Cherryville Gets a New Parks and Recreation Director

By: Grace Smith – Wise News Network

CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) – There is a familiar face serving as Cherryville’s full-time recreation director. Lance Hudson stepped back into the position after a 20 year hiatus. The Cherryville native expressed his excitement over the city’s future in recreation. 

Hudson held the position of part time recreational director in the 90s. Since then, he has served as an athletic coordinator for Gaston County Schools. Hudson is passionate about recreation.

The City of Cherryville decided that it needed a full-time recreation director after embarking on several recreational projects. A new gymnasium and splash pad are currently in the works. Additionally, the city recently finished renovations to West Gate park. 

The push towards recreation partially stems from an influx of grants that Cherryville has been gifted. Gaston County gave the city $1.5 million to build the incoming gymnasium. 

Piedmont Lithium has committed an annual contribution of $500,000 for the next two decades to support the city’s recreation infrastructure development. The company is sponsoring the splash pad and helped fund the West Gate Park renovations. The county also helped fund West Gate Park. 

“The only thing that I could see us using the money for would be upkeep, upgrades, any grants that we get, anything, any type of money, it would only go back into the facilities that we have.” said Hudson.

The new director said he remembers a time when Cherryville’s recreation was top tier. He recollected on their little league team that once thrived.

“We want to make those programs successful like they once were back in the 90s. We want to have that family atmosphere at the ball fields, you know, coming out to the ballpark, getting that hot dog, enjoying your kids playing the game.” said Hudson. 

Hudson wants the community to immerse themselves into recreation. It has been proven that physical exercise and time outdoors can benefit peoples’ physical and mental wellbeing. He wants to see kids and adults utilizing the recreational facilities Cherryville has to offer. 

“We have a lot of work to do, but we have beautiful facilities here in general, and we want to get them back to what we’re used to having,.” said Hudson.

He oversees Cherryville’s public parks and sports facilities. During his first week on the job, he conducted a thorough assessment of each location to identify necessary improvements. He emphasized the importance of having safe recreational spaces for community members. 

While reflecting on his future plans, Hudson expressed his desire to work alongside the City of Cherryville’s Public Works Department. He said that city employees have been more than helpful in his first week. 

“Anything that I’ve gone to them to ask for help in the recreation department, they’re 110% willing to jump on board and help us.” said Hudson. 

Hudson provided insight on the upcoming projects, such as the splash pad and the new gymnasium. He said he is excited to open up these spaces, allowing for diverse activities for all Cherryville residents to enjoy. 

In the spirit of revitalizing Cherryville’s recreational landscape, Hudson anticipates collaborating with city officials, local businesses, and the community at large. He hopes to bring a promising and thriving future for Cherryville’s recreational ventures. 

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