UPGRADE—This view of Crouse Park, taken Wednesday from Cherry Street, shows part of one parking area adjacent to the Crouse House, the basketball court, walking track and other park structures.

Town of Sparta plans updates to Crouse Park

Grant funds are currently being sought to fund improvements to Crouse Park, and town officials hope to find the funds through a matching grant with the N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). PARTF is a state grant program that provides funds to local governments to acquire and/or develop public recreation facilities.

In the town’s case, the "recreation facility" is Crouse Park, located near the intersection of N.C. 18 and Grayson Street. The park encompasses 3.8 acres. However, with the recent acquisition of the acreage where the Troutman building once stood (.88 acre), that brings the total acreage of the park to 4.7 acres.

If the town is successful in receiving the grant, work on projects could conceivably begin in the late summer of 2008.

Town Manager Bryan Edwards explained, "A lot of improvements will hinge upon whether or not we’re successful in getting the grant. If we don’t get the grant, it would certainly delay significantly our ability to implement this plan. If we are successful, then some of the work could start as early as late summer. At this point, that’s the best we can estimate."

While a list of about 13 improvements has been compiled thus far, Edwards pointed out the list—which is comprised of comments and suggestions from members of an advisory committee (approved by the town council during a November meeting) and the town’s planning board —has not been completed or finalized.

 

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