Check out what Bessemer City's new park has to offer

Chloe Collins, The Gaston Gazette
·2 min read
Kids cool off in the water feature on the playground at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.
Kids cool off in the water feature on the playground at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.

Bessemer City’s $8.9 million park is finally open after years of planning and construction.

On Friday, June 30, the North Carolina Dixie Youth Baseball AA D2 State Tournament began at Stinger Park.

The Dixie Youth Baseball Tournament is only the beginning for Stinger Park, which has already been selected as the location of the North Carolina Dixie Softball Tournament taking place next year.

The 2024 softball tournament is set to bring 50 teams to the area, according to Bessemer City Parks and Recreation Director Jo D Franklin.

Early projections show that the park is set to field upwards of 40,000 visitors annually, according to Bessemer City Manager Josh Ross.

One of several baseball fields at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.
One of several baseball fields at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.

“This is based off projected use from local citizens, neighboring schools, tournament ball and events,” Ross said. “This is a park for the community, but it is also a park that can be utilized by various tournaments and events."

“It helps to bring outside visitors to the community,” he added.

Although the tourism that will come from the field plays a large role in its conception, Ross also hopes it will benefit Bessemer City families.

"We're hoping it creates a positive environment for athletics and helps to create a better recreation environment for children," Ross said.

Jaclyn Rhyne and her two children, Nolan and Maddie, enjoy the swings on the playground at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.
Jaclyn Rhyne and her two children, Nolan and Maddie, enjoy the swings on the playground at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.

Initial planning for the park included many amenities, like baseball diamonds, pickleball courts, a splash pad, and more. Those amenities came to life in the construction.

Planning also originally included an update to downtown Bessemer City’s sidewalk system that would better connect the park to the city’s heart, and connection of the park to the Carolina Thread trail, according to a 2021 interview with former Bessemer City Manager James Inman.

Ross said the sidewalk updates were ultimately pulled due to lack of funding.

While the park is not currently connected to the Carolina Thread Trail, it does have a walking trail that will allow for future connectivity to greenways and the Carolina Thread Trail, though the city does not have a timeline yet.

Pickleball courts at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.
Pickleball courts at Stinger Park on North 12th Street in Bessemer City Thursday afternoon, July 6, 2023.

Stinger Park was initially planned to open in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to Ross.

Due to construction and material shipment delays, the opening date was pushed back to July 2023.

An official grand opening celebration for Stinger Park is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Aug. 11. Many of the details have yet to be finalized, but Ross says there will be a ribbon cutting and a variety of activities for the community.

Current park hours are 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. for general use.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Stinger Park is up and running