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Midland hears preliminary plans for Wallace Park

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By Leah Schmalz

Cabarrus County officials presented plans for Phase 1 of Rob Wallace Park at a work session Tuesday night in Midland.

Planning for the 190-acre park has resumed after budget cuts last summer reallocated funding and stalled the project.

The county’s recent acquisition of land allows for a park entrance off of Bethel School Road and work is already underway.

Deputy County Manager Jonathan Marshall said the county is exploring a public-private venture to drive the cost of the park. “Taxpayers won’t pay the initial bill,” he said. “It will be driven by users. With that said, there will be plenty of free amenities in this park and it will be a huge asset to this area.”

Paddleboat rentals and an aerial adventure park are some of the proposed amenities that would generate funds to support the park. Additionally, the county has roughly $1 million set aside for Phase 1 and plans to apply for a $350,000 grant from the state. 

The park’s entrance would be across from the Saddlebrook development, so the county has plans to put in a DOT crosswalk from the neighborhood to the park. Residents expressed concern about risks to pedestrians as a result of traffic. Marshall said a traffic circle, speed tables and yellow warning signs are all options to mitigate any risk.

Officials hope to utilize the water bodies on the property for additional features including fishing and a boardwalk. They have identified an area suitable for use as a natural amphitheater, which could serve as an outdoor classroom for study of aquatics and amphibians.

There are also plans for a playground, shelters, picnic tables, benches, grills, trails and additional playground areas composed of natural items like downed trees and stumps.

A disc golf course is no longer in the plans, but could be considered down the road depending on funds. There are several structures planned, including a rental and storage building, restroom facility and park manager office.

In the future, the county hopes to add primitive camping to the list of amenities as well. “You can feel that you’re away in the mountains but still right here at home,” said Parks Program Manager Byron Haigler.


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