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Hamlet awarded grant for lighting upgrade at Memorial Park

RO file photo

HAMLET — The boys of summer should have brighter conditions next season at Memorial Park.

Interim City Manager Lane Bailey announced to the Hamlet City Council Tuesday that the Foundation For the Carolinas has awarded a $210,000 grant for new lights at the baseball stadium.

The grant came through the Community Foundation of Richmond County, affiliated with the Foundation for the Carolinas.

Bailey said that the grant should also cover the cost of a new sound system.

There is no local match required for the grant.

Assistant City Manager Mackenzie Webb has created a request for proposals for the lights, which should be in by noon on Nov. 4, Bailey said, adding that the city should be able to award a contract for the lights at the next meeting.

Councilman Eddie Martin, a member of American Legion Post 49 which sponsors the baseball team, said the grant would not have been possible without the work of Bailey, Webb, Director of Community Engagement Mechelle Preslar and Richmond County Tourism Director Meghann Lambeth.

“I want to see that field lit up like Yankee Stadium,” Martin said. “With this new lighting system, I think it’s going to be well received.”

Martin added that the upgrades aren’t just for Hamlet Memorial Park.

“This is going to benefit Richmond County and the community,” Martin said. “We’ve got players from Rockingham, Hamlet, Ellerbe coming to play in our field with the American Legion team.”

The Post 49 team — featuring players from Richmond, Moore and Scotland counties — ended the 2024 season with a 24-7 record, including an 8-0 conference run and eight shut-out wins before heading to the state tournament — the best season since starting back in ‘21.

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Click here for a full recap of the season.

NOTE: This story has been updated for a clarification on the grantor. 12:27 p.m. 10-10-24.