City of Shelby, N.C., Opens $7.6 million Hanna Park, Designed by Woolpert

Shelby, N.C. — Hanna Park, a multiuse recreation complex on McBrayer Springs Road in Shelby, N.C., is now open to the public. The 85-acre park has six picnic shelters, a large picnic pavilion, a playground, a nature trail system, restrooms and concessions, five multiuse soccer fields, and a youth/practice field. The soccer fields will be used by Shelby Parks and Recreation for programs and events, the Greater Cleveland County Soccer Association and local schools, and are available for private use.

Woolpert was contracted by the city of Shelby to provide architecture, engineering and geospatial (AEG) services for the $7.6 million project. These services included park and sports planning, schematic and developmental design, construction administration, transportation and stormwater engineering, geographic information system (GIS) mapping and surveying.

Shelby Parks and Recreation Director Charlie Holtzclaw said the park already is a hit, exceeding the expectations of city officials, as well as those who came out to the grand opening on Saturday.

“Thirteen soccer games with players of all ages took place on opening day, including an exhibition game between Gardner-Webb University and East Carolina University,” Holtzclaw said. “Both college soccer coaches mentioned how impressed they were with the venue, including the quality of the Bermuda Turf, the layout and space between the fields, and the support facilities and amenities. Coaches and players commented that the fields were outstanding, and they would love to use them more often.”

Woolpert Education and Athletics Practice Leader Andrew Pack said the project was the product of multiple contributors working together toward a common goal.

“The city of Shelby, Woolpert and the contractor, Morrison Construction Co., all wanted to produce a high-quality, versatile facility that would serve the community for many years to come,” Pack said. “We love being a part of these projects that improve residents’ quality of life.”