Spring Lake resident says park fields unsafe; confusion over whether Spring Lake, Cumberland County or Fayetteville handles repairs

Steven Brock, who identified himself as living in Fayetteville but organizing youth recreation in Spring Lake, told the City Council on March 13 that infields at Spring Lake ballfields contain rocks and debris and are unsafe for players. Brock said he attempted to identify the responsible agency and was directed between Spring Lake Recreation, Cumberland County and Fayetteville Parks and Recreation without getting a timely response. He said some parents declined to use the fields because of safety concerns.

Brock said he was later told the fields would be regraded and that the parking lot work was underway, but he asked for firm timelines and clearer communication about which government body is responsible for maintenance. Council and staff discussed jurisdictional responsibility during the public forum: the mayor and staff said Spring Lake has its own municipal authority, while Brock said he had been told Cumberland County handles Spring Lake parks operations as of three years ago. Council agreed staff would clarify responsibilities and ensure the resident had direct contacts for maintenance follow-up; no formal council action was taken.

The exchange highlights coordination challenges when recreational facilities serve residents across municipal boundaries and stressed the need for clear public contact points for park repairs.