CONCORD — A piece of Concord’s sports history is ready for a new generation.
The City of Concord officially reopened the Academy-Gibson athletic fields with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the newly renovated Webb Field, marking the latest completed project funded through the city’s voter-approved Parks and Recreation Bond.
Renovations at the Academy-Gibson complex include artificial turf at Webb Field, new bathroom and storage facilities, a playground and walking path at Gibson Field and upgrades to the press box and concession stand.
The project also includes an adult changing table in the restroom facility at Webb Field, added through a partnership with Willow’s Wish. City officials said the addition will improve accessibility for residents of different ages and abilities.
A historic venue
Legendary Concord High School coach E.Z. Smith joined city officials and community members for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Smith spoke about Webb Field’s place in Concord history and the opportunities the renovated complex will provide for future generations of players, coaches, families and volunteers.
City officials said the improvements are intended to extend the legacy of Webb, McAllister and Gibson fields and allow the facilities to continue serving the community for decades to come.
The reopening is another milestone in Concord’s implementation of its Parks and Recreation Bond projects, which are bringing improvements and new recreational facilities to locations across the city.
Caldwell Park a popular place
Caldwell Park, which reopened earlier this summer, has already drawn more than 6,200 visitors, according to the city. Concord’s first splash pad has been particularly popular during the summer heat, averaging about 400 visitors per day.
With three bond projects now completed, work continues on several others.
At J.E. “Jim” Ramseur Park, construction is progressing on what will become Concord’s first city park on the west side of the city. Crews are grading the pickleball area, preparing the foundation for one of the playground areas and installing additional curbing throughout the park.
An overlook boardwalk is also nearing completion. The boardwalk will connect trails within the park to the Clarke Creek Greenway. The park is expected to be completed next summer.
Work is also underway at the new David Phillips Park, located behind the David Phillips Activity Center on Burrage Road. Construction began following a groundbreaking ceremony attended by Mayor William C. “Bill” Dusch, City Council members, city leaders and the park’s namesake, David Phillips.
Despite recent rainy weather, crews have begun grading and clearing the property. Construction is expected to take approximately 12 months.
Another major component of the bond program is moving closer to construction at the Academy-Gibson complex.
The final design for Concord’s first Skate Park, Pump Track and Sculpture Garden was approved by City Council, and the project has gone out for bids. Construction on the new amenities is scheduled to begin this fall.
The other projects
Several additional bond projects remain in the design and pre-construction stages, including Poplar Tent Trailhead Park, Wilson Street Park, W.W. Flowe Park and Academy Recreation Center.
The projects are part of Concord’s broader “Our City, Our Parks, Our Future” initiative, funded through the parks and recreation bond approved by city voters.
