Johnston County's First Regional Park Opens This Friday

 

 

 

SMITHFIELD — Johnston County is reminding residents that they’re invited to the grand opening of the County’s first park on Friday, July 24. The dedication of Johnston County Regional Park begins at 10 a.m. at 444 Matthews Road, Clayton, in the Cleveland community. The event is free and open to the public.

 

"The opening of Johnston County Regional Park marks an important milestone for Johnston County," said Patrick Harris, chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners. "As our County continues to grow, it's important that we invest not only in schools and public safety, but also in places where families can gather, stay active, and enjoy the outdoors."

 

Phase one of Johnston County Regional Park features four pickleball courts, two basketball courts, an ADA-accessible fishing pond, a picnic shelter, and a parking area. Future phases will add multi-use fields, walking trails and accessible sidewalks, a K-12 playground, a splash pad, a dog park, a disc golf course, a skate park, open space with a meadow, an outdoor amphitheater, and other amenities.

 

“The opening of Johnston County Regional Park is a major step forward for Johnston County and the Cleveland community,” said Adrian O’Neal, director of Johnston County Parks and Open Space. “We’re proud to deliver a space that families can enjoy from day one while we continue adding new amenities in future phases.”

 

The County bought the land in 2020 from a group of Cleveland residents who wanted to ensure that their fast-growing community would have parkland for its residents. Construction of the park's first phase cost about $4.3 million. The money was a combination of County and grant dollars.

 

In the event of inclement weather, the grand opening will be rescheduled for Friday, July 31.