BLACK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — As the nation’s generosity continues to pour into Western North Carolina, a park in Black Mountain has found an unlikely supporter.
Operation Love from Texas has offered a $750,000 donation to Black Mountain for the reconstruction of Veteran’s Park’s baseball fields, according to Town Clerk Wesley Barker.
Veteran’s Park was in the direct impact area of Hurricane Helene, situated on the south bank of the Swannanoa River. The park once hosted Babe Ruth League teams and the Blue Ridge Snorkel Trail. The storm damaged three of the four fields used by the community for recreation, youth sports and community events, according to city documents.
If the donation is accepted as part of the Town Council’s consent agenda Tuesday night, the funds will be appropriated to some or all of the following:
- Laser grading of clay fields for improved playability and maintenance
- Installation of two 12-foot LED scoreboards
- Connection of water lines to the fields for irrigation and maintenance purposes
- Debris removal to ensure safe playing surfaces
- Installation of sod to restore and enhance field conditions
“Some of the repairs have already begun,” Barker said.
Much of the debris covering the bases, pitcher’s mound and home plate have already been excavated.
If the donation is accepted Tuesday night, staff will coordinate with the donors to ensure timely and effective completion of the repairs, with oversight to ensure compliance with any applicable town policies and procurement regulations, according to documents.