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McDowell parks report record participation, campground revenue and storm repairs; FEMA filings underway
Summary
The county parks and recreation director reported record youth program participation, rising campground revenue and damage repairs from Hurricane Helene that have been submitted to FEMA for assistance.
McDowell County parks and recreation staff updated the Board of Commissioners on July 14 with program participation records, higher campground revenue and ongoing repairs from Hurricane Helene.
Parks and recreation presenter Aikman Kazee told commissioners the department—s spring little-league season had more than 900 players — the largest on record for McDowell — and fall registration was capped at 366. Youth basketball, football, cheer and other programs also reported record numbers, and adult leagues, NFL flag and new inclusive programs such as "Gramma and Go" were added.
Kazee said campground reservations were 32% higher year-to-date compared with 2024, and 2025 revenue was expected to surpass total 2024 campground revenue by August. The department also received a $41,000 grant to improve grounds after Helene and plans upgrades including an automated gate, interior cabin finishes, an outdoor classroom and expanded event programming.
On storm impacts, Kazee said debris removal at parks has been completed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at most sites and that damage reports for Greenlee Park, Lindley Park and others had been approved and forwarded to FEMA—s rapid-response teams, with the recreation center report still pending. Greenlee Park suffered severe damage to fencing, bathrooms, dugouts, scoreboard, outfield turf, playground and pavilion; staff said private debris removal remains outstanding at some locations with private contractors estimating completion by July 31.
The department has completed several projects since Helene, including pool repairs and deck work, a new exterior bathroom building at the recreation center with ADA features, epoxy floors, repaved and striped parking areas, and expanded back parking. Future projects listed included resurfacing the gym floor, installing permanent ADA-accessible bleachers in October, constructing a pavilion at Emco Park funded largely by a state grant, and replacing damaged shade canopies and chain-link fencing across parks.
Kazee also described programming initiatives such as helmet-distribution work with NCDOT (more than 500 helmets donated since the program began), free physicals with UNC Health and Marion Medical Clinic, and outreach events including a July 25 sponsored free-swim day. He said the shooting range is exploring NRA-certified classes and that the county is surveying patrons about training interest.
Ending note: Commissioners praised staff for the parks— performance and recovery work and asked staff to continue coordination with Duke Energy on campground parking and FEMA on mitigation and reimbursement filings.
