HOPE MILLS — During its regular Monday meeting at Town Hall, the Hope Mills Board of Commissioners discussed growing parking concerns at Heritage Park.
The park, which sits on around 7 acres, is located at 5445 Lakeview Road. Last month, the Hope Mills Parks and Recreation Department held a public input meeting on its second construction phase to seek community feedback and provide updates on design plans and construction costs. According to the presentation, the design-build contract phase is scheduled for winter 2025, with construction beginning in fall 2026.
At Monday’s board meeting, staff and commissioners highlighted issues around parking capacity. Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin explained that parking for the park is currently shared with the Hope Mills Lake’s limited spaces and the parking lot of First Citizens Bank, which the town owns. Additionally, the town has purchased property on Fountain Lane to expand parking. “That property is currently under design,” McLaughlin said.
As the park’s popularity has grown along with the town’s population, parking has become a pressing issue.
“Due to a rise in demand, the question remains the same: will we build a solution, or will we build a barrier? My recommendation is clear — let’s build a solution,” said Town Manager Chancer McLaughlin.
Referring to the park’s success, Mayor Jessie Bellflowers added, “If you build it, they will come. Well, we built it — and they have come.”
McLaughlin reminded the board that just 15 years ago, Heritage Park was only a vision. “It had no full design, no estimated cost, and no groundwork laid at the time,” he said. “Today, that dream is a vibrant reality.”
To address the parking challenge, McLaughlin proposed a town-wide shuttle service during large special events. “This system would connect key sites across Hope Mills — all town-owned and all with available parking,” he said.
He also suggested the purchase of two additional vans dedicated solely to event transportation. “I would like for us to choose progress and keep building toward the future our community deserves.”
Commissioner Joanne Scarola asked whether volunteers would be needed and how the shuttle system would operate. Even with a shuttle option, she said, some attendees might choose to walk and cross streets at their own risk.
McLaughlin responded that the town has secured a grant for crosswalk enhancements on Fountain Lane and Trade Street. Mayor Pro Tem Kenjuana McCray also voiced her support for the shuttle and sidewalk enhancements while stressing equitable access.
“I like the solution. We’ve been working to make our community more walkable, but what I don’t want us to do is spend millions of dollars on a park that people can’t use,” McCray said. “The park belongs to all of us — all of us taxpayers — not just a group who dictates what happens there. So I’d like the park to be utilized.”
Following the discussion, the board reached a consensus to allow McLaughlin to further investigate the shuttle plan and gather more detailed information on the town’s requirements. McLaughlin said he and Parks and Recreation Director Lamarco Morrison would look into it and have some options for the board at their next meeting.
Other town business
In other business, the board swore in several new police officers: Joquin Cooper, Alysia Powell, Khodee Sterrett, and Thomas Thompson. Officer Darrell Morgan was promoted to the rank of sergeant, and Captain Derwin Brayboy was promoted to deputy chief.
There was no old business to address, and Commissioner Jerry Legge was not present at the meeting.
Before adjourning, Mayor Bellflowers reminded the board of two upcoming events:
- “Let’s Talk About Our Parks and Recreational Programs” — Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation building
- “State of the Town” — Tuesday, May 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. at 5788 Rockfish Road in the bays of the Fire Department
The board is scheduled to meet again on Monday, May 19 at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.
