Landscape Architect Articles

A Winning Space10-25-18 | Department

A Winning Space
Park Recieves a Summer Makeover

When the Parks & Recreation Department of Clinton, N.C., was named the winner of Project EverGreen's "Our Winning Green Spaces" contest in early March of this year, they knew they would receive the promised Exmark mower package to help maintain the city's parks and recreation facilities. However, they were surprised to learn that one of the parks in their community was going to receive a total transformation.

Clinton's Royal Lane Park was chosen to receive the benefits of the renovation this summer. The space had fallen into disarray over the last several years due to budget cuts and aging park amenities; it was in need of an upgrade.

"Residents, guests and sports teams come to the park to take advantage of the fields, playgrounds, swimming pool and trails," says Jonathan Allen, director of parks and recreation for Clinton. "Because the fields are in constant use, there is little to no down time for the fields to recuperate."

Many local green industry companies contributed to the project, which included planting nearly 100 trees, bushes and plants, applying mulch, and installing fencing around the playground.

The park's natural turf athletic field was laser graded and re-sodded, while the outdated irrigation system was completely replaced. Fertilizer and weed control treatments were applied to return the turf to its former glory.

"Clinton residents and the neighborhood are the real winners," says Cindy Code, executive director of Project EverGreen. "The improved park facilities and sports fields breathe new life into the environment and functions as the lungs of the community."

According to data from Clinton's Parks & Recreation Department, about 150 children use the park and playground every day, and more than 500 young athletes participate in weekly sports leagues on the multipurpose field.

Allen says the project brought the community together to create a more welcoming park and enhance the existing facilities. He highlights the importance of maintaining a space that provides opportunities to lead a healthier lifestyle, as Clinton is one of the unhealthiest counties in North Carolina.

"We thank Project EverGreen and its partners for making this project possible," adds Allen. "It will leave a lasting footprint on our community."

As seen in LC/DBM magazine, October 2018.