Accomack's Central Park to open by fall

Accomack County's new park near the town of Accomac should be open this fall, with lots of new amenities.

Director of Parks and Recreation Wayne Burton updated the Accomack County Board of Supervisors about plans for the park.

"With the consultation of the commission board chairman, Tony Washington, vice-chairperson Kay Lewis  and board member Jeb Wilson, we developed a plan for our new park to become functional by early fall," Burton said.

The plan involves improvements to the ballfield at Central Park, located at the former Jones Lumber property near Accomac.

The Board of Supervisors in August 2014 approved a master plan for the park, which was a requirement of the federal government as a substitute for parkland at Wallops Research Park that had been given by the federal government to the county in the 1970s for recreational use.

Money to pay for the improvements is already in place, Accomack County Administrator Steve Miner said.

A turf rake from an Arlington, Virginia, company will be used to refurbish and clean the outfield area and surrounding area of the ballfield, followed by fertilizing and reseeding the outfield and grounds, Burton said, adding, "It looks like a big bean-picker ... It gets all the stones out; it gets all the refuse off of the property."

​Additionally, Anderson Fence Company in July will move the backstop and fence to the proper distances behind home plate.

​The company also will construct two dugouts, to be completed in July. T & W Block Company donated concrete for the dugouts.

"(Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member) Mrs. (Kay) Lewis was very instrumental in helping to get that done," Burton said.

J. W. Salm Engineering, Inc. has completed the work plan for a concession stand and bathrooms at the site, and Kelvin Petit of A&N Electric Cooperative is preparing the electrical layout for the concession stand and lights for the ballfield.

Mr. Kelvin Pettit of A&N Electric Co-Op is preparing the electrical layout for the concession stand and lights for the ballfield.

A request for bids for playground equipment will be sent out in July​, Burton said.​ A grant of up to $70,000 will pay for the equipment, Burton said.

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