Rec. Dept. eyes soccer complex

A proposed $3.1 million Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation Department project may move forward this year if certain hurdles can be overcome.

For example, the Lenoir County Commissioners agree the department should apply for a Clean Water Trust Fund Grant.

A public hearing regarding the grant application process will be held during the next commissioners meeting on Jan. 22. Bill Ellis, Kinston-Lenoir County Parks and Recreation director, requested the commissioners hold a public hearing to discuss the issue.

The department plans to apply for a $2.1 million Clean Water Trust Fund Grant, which would be used for a combined reused water project to irrigate a proposed 26-acre soccer complex with 12 playing fields, as well as a proposed 75-acre First Battle of Kinston Civil War battlefield site.

Officials hope work can begin on building a $1 million soccer complex at the Old Harper’s Salvage lot near Skinner’s Bypass if the grants are approved. Ellis said a new soccer complex would give Lenoir County a competitive advantage attracting local soccer tournaments. Ellis said about 2,000 people currently play soccer in Moss Hill, Pink Hill and Barnett Park.

The grants would also A proposed Civil War battlefield park would be built in the Rivermont area near Asphalt Road, Ellis said.

“People will be able to stand on hallowed grounds,” Ellis said. “There would be several split rail fences, earthworks, artillery positions, markers, and a walking path at the site.”

The site could be used for Civil War reenactments providing visitors a living history experience.

“It could be a great thing,” Lyle Holland, chairman of the Battlefield Commission, said. Holland said a planning commission would be brought in to advise local officials on how to lay out the battlefield.

Chris Lavender can be reached at (252) 559-1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com.