Mooresville approves $10.2 million construction contract for Moore Park renovations; phase one cost rises to $11.3 million

The Town of Mooresville Board of Commissioners voted April 7 to award a construction contract for the Moore Park renovations and additions, approving a base bid and alternate to G.L. Wilson Building Company for “an amount not to exceed $10,201,900,” town construction project manager John Simoniac told the board.

The project is part of a phased renovation of the historic ballpark at 651 South Broad Street in Ward 2. The board’s action included approving amendments to the project budget to complete phase 1, which staff said increases the total phase 1 cost to approximately $11,306,900 once separately procured items and other identified needs are accounted for.

Town staff and the project manager told commissioners the work scheduled in phase 1 includes accessible parking and streetscape work along Lowrance Avenue, restrooms and concessions in left field, dugouts, bullpens, a batting cage, backstop netting, a turf infield with a warning track, and a 900-seat grandstand. Simoniac described a project timeline that anticipates a notice to proceed April 14, 2025, and construction completion by May 1, 2026.

Why it matters: Moore Park is a long-standing community facility in the downtown area; the renovation is intended to support new teams, larger events and related downtown economic activity while coordinating with the town’s Broad Street streetscape work.

Town staff said the $10.2 million base contract plus a $95,000 alternate covers the primary construction bid; an additional $1,105,000 will cover items such as separately procured 60-foot backstop netting and other equipment, bringing the phase 1 total to $11,306,900. Simoniac said the 60-foot netting is being procured through a state contract to reduce markup and procurement cost. The proposed funding plan includes a recently issued $10,000,000 bond with remaining project costs covered from currently allocated project funds.

Commissioners asked staff about fencing, utilities, and event-time traffic management. John Simoniac said much of the Broad Street-facing fencing will remain chain-link during phase 1 to avoid rework ahead of a future phase; staff plan to replace or relocate when phase 2 scope is defined. On events, Commissioner Keriker said the intention is to close Bridal Street (and portions of Lawrence) during games “because so many kids want to chase balls,” and Simoniac said event closures will be coordinated with town officials. Simoniac also noted conduit is included in the project to provide power and other infrastructure to the field, and that an audio/sound system will be a separate contract.

The motion to adopt the resolution awarding the construction contract was made by Commissioner Dingler and seconded by Commissioner Aban; the board approved the resolution by voice vote.

The renovation builds on previous planning and design work the town began in 2021 and 2024. Simoniac told commissioners the park was originally constructed in 1919, and that the town acquired additional parcels behind right field in 2022 to allow for expanded parking and facility improvements. The town noted the work is tied to goals in the strategic plan around community vitality and economic development.

Next steps: Staff will finalize contract documents and issue the notice to proceed. Additional scope items and phase 2 work — including further Broad Street renovations, more restrooms and concessions, ticket booths and expanded paid parking — will return to the board for future approvals and budgeting.