-information courtesy of Franklin County Public Information Officer James Hicks

The future of Epsom Park became clearer after crucial funding was announced last week.

The North Carolina Parks and Recreation Authority awarded more than $17 million in grant funding to provide support to 39 local parks and recreation projects through N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund (PARTF). Franklin County will receive $434,625 for Epsom Park.

The county’s board of commissioners adopted the Epsom Park Master Plan, approved the application and matching funds for PARTF grant, and added the project to the county’s Capital Improvement Plan at the Mar. 21, 2022 board meeting.

“The development of this park will enrich the lives of the residents of the Epsom community by offering a safe facility that encourages creative learning while promoting physical activities for healthy living,” said Franklin County Parks & Recreation Director Oliver Greene.

Epsom Park’s master plan includes a playground, a picnic shelter, a large multipurpose field, and a paved walking path – all to be included in the PARTF fund project. An outdoor fitness area and a 9-hole disc golf course are included on the master plan as future facilities.

PARTF grants require a 50/50 match from the requesting local government. Franklin County’s match is $434,625.

With outdoor recreational opportunities like V.E. & Lydia F. Owens Park and the future Epsom Park along with revitalized downtowns and a robust expansion of rural broadband internet, it’s no surprise that Franklin County is ranked as the state’s fourth fastest-growing county over the next two decades.

“Our parks and recreation areas are so valuable to our communities and they’ve become more popular than ever,” Governor Roy Cooper said in a press release earlier this week announcing the grant awards. “These projects we’re funding…will give people even more opportunities in North Carolina to build healthier and happier lives.”

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