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The Kings Mountain Herald | EMILY WEAVER {| eweaver@kingsmountainherald.com What once was fertile farm- land is now a mega field of dreams for Kings Mountain and Cleveland County. In a plot of Earth stretched out over 40 acres off of Highway 29 and Margrace Road a seed - of development has been planted. This is the true land of possibility. On this intersection sprouts the dream of a sporting com- plex, so grand in design that initial plans for the field include 11 venues and 36 facil- ities. It establishes a home for four baseball fields, five soft- ball fields, four football fields, a multi-use outdoor theatre seating about 20,000 people; a soccer complex with eight fields; a baseball /football /soccer sta- dium seating 10,000-12,000 fans; a tennis complex with 10 courts; an amphitheater seat- ing over 6,000; and a hotel and convention center. It also includes an RV park, camping and trails, with room for expansion. But will the dream of the “Southern Exposition Sports and Entertainment Center of the Carolinas” come true? John Henry Moss, president of the Cleveland County - Sports Commission, presented the proposal to the city council Tuesday night. Neisler Brothers, Inc. and CCSC have been working on the project for several months now. The Neislers have proposed to donate 40 acres of their land + off of Margrace Road and U.S. Hwy. 29 for the development, management and operation of the sports complex. “The development of the 40- acre site will be for a sports and entertainment center that is to be a ‘phased in’ program of development of facilities for sports and entertainment activities over 48-60 months,” Moss said. It will be funded through public and private invest- ment. The location of the Center is not far. off of I-85’s Exit 4, providing easy access to motorists. Mayor Rick Murphrey said that it will be a big attraction for tournament play and sporting events with- in the surrounding area. The entire complex may even be made up of private and public facilities. “The ‘Southern Exposition Sports and Entertainment Center's’ plans are designed to feature 11 venues of sports and entertainment facilities to market to a potential popula- tion of 2,202,150,” Moss said, adding that it will draw from a market of nine counties. “Cleveland County abuts six of the nine counties.” The Commission presented the draft of a billboard that will be seen by an estimated 46,000 motorists each day on Interstate 85. They also pre- sented a map of the property and site plans. / Scott Neisler said that it was’ not a hard decision to provide land for the complex. “We thought it would be really good for the community,” he said, adding that they are also looking at the possibility of leasing outlying parcels. for more development around the site. There were rumors months ago that the Cleveland County Fairgrounds was looking at the property to possibly relo- cate, giving them better access to I-85 and more room. But the fair has since renewed their lease to stay in its present loca- tion for 10 more years. “This should be a real big thing. It’s just a matter now of finding the funds to support this,” Neisler said. The vision is alive, but oth- ers will be needed to see it to completion. “I'll be looking to appoint a finance committee to work together to provide the project funding,” said Murphrey, who is also a mem- ber of the CCSC board. Although this is a Sports Commission project, it will take the Neislers’ donation of land, the city annexing the property into its limits to pro- vide utilities, and hundreds of public and private donors before construction can begin. “We are thankful to the Neisler family and to the Cleveland County * Sports Commission. The Neisler fam- ily has always been communi- ty-involved to improve the quality of life in Kings Mountain and the county,” Murphrey said. “We have a vision for our children’s future to play in and have access to a state-of-the-art recreational facility.” The new sports and enter- tainment center is not meant to replace the Jake Early Sports Complex used by the KM Family YMCA. The * affordable mayor said that each complex fills important needs and there is room enough for both. “The Cleveland County Sports Commission is entering its second year of activity,” Moss said. “The mission of the Commission is to develop the sports and entertainment industry in Cleveland County to foster economic growth and provide opportunity for Cleveland County youth and adults to actively participate in and enjoy wholesome, family activity here, at home.” Murphrey said that mem- bers of the sports commission, county commissioners, city council and others visited a complex in Houston, TX, recently to gather some ideas. “We were impressed so we're looking forward to making this happen,” he added. “This Sisk-Butler Funeral Home 704-629-2255 We offer a complete funeral service package which includes: | Full Traditional Service (including family car), 20 Gauge Steel Casket, Protective Vault. siskbutler. PROVIDED BY THE CC SPORTS COMMISSION Pictured above is the initial layout plan for the Southern Exposition Sports and Entertainment Center, including 36 facilities and room for expansion. could be the largest thing in Cleveland County. The eco- nomic impact will be tremen- dous for our region..It will draw restaurants, hotels, and shopping centers and a lot of jobs to our community.” However, he, Moss and Neisler have stressed that this complex won't just be impor- tant for Kings Mountain, but for the entire county and region. “We want to include everybody and let everybody be involved,” Murphrey said. “Tt will give name recognition for the whole county.” The land on which the “Southern Exposition Sports and Entertainment Center of the Carolinas” is set to be located, falls on 375 acres owned by the Neisler family. The land along Margrace Road was once used for farm- ing. Mary Neisler and Pat Neisler Plonk both said that there was once a dairy farm on the property, called “Archdale Dairy Farm.” They sold milk to residents all over Kings Mountain. Plonk used to ride horses on the land. The farm raised crops, cattle, pigs and chick- ens. The farming operation stopped between 40-50 years ago. But the land is still fertile for growth. Custom window coverings to fit your style! 704-864-8778 FREE | In-Home Consultation & Estimates Invpenioy Owned and Operated | Check out our great selection of styles including: Shutters e Draperies Wood Blinds Honeycomb Shades Roller Shades Vertical Blinds ¢ Silhouettes® Woven Wood and more! Professional Measuring & Installation Low Price Promise! HITE a style for every point of view iota. 5 RITE RARE
The Kings Mountain Herald (Kings Mountain, N.C.)
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July 31, 2008, edition 1
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