Ceremony marks opening of new Calabash Community Park

CALABASH—Calabash’s new 1-acre community park is officially open.

Chuck Nance

Landscape designer Scott Stewart, Calabash Mayor Mary Knight, and previous Calabash Mayor Anthony Clemmons cut the ribbon at the official opening of the new Calabash Community Park on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Opening ceremonies and festivities took place Nov. 17 at the new park at the corner of Persimmon Road and Traders Lane.

About 100 people braved cold temperatures to attend.

Calabash Town Administrator Chuck Nance said the park was built using funds from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant Program, matching funds from the town, and private donations.

He said it’s also the result of efforts by citizens, the town’s long-range planning committee, the mayor and town board of commissioners.

The park features a large picnic shelter with restrooms and storage, a children’s play area including slides and swings, horseshoes, shuffleboard and bocce ball.

Calabash Mayor Mary Knight recognized previous town Mayor Anthony Clemmons, former town commissioner and long-range-planning committee member Forrest King as well as long-range committee member Scott Stewart, a professional landscape designer for Devaun Park who donated his time for community park plans.

Knight acknowledged individuals, businesses and groups that contributed time, services or money to the park project.

Also recognized was Lighthouse Mission Church, the park’s next-door neighbor. The church had a fish fry in conjunction with the town grilling hot dogs. Church pastor Larry Ward blessed the event and new park.

At last update, everything has now been ordered for the new park except a portable stage.

The town has also been meeting with a representative with a local garden club, which is interested in landscaping and helping the town with the park project. River of Life Church has also offered to donate and install horseshoe pits.

Laura Lewis is a staff writer at the Beacon. Reach her at 754-6890 or email llewis@brunswickbeacon.com.