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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Craig Murden, 704 337-2485
murdenc@queens.edu
Sports complex to serve community and Queens
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 12, 2003) — The Mecklenburg County Commission voted unanimously tonight to approve a proposed partnership between the Park and Recreation Department and Queens University of Charlotte to develop a 60 acre sports complex at Marion Diehl Park.
The sports complex will include recreation/competition facilities for track, soccer, lacrosse, softball and baseball, as well as walking trails and accessible recreation space for persons with disabilities. Queens will fund the development of the property through private fundraising. Marion Diehl Park is located on Tyvola Road in Charlotte.
"I have been involved with Queens for more than 20 years, and I know the county will gain a committed and enthusiastic partner in this endeavor, one that is bound by its mission to serve this community as well as its students," said Hugh McColl, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at Queens University of Charlotte.
Brad Davis, President of LandDesign, noted significant modifications have been made since the original design was shared in April. LandDesign, which specializes in sports and recreation facilities, designed the concept of the accessible sports complex shared with the commission. Modifications he noted included an increase in the average buffer zone between adjacent neighborhoods to nearly 200 feet, and the protection of almost 50% of the natural terrain.
Wayne Weston, Director of Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation, detailed the timeline of the partnership process. This included the review by the overall Park and Recreation Commission, as well as its sub-committees focused on special populations and senior citizens. He noted in particular valuable feedback gained from three community input meetings hosted by the Park and Recreation Department. "This plan gives us the opportunity to achieve long-term goals set forth by the county several years—if not decades—ahead of schedule," said Weston.
Queens President Pamela Lewis echoed Weston's enthusiasm. "While I think this proposal has incredible potential for the citizens of Mecklenburg County, I want to say a special word of appreciation to those neighbors adjacent to this facility. We will work diligently to assure this project is consistent with the county's master plan, is complementary to the objectives of the existing Senior Center and Marion Diehl facility, is environmentally sensitive, and is respectful of the neighborhoods in which you live," said Dr. Lewis.
Queens University of Charlotte is a private, coed, Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts university in the heart of historic Charlotte serving approximately 1,700 undergraduate and graduate students through its College of Arts and Sciences, The Pauline Lewis Hayworth College and the McColl Graduate School of Business.
NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit the Queens Web site (www.queens.edu), or call Queens University of Charlotte at 704 337-2485.
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