Morganton City Council Meeting Continued from October 6, 2025

Morganton City Council Approves Major Parks Rebuild, Selects Engineering Partner

The Morganton City Council continued its meeting from October 6th on October 14, 2025, focusing primarily on a significant undertaking: the extensive rebuild of Catawba Meadows Park and the Catawba River Soccer Complex. These parks are vital community assets and regional tourism draws, and their current condition has been impacting both residents and visitors. The council took decisive action to move this ambitious project forward, approving a key partnership that will lay the groundwork for revitalized recreational spaces.

The core of the meeting revolved around selecting an engineering firm to oversee the complex rebuild, a process that involved reviewing 14 proposals and interviewing six firms. Following careful consideration, the council unanimously voted to award a contract, not exceeding $1,570,618, to McAdams. Nick Low from McAdams presented a detailed overview of their firm’s experience and expertise, highlighting projects like those in Lee County and work related to FEMA compliance. He emphasized their team's specialized knowledge in sports field design, particularly with the involvement of Dan Dodd, a specialist in that area, and their commitment to ensuring resilient, tournament-quality facilities. The council also approved a unanimous vote to transfer funds from a recently secured cash flow loan from the North Carolina Department of State Treasurer into the Helene Capital Projects Fund, providing the necessary resources for this initial phase. The total project cost is estimated to be between $15 and $18 million, a significant investment in the community.

Discussion centered on the scope of work and associated costs. Council Member Butch acknowledged the thoroughness of city staff's efforts, recognizing the importance of these facilities to Morganton and its regional appeal. Council Member Chris underscored the scale of the financial commitment, emphasizing the need for clear understanding and careful management throughout the process. McAdams will now begin site investigations and data collection, leading to a comprehensive assessment aimed at reaching a 30% design level. They will also utilize professional cost estimators to refine budget projections, which will inform decisions about project scope and potential opportunities for FEMA funding.

There were no public comments received during this portion of the meeting, with discussions primarily focused on staff presentations and council member inquiries.

Looking ahead, the Mayor and City Manager will execute the contract with McAdams, initiating the crucial site investigation and assessment phase. Residents can expect ongoing updates from the council as the project progresses through design, permitting, and ultimately, construction. This marks a significant step towards modernizing these essential recreational spaces, ensuring they continue to serve as valuable assets for Morganton and a draw for regional visitors.