Thursday, October 1, 2026
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CHERRYVILLE, NC (WNN) - As the Gaston County Board of Education considers the possible closure of Beam Intermediate School, another discussion is unfolding just steps away from the school campus.
Over the past several years, Fraley Field, located adjacent to Beam Intermediate, has undergone extensive improvements funded through a combination of public and private sources. Those improvements include synthetic turf, a new scoreboard, grandstand shade structures, an observation perch, fencing, electrical and plumbing work, and other site enhancements.
Public records obtained by Wise News Network show that Gaston County approved a $227,409 appropriation from its Tourism Fund Balance in September 2025 for improvements at Fraley Field. Records provided by the City of Cherryville include contracts, invoices, checks, accounting records, and agreements showing that the Tourism funds were used for the shade structure project, construction of an observation perch, electrical and plumbing repairs, fencing, and payments made to Cherryville American Legion Post 100.
The City's records provide a general accounting of how the Tourism funds were distributed. Records show that of the $227,409, the grandstand coverings cost was $166,895.62, and the wooden observation perch was $15,000. After the electrical, plumbing, and fencing were totaled, $37,750 remained, which was turned over to the American Legion Post 100. However, as part of its review, Wise News Network has requested additional records concerning the procurement process, grant documentation, permitting, engineering, and project approvals. While the City has indicated that estimates were obtained during the Tourism funding process, Wise News Network has not identified public records documenting a formal competitive procurement process, bid solicitation, or bid tabulation for the project following approval of the Tourism funding. Additional records have been requested from both the City of Cherryville and Gaston County to better understand the procurement process and any requirements associated with the Tourism appropriation.
In addition to the Gaston County Tourism appropriation, the City of Cherryville has invested local public funds in improvements at Fraley Field over several years, including contributions toward the synthetic turf project and other facility enhancements at a cost of $237,000. Public records reviewed by Wise News Network show that the City has administered payments for several of these projects, including payments to Cherryville American Legion Post 100 for certain Fraley Field improvements. The records indicate the City has served as a central participant in coordinating and distributing public funds for improvements at the facility, while additional public records requests seek to further clarify the roles and responsibilities of the City, Gaston County Schools, and Cherryville American Legion Post 100 in funding, ownership, and operation of the complex. The approximate cost of the new scoreboard and turf project is $ 1.2 million, with private investment covering the balance. A public records request has also been submitted asking who pays for the scoreboard power that operates 24/7 day and night. A request to the City of Cherryville on the economic impact of sporting events in Cherryville has yet to be answered.
Wise News Network has also requested records from Gaston County Inspections concerning permits, engineering drawings, inspections, and accessibility requirements for the recently installed shade structures and the observation perch overlooking the field.
At the same time, Gaston County appears poised to make another significant investment in sports tourism.
During the June 23, 2026, Gaston County Board of Commissioners meeting, consultants presented a feasibility study for a proposed indoor sports and recreation complex at Dallas Park. The proposed facility would include eight basketball courts convertible for volleyball and pickleball, indoor turf fields, a fitness center, a family entertainment area, an elevated walking track, and nearly 800 parking spaces. Consultants estimated the project would cost between $56.5 million and $68.7 million and projected it could host more than 30 tournaments annually, generate over 14,000 hotel room nights each year, produce approximately $9.6 million in annual economic impact, and generate roughly $270,000 in new annual tax revenue. Consultants stated the facility is intended to serve local residents while expanding Gaston County's sports tourism market. It is worth noting that, based on tax revenue alone, it would take at least 209 years for the County to recoup the initial cost.
The timing of these projects has prompted questions from some residents as Beam Intermediate's future remains uncertain. Approximatley $ 2 million has been invested in Fraley Field in recent years, which sits on the Beam Intermediate Campus, while studies show that approximately $89,000-288,000 is needed to keep the school open. Public records requests submitted by Wise News Network also seek documents concerning ownership, maintenance responsibilities, utility costs, and agreements involving Beam Intermediate School, Fraley Field, Nixon Gym, Rudisill Stadium, Starnes Auditorium, the City of Cherryville, Gaston County Schools, and Cherryville American Legion Post 100. Additional requests seek records identifying the future plans for the Beam campus should the school ultimately close.
The issues extend beyond a single school or athletic field. They raise broader questions about how public funds are invested in education, recreation, tourism, and economic development, and how those investments fit into Gaston County's long-term vision.
Wise News Network will continue to review public records and report on the funding, procurement, permitting, ownership, and future use of these publicly supported projects as additional information becomes available, because many of the submitted documents are unsigned and incomplete.
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