Playground at Ball Fields to Close for Major Upgrade Project

The playground at the Clay County Recreation Center will temporarily close starting Monday, Feb. 16, as work begins on a major renovation project expected to run through late April.

County officials say the closure is necessary to allow for a full replacement of the existing playground, not a short-term repair. The project includes removal of the old equipment, sub-surface repairs, drainage and grading improvements, and installation of new, modern play structures.

When complete, the upgraded playground will feature state-of-the-art equipment designed to be safer, more functional, inclusive, and fully handicap-accessible.

Officials noted that projects of this scale must be scheduled for late winter or early spring to take advantage of weather conditions and contractor availability. The goal is to have the playground fully reopened by the end of April.

Funding for the project is primarily coming from grants, with remaining costs covered through allocations from the county’s general fund approved in the past two budget cycles.

The playground renovation represents Phase 1 of a broader long-term plan for the area. Future improvements include expanded parking and a splash pad, which has already been designed. Grant applications for that next phase have been submitted to North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund.

To help offset the temporary closure, the county’s Recreation Department plans to introduce additional community events and activities in the coming weeks. A schedule of those events is expected to be released soon.

County officials thanked residents for their patience and said progress updates will be shared as work continues. They say the finished project will deliver a significantly improved park experience for families and visitors.