Grier Heights Hub to Get Much-Needed Renovations

Grier Heights Hub to Get Much-Needed Renovations

The Naomi Drenan Recreation Center and Skate Park is being prepped for a series of renovations and improvements that promise to enhance the recreational experience for residents and visitors alike.

Tucked at the corner of Wendover Road and Beal Street, the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center is a decades old magnet of community engagement; boasting a 13,265 square foot facility complete with a gym, multipurpose rooms, and a kitchen.

As part of the renovation project, the center is set to undergo significant upgrades, both inside and out. Mecklenburg County Park Planner James Williams highlights the community’s enthusiasm for these changes, saying, “The community is all about it, and the designs were all very well-received. This area has a long history of community engagement.”

The renovations are more cosmetic; they aim to modernize the facility and improve functionality, too. Proposed improvements include enhancements to building systems such as HVAC, electrical, and security, as well as upgrades to the main entry lobby, restrooms, and lockers. New amenities like a multi-purpose room and offices are part of the plan, expanding the center’s capacity to host more activities and programs.

Another exciting addition to the exterior of the building is a mural by artist Bree Stallings. Williams says Stallings is gathering input from area residents before designing the mural.

Grayson Skatepark, one of two such facilities in Mecklenburg County’s park system, will undergo updates and expansions to cater to the skating community’s needs. Partners for Parks will donate $25,000 toward that part of the project.

“This is a very significant undertaking, and we’re proud to be a part of it” said Partners for Parks treasurer, Al Brown. “When this rec center and skate park reopen, sponsors and partners will quite literally see the impact of their donations.”

The project’s scope encompasses revitalizing the 46-year-old facility, enhancing indoor circulation, and expanding programming spaces. Proposed amenity areas include a teen media/lounge room, updated multi-purpose rooms, and expanded outdoor amenities like the basketball court, tennis courts, playground, and multipurpose field.

“The center is more than 30 years old and has long been a center for the community,” notes Williams, emphasizing the enduring significance of this space to local residents.

Funding for this ambitious project comes from a combination of sources, including FY22 CIP funding of $4 million and $750,000 from Grayson Park’s Equity Funding, highlighting the community’s investment in creating inclusive and accessible recreational spaces for all.

Naomi Drenan (1897-2001) was a community activist, founding member of Grier Heights Presbyterian Church, and chairwoman of the neighborhood voting district board for 25 years, where she cultivated voter engagement in a climate of voter suppression. Today, a Mecklenburg County Recreation Center is named for her in honor of her efforts to build a park to Grier Heights for its children.

As the design process unfolds and construction commences, the Naomi Drenan Recreation Center and Skate Park renovations promise to breathe new life into this beloved community hub, fostering a sense of belonging and wellness for a part of the city that’s seeing significant change and development.