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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., January 10, 2005 — The partnership between Queens University of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County to build a community sports complex at Marion Diehl Park has taken another step forward as plans were announced today to host a groundbreaking ceremony at noon on January 28, 2005. The event will take place at Marion Diehl Park, beginning with a program in the Parker Hall of the Senior Center, followed by an outdoor
ceremony near the construction site of the track and field complex.
"We are delighted that this project continues to gain momentum and look forward to both our athletic teams and the community being able to use these fields during the fall season in 2005," said Queens President Pamela Lewis.
The sports complex project, first approved by the county commission in August of 2003, has allowed Queens to work with a number of community organizations that support special and senior populations. Highlighting this collaboration is the University's commitment to fund and build an adaptive field using artificial turf especially designed for wheelchair use. The entire complex is programmed to be a national model of accessibility and community collaboration.
Fundraising for the project, which is estimated to cost $12 million, has already generated nearly $5 million in gifts and commitments. Three new commitments of one million each will be announced at the ceremony on January 28, as well as several new corporate partners. Initial funding will allow the construction to begin on the soccer, lacrosse, and adaptive fields as well as the track. Additional gifts will allow for the next phase of construction to include tennis, softball and baseball facilities, as well as a fieldhouse. The sports complex will also include walking trails and a ropes course.
"It is very encouraging to see both corporate and individual donors support this project so generously, not only because it is a key strategic facility for Queens, but also because of the broader community impact this complex will have," said Patton McDowell, vice president for university advancement.
After the groundbreaking ceremony, individual interviews with media will be permitted.
Also on January 28, Queens will unveil a new Sports Complex Web page, which will monitor the progress of the Sports Complex and feature current news and events related to the complex.
Queens University of Charlotte is a private, coed, Presbyterian-affiliated liberal arts university in the heart of historic Charlotte serving approximately 2,200 undergraduate and graduate students through its College of Arts and Sciences, the Pauline Lewis Hayworth College and the McColl Graduate School of Business.
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Sports Complex Name Usage Guidelines:
Queens University of Charlotte Sports Complex at Marion Diehl Park (Preferred)
Queens Sports Complex (Abbreviated)
Queens Name Usage Guidelines:
Queens University of Charlotte (Preferred)
Queens (Abbreviated) | 
