The City of Asheboro, NC, has long cherished its baseball legacy, seeing it as an integral part of the community’s cultural and historic heritage. At the core of this vibrant community lies McCrary Park, a storied venue that has been a symbolic cornerstone of its love for America’s pastime.
Constructed in 1946, the park routinely hosts local high school games, American Legion matches, Asheboro ZooKeeper’s games and more. City officials enlisted CPL’s Community Practice to develop a revitalization master plan and vision for McCrary Park that would help it endure for another 75 years.
Ultimately, the plan wasn’t just about fixing a field; it was about honoring the legacy of a beloved place for Asheboro’s residents. Working alongside construction company Rodgers Builders and various consultants, our team began implementing a multi-phase plan that carefully balanced modern enhancements with preservation, all while ensuring continuous use of the facilities.
Completed in the off-season to avoid interrupting seasonal play, the first phase of the $10.5 M renovation focused on replacing the natural grass playing field with artificial turf to better handle the long-term heavy usage. It also included the installation of new dugouts, site walls, a scoreboard, a batter’s eye and outfield fencing for improved game conditions.
Subsequent renovation phases focused on enhancing both player and spectator experiences by constructing new facilities outside the playing surface area.
For example, we introduced a raised concourse with custom grandstands and seating for 800 people, along with a press box to enhance functionality and game-day operations. Bleachers along the first base line provide seating for another 700 spectators, ensuring ample and comfortable viewing spaces for all.
A classic masonry backstop wall with padding and a raised concourse enhances safety, visibility and access to seating and amenities. Additionally, a beer garden with outdoor patio seating and dedicated food services offers a social gathering spot, enriching the overall spectator experience.
The design also incorporated a tot lot with protected safety netting, a food truck corral area with supporting utilities and advanced audio and lighting technologies.
A crucial aspect of the renovation was maintaining the park’s historical charm. To achieve this, the classic ballpark hunter green color was incorporated into all exposed structural steel components, roofing, wall padding and other details, evoking the nostalgia of iconic venues like Fenway Park. This deliberate color selection, along with the incorporation of brick elements throughout the park, further promotes that beloved traditional aesthetic.
Completed at the end of 2023, these improvements were first enjoyed by the public in time for the Zookeeper’s fall baseball league season.
“Our goal was to create a space that honors the park’s rich history while providing modern amenities that enhance the overall experience,” said CPL Principal Architect Brad Norvell, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C. “We are thrilled to see the community embrace these changes and make new memories in this revitalized venue.”
