Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation held a groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremony at Mable C. Smith Park Monday, May 1 to celebrate the start of construction for the new community building and opening of the newest splash pad in the city.

This is the 14th splash pad in the city and its opening also marks the opening of all FCPR splash pads for the summer season. 

“It is heartfelt to be able to stand in front of you and celebrate more development in the city of Fayetteville, and not just any development, the way I see it, it’s equitable development,” shared District 2 Representative Shakeyla Ingram during the ceremony.

City Council Member Kathy Jensen acknowledged Mohammad Construction and Summit Design and Engineering Services during her opening remarks as these organizations will be involved in the construction of the new community center. 

Barbara Wagner with Summit Design and Engineering Services shared that the new community center will have a large multi-purpose room, a full kitchen, storage space for tables and chairs and restrooms. 

The Mable C. Smith Park improvements include the addition of the community building, splash pad, new playground unit, paved walking trails, and landscaping. These improvements are funded by the voter approved 2016 Parks and Recreation Bond Referendum.

Mable C. Smith attended the ceremony and spoke very humbly when given the chance to reflect upon these developments. “The credit goes to God and to you, not to me,” stated Smith. Smith went on to share that her outlook is that a person’s work should speak for them, and it is clear Mable C. Smith’s work and legacy speak to her determination and work ethic.