A rendering overview of the park’s Phase I.

Charlie Holtzclaw, Director of Shelby Parks and Recreation oversees the continuing development and functions of the city park, which is one of best in the nation. He has a budget of almost $2 million and is now heavily engaged directing the new ten year capital improvement plan.
The City of Shelby submitted an application to the NC Parks and Recreation Trust Fund requesting $500,000 for Phase 1 of the master plan on February 2, 2009. On October 5 of that year, the City Council formally accepted the $500,000 and unanimously approved matching funds for Phase 1 of the City Park Enhancement Project.
For Director Charlie Holtzclaw it was a special time. This phase focuses on the forty plus acres of land located near the center of the park’s golf course. It includes three 300 feet baseball/softball fields with adjustable outfield fencing. Laser grading will provide for two more fields to be developed in the future. The fields will be of “championship calibre” with irrigation, fencing, specially conditioned infield clay and covered dugouts. A new playground in close proximity to the complex will serve smaller children while others are participating in sporting events. All common areas will be seeded with new grass and landscaping. Also included in this first phase will be a 20’ x 24’ covered picnic pavilion, horseshoe pits, and a 6’ wide quarter mile walking trail. The entrance road will include one hundred paved parking spaces. Nearing completion, these phase will have a grand opening presentation in June.
In addition to Shelby City Park the plan also includes futuristically, Hanna Park and Holly Oak Park. Also included are neighborhood parks: Optimist; Moose; Palmer; Kings Road and Plaster Parks, and Roark Plaza.
Charlie and his Department are also in charge of overseeing and maintaining the famous Carrousel and Rotary Train, Royster Memorial Golf Course, the Aquatics Center, Festivals, Cleveland County Sports Hall of Fame, City Park Gymnasium, Holly Oak Gymnasium, Athletic Fields, Tennis Courts, Volleyball Courts, Croquet and Picnic areas. Other properties include Thompson Gardens as well as Sunset, Webb, and Eastside cemeteries. Adult and Youth programs are also offered the year round such as summer day camps, yoga classes, puppy and adult dog training classes, aerobics, zumba exercises, gymnastics, all sporting events, cheerleading and shag, square and line dance lessons.
Shelby City Park is sixty-three years old and has a staff of nineteen full-time and part time, and sixty seasonal summer employees. The park is located at 901 W. Sumter St., Shelby. For more information about the park or their upcoming events visit www.cityofshelby.com/parks/ or call 704-484-6821.