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Mitchellville Preservation Project outlines capital plan, seeks clarity on ATAX marketing support
Summary
Mitchellville—s executive director told the committee the park has rising visitation, new exhibits and a planned archaeology lab and auditorium; he said the interpretive center could cost $12–14 million and that the group is pursuing federal and private funding while requesting ATAX funds for branding and place-making.
Ahmad Ward, executive director of the Mitchellville Preservation Project, presented detailed visitor and programming data to the ATAX committee and described a multi-phase capital plan for Mitchellville Freedom Park.
Ward said the park welcomed thousands to holiday nights and a Juneteenth celebration (1,660 attendees this year), reported counts for QR-code engagement and location-derived visitation, and outlined a new archaeology research facility and 84-seat multipurpose auditorium with site-clearing scheduled to start. He said site clearing will begin October 27, with an expected build period of about 10 months for the first building, and noted a larger interpretive center (the museum/event space) would be a later phase estimated at $12–$14 million.
Committee members questioned marketing-cost increases and shortfall pressures in the ATAX pool; Ward said a recent Institute of Museum and Library Services grant ($116,000) and foundation support (including Mellon Foundation awards) are helping, but continued fundraising and potential angel donors remain crucial. Ward also discussed the park—s data tools (location panels and QR stations) and how those metrics inform billboard placement and audience targeting.
Ward closed by asking for continued ATAX consideration for marketing and site-preparation items that will help convert visitors into overnight stays and broader tourism value for Beaufort County.
