Ribbon cutting held for community center at Mable C. Smith Park

By Stephanie Meador, posted Jul 11, 2025 on BizFayetteville.com

City and county officials gathered with pioneers of the Mable C. Smith Community Center project to celebrate the grand opening of the center. Photos by GFBJ

Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation held a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the newly constructed Deep Creek Road Community Center at Mable C. Smith Park located at 1367 Shadbush Lane on July 11 at 10 a.m.

The 2,872-square-foot facility features restrooms, a multi-purpose room, a full kitchen and a storage space for tables and chairs. The center will be used for community events and for residents to rent. The building is anticipated to be available for rent and events by Aug. 1. Residents can rent the building by contacting FCPR at 910-433-1547.

Mable C. Smith spoke to the large crowd gathered to celebrate the opening of this community center. A resource that has been a long time coming and is the result of years of perseverance and dedicated city, county and neighborhood advocates.

“The Deep Creek Community Center is an extraordinary addition to Mable C. Smith Park and we’re looking forward to cutting the ribbon for the community center,” City Manager Douglas Hewett said in a press release. “The City Council worked through multiple challenges on this particular project because they know this is a place where people will come together, connect and feel a real sense of community.”

Through the 2016 voter-approved parks and recreation bond and a North Carolina Office of State Budget and Management grant, the city allocated $2,385,320 towards the improvements and upgrades at Mable C. Smith Park. These improvements included the new community building, splash pad, upgraded playground, paved walking trails and landscaping.

Throughout the grand opening celebration city and county leaders, both past and present, took turns sharing remarks about the long journey that has led to this day. A common theme amongst all of their speeches was praise for the park's namesake, Mable C. Smith.

Former Fayetteville Mayor stated, “Mable, thank you for your straight talk and no nonsense approach. Thank you for your loyalty. Thank you for being a voice of voiceless and thank you for your political courage. Thank you for all those things, we love you, and I'm so happy to be a part of this special occasion for you and the Deep Creek Road Community today.”

The community is invited to enjoy the new amenities at Mable C. Smith Park located at 1367 Shadbush Lane.

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