The Aberdeen Town Council at its April 26 meeting voted to relocate Sharpe Memorial Park. Commissioners stated the move will take place in steps but did not say when the park will be moved to its new location.
Mayor Robbie Farrell said the drawback to the current location on W. Maple Avenue and Pine Street is that the nearby railroad tracks are a safety issue. Planners cited hazard signs for railroad workers working with chemicals as a possible health issue for children playing in the park. Parks and Recreation Director Adam Crocker said the Sharpe Park playground reconfiguration plans included dealing with parking issues and wet areas.
The town plans to relocate Sharpe Park to town-owned property on E. Main Street at the American Legion Post 72. The town is keeping the current property that was donated by the Sharpe family.
The commissioners voted four to one on the relocation.
“I am not sure,” Commissioner Wilma Laney said about her vote against relocating the park.
In 2018, Sharpe Park was completely renovated after a two-year renovation project. The town installed the latest play equipment with the newest piece adding a variety of challenges consisting of climbing walls and ladders, a balance beam, and a ring bridge which replaced the old wooden play structure.
The park is open from sunrise to sunset.
~Written by Sandhills Sentinel Reporter Stephanie M. Sellers.
