreation Department, expressed gratitude for the recent renovations at Bethlehem Park, which have received positive feedback from the community. He emphasized the need to turn attention to East Alexander Park, which has not seen significant upgrades since its establishment in the early 1980s. The park currently features a walking trail, three baseball/softball fields, and a soccer/football field, but many facilities are aging and require modernization.

Josh Mitchell, another department representative, outlined proposed upgrades for East Alexander Park, which spans 35 acres. Key suggestions include constructing a new bathroom and concession building, adding picnic shelters, and relocating the playground to a more accessible area. Additionally, the proposal includes expanding the number of soccer fields and baseball/softball fields, improving parking, and upgrading field lighting to more efficient LED fixtures.

Mitchell also noted the need for a paved path to enhance accessibility and safety, replacing the existing pea gravel that poses slipping hazards. Plans for a new walking trail around the park's perimeter were discussed, along with the potential extension of one of the fields to meet travel ball standards.

The discussions at this meeting reflect a proactive approach to addressing the community's recreational needs, ensuring that facilities can accommodate the growing number of young athletes. As the board considers these upgrades, the anticipated improvements at East Alexander Park could significantly enhance the quality of local sports programs and community engagement in recreational activities. The board's next steps will involve assessing the feasibility of these upgrades and determining funding sources to bring these plans to fruition.