ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. — Construction crews have been working on the Newland Park project in Elizabeth City for almost three months.
While it might still look like a foundation right now, Pasquotank County leaders said they see progress and potential.
Wednesday afternoon, Assistant County Manager in Pasquotank County, John Shannon, shared his excitement as the Newland park project takes shape in Elizabeth City.
Shannon said, “This is phase one of the project, which will have the basketball courts, the walking track, playground to picnic pavilion, bathrooms, obviously the parking lots in the drive-in.”
Pasquotank County and Elizabeth City are spending $2 million to build the park. It’s being built off Highway 158 and will cover more than 50 acres of land.
Sean Clark, Director of Parks and Recreation for Pasquotank County, said they’re already planning events for when the park is scheduled to open next fall.
“We’re looking at the progress, we’re actually moving faster, it seems like we’ll be out of here in September,” said Clark.
The community is also checking in on the park’s progress.
Clark added, “This has been a dream that individuals wanted to see come to light in the Newland area. Just talking to the community, they’re more excited than I ever could imagine, they’re ready. They want to come out here and check the progress.”
Phase Two of the project will be adding a second park nearby, and construction in that phase will start once contractors get approval from Pasquotank County Commissioners.