By Melinda Skutnick

Mill Village residents have a new space for kids to play and the community to gather in the continuing revitalization of the neighborhood on downtown’s south end.

A traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony last week opened Nesbit Park, which is located on the corner of Nesbit Avenue and Summer Street behind the former Burlington Mill.

Mayor Bill Thunberg, who was accompanied by several Mooresville Town Comm-issioners and administration, cut the ribbon, sending children from Key Academy — 4- and 5-year-olds who helped release balloons to signify the park’s opening — running in all directions to play.

“It’s only two blocks away from us, so we’re really looking forward to coming here,” said Amy Bucknum, a resident of Spruce Street, who brought her four kids to the park ceremony.

Bucknum said the park is a great place for residents to meet their neighbors.

“Meeting people is a huge step” to helping to create change in the Mill Village, said Bucknum about the area’s revitalization. “I think it’s a good step. It certainly can’t hurt.”

With an open layout and various activities for children, Nesbit Park was originally estimated to cost the town $227,550, but construction surpassed that figure to cost $240,000 upon completion. The project, however, was aided by a $100,000 grant from the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation.
“From our community to our hometowns, we love to be involved in community projects, particularly community gathering places,” said Kelly Persons, Lowe’s community relations manager.

“This will be such an addition to the Mill Village.”

Previously a vacant lot, Mooresville Recreation Director Wanda McKenzie said the year-and-a-half project created a beautiful space for residents despite the “eyesore” of the nearby vacant Burlington Mill.

“It kind of revitalizes what they’re trying to do down there,” she said. “It just adds a little bit of life to the neighborhood.”

As a local mini-park, McKenzie said parking was not added to the space to create a larger park and keep it primarily for the neighborhood. However, she noted, the park is open to the public and available for anyone who wishes to use it.

Nesbit Park, said McKenzie, offers Mill Village residents a closer, more convenient park option with the next closest space being Willow Valley Park.

Bucknum said she previously brought her children to Academy Street Park and was forced to drive there to avoid crossing the railroad tracks on foot.

“It’s great to be within walking distance,” she said of Nesbit Park. “I think we’ll be here once or twice a week.“

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