Architect considers public input for North Myrtle Beach sports park
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF)- A $15 million dollar sports complex is headed for North Myrtle Beach, and the architect in charge of the project is asking for people's suggestions about what it should look like.
Architect Derrick Mozingo says he has heard suggestions like an ice skating rink, bike trails and a splash pad. But he says people can expect to see about 8 soccer fields, 6 baseball/softball fields, events areas, concessions, walking trails and wetland trails to bring in more revenue to the city.
Mozingo says he and his planners will incorporate some of the ideas the public has mentioned in a plan that stays within the budget. Mozingo says, "We intend to keep the beauty of the site with the terrain and trees and work in the body of it so a park is dropped inside this site."
Some people say they wanted to hear more from the architect before they give public input. Bren Gibson of North Myrtle Beach says, "They should have designed the concept of what was in the park. We are paying them to do that. They should have proposed their idea of what it should look like and what's in there and then if they need additional ideas, then hold these public forums and ask."
Some are concerned about paying more in taxes to pay for the facility. Gibson says, "Food is going up, gas is up, everything is up, and now a tax increase."
Others say the future benefits make paying more in taxes well worth it. Fred Coyne of North Myrtle Beach says, "Right now the economy is slow so we can look at things important to us to put in for us, our neighbors and folks out of town can enjoy for years to come and we're not paying a premium price.
City officials say another public forum will be held on October 3, 2011 where people can voice their opinions and concerns. After that meeting, it could be about 6 weeks before plans could be laid out before City Council for approval. The opening date for the new park is January 2014.
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