NASH COUNTY, N.C. — Nash County commissioners on Jan. 6 adopted a comprehensive 2025–2035 parks and recreation master plan and authorized a $100,000 local match to apply for a $500,000 Accessible Parks Grant from the North Carolina Division of Parks and Recreation for an indoor recreation facility.

Thomas Gillespie, parks staff, introduced Nate Halepka of McGill Associates, the consultant who led the master-plan update. Halepka summarized outreach: a countywide survey with 528 respondents, geographically distributed public meetings, and focus groups. He said the plan reframes parks and recreation as an investment that can attract residents, visitors and businesses while improving property values and community health.

Key findings the plan highlights: community demand for an indoor recreation center; increased program participation across adult and youth activities; a need for trails and connectivity, additional athletic fields and passive/open-space access; and opportunities to leverage grant funding by pairing local capital with state and federal grants. Halepka recommended a centrally located district park anchored by an indoor recreation facility and improvements to existing facilities such as Miracle Park (additional shelters, lighting, walkways).

Emily Moore, the county’s governmental relations director, asked the board to approve the county’s application for an Accessible Parks Grant to develop projects that enable people with disabilities to participate in recreation. Moore said Nash County plans to apply for the maximum $500,000 award for the Nash County indoor recreation facility, with a required local match of $100,000 (20%). The application deadline is March 3, 2025. Commissioners also scheduled a public input meeting the same day to gather additional comments on the accessible parks project at Nashville Elementary’s gym from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Commissioners approved the plan and authorized the local match by voice vote. Commissioner Wilkins moved to adopt the master plan; Commissioner Bellfield seconded. The board also approved the local match authorization for the Accessible Parks Grant earlier in the meeting.

Ending: Adoption of the plan makes Nash County eligible for multiple capital grant programs and establishes a prioritized capital-improvement framework. The county will hold public meetings and pursue grant opportunities aligned to the plan’s recommendations.