FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 21, 2025
City of Locust Awarded $500,000 Grant for Officer Jeff Shelton Memorial Park Redevelopment
LOCUST, NC – The City of Locust is proud to announce it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the North Carolina Accessible Parks Grant Funding Program to support the redevelopment of Officer Jeff Shelton Memorial Park. This highly competitive grant will allow the City to move forward with a major accessibility-focused improvement project, ensuring a more inclusive and welcoming space for individuals and families of all abilities.
The grant requires a 20% local match, and the Locust City Council has committed just over $300,000 to support the project, bringing the total investment to over $800,000.
Project Scope & Goals
The redevelopment project will include:
- Universal Playground – New, accessible play structures for children of all abilities
- Restroom Improvements – Upgraded facilities to meet ADA standards
- Accessible Routes – ADA-compliant pathways, a new bridge, improved parking, and updated signage
- Planning Costs & Contingency Funds – To ensure project quality and flexibility
These improvements aim to replace the current playground with universally accessible features, ensuring that all children can engage in active play, regardless of ability. Upgraded accessible routes will connect parking areas to the playground and restrooms, creating a seamless experience for all visitors. Enhanced restroom facilities will further support extended visits and comfort for all park users.
Importantly, the Officer Jeff Shelton Memorial will not be changed. The City is committed to preserving the memorial’s significance and the aesthetic value it brings to the park, honoring Officer Shelton’s legacy while making the park more accessible to all.
Project Timeline
The project may begin no earlier than September 1, 2025, and must be completed within three years. The City is eager complete the project well before the deadline, though an exact timeline will be determined as the planning phase progresses.
As part of this next phase, the City will continue working closely with local advocates for individuals with disabilities, building on the relationships and conversations that were started during the grant application process.
A Collaborative Effort
This grant marks the culmination of nearly a year of community engagement and strategic planning. The process began in late summer 2024 and included:
- Two open public forums
- Meetings with disability advocates and special interest groups
- Presentations to local organizations
- Thorough review and support from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
- Final approval from Locust City Council in March 2025
Out of 29 applications requesting over $11 million, Locust’s proposal was one of only nine projects selected and was tied for first place in the final scoring by the NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources Parks Division, which had $3.76 million available to distribute.
Stay Informed
Updates on the planning process and construction timeline will be shared on the City’s website and social media channels. Community input will continue to be welcomed as the project moves forward.
Media Contact:
Emily Jones
Director, Locust Parks & Recreation
ejones@locustnc.gov
704-888-5260
Cesar Correa
City Manager
ccorrea@locustnc.gov
704-888-5260
City of Locust
www.locustnc.com
Facebook: @CityOfLocust