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McDowell County approves new youth basketball division and NRA classes at county shooting range
Summary
The McDowell County Board of Commissioners approved Parks and Recreation proposals to add a youth 'First Baskets' basketball division for 4-year-olds and begin NRA firearm courses at the county shooting range; presenters also reported record pool attendance and campground revenue increases.
The McDowell County Board of Commissioners on Sept. 8 approved Parks and Recreation’s proposal to add a youth basketball division for 4‑year‑olds and to begin NRA firearm training at the county shooting range.
The parks presentation, led by Aikman Kazee, Parks and Recreation staff member, said the new “First Baskets” division will be instructional, include half‑court games with two 15‑minute halves, no official scorekeeping and an emphasis on basic skills, team play and positive reinforcement. Kazee said, “This program ... is offered to 4 year olds to introduce them to the game in a fun and encouraging environment.”
Kazee told the board that the county’s flag football registrations reached 409 — a 21% increase from 2024 — and that both pools served more than 11,000 patrons this summer. He also said a pavilion at Hemphill Park was funded through a grant with the North Carolina Amateur Sports Youth Foundation and that new ADA‑accessible bleachers were being installed at the recreation center.
On the shooting range, Kazee described plans to host NRA‑backed firearm classes taught by certified instructors already on county staff. Course examples include Intro to Pistols, Intro to Rifles, Advanced Pistol and home firearm safety. Kazee said classes would be held on days the range is closed to the public, run roughly eight hours (four hours classroom, four hours range), require a minimum of six participants, and be priced at $150 for introductory classes and $200 for advanced classes. He said, “Having instructors already on staff would save us money in insurances” and that the first tentative offering is an introductory pistols class in late September to early October.
Commissioners praised the parks staff for growth in programs and for accommodating special‑needs groups; one commissioner noted the county’s programs were setting a regional standard. Commissioner Garner moved to approve the new programs as presented; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.
The board also heard that the Black Bear Campground posted its largest reservation month since opening in 2023 and that revenue for 2025 had “greatly outpaced 2024,” according to the presentation.
Going forward, Parks and Recreation will begin registration for the First Baskets division and finalize scheduling for NRA classes based on demand and enrollment.
Ending: The approved changes take effect with program registration and scheduling; Parks and Recreation staff will return with operational details as needed.
