Local News

Splash pad, pool, parks & trails guide for this summer in Cumberland County

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Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written by Sheila D. Barker

Memorial Day, May 25, signals the unofficial beginning of summer and the opening of all pools at Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers. Whether you're a resident or a visitor, there's no better way to begin the season than by enjoying a cool swim in one of these pools or some water fun at the local splash pad.
With pools launching on Memorial Day, you can expect them to operate fully from Tuesday through Sunday until Labor Day in September.
If you cannot wait until Memorial Day to cool off, the good news is that splash pads are open now! Splash pads offer an excellent option for families to experience water entertainment without requiring a swimming pool.
Splash pads operate Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Sundays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. During school sessions, operating hours are modified at specific locations to accommodate students. Most importantly, splash pad access is entirely free.
Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is dedicated to guaranteeing that all community members have access to enjoyable and safe recreational activities. At the Massey Hill Recreation Center Splash Pad, aquatic wheelchairs are available for checkout during center operating hours for onsite usage. This initiative guarantees that participants with mobility needs can experience the splash pad just like everyone else, making summer entertainment inclusive for all.
Splash Pad Locations
• Eastover Community Park, 2721 Ball Park Road, 910-323-0707
• E. Melvin Honeycutt Elementary School, 4665 Lakewood Drive, 910-433-1435
• Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center, 1600 Purdue Drive, 910-433-1569
• Gray's Creek Park, 5151 Celebration Drive, 910-433-1015
• J.S. Spivey Recreation Center, 500 Fisher Street, 910-433-1572
• Kiwanis Recreation Center, 352 Devers Street, 910-433-1568
• Lake Rim Recreation Center, 1455 Hoke Loop Road, 910-433-1175
• Linden Little River Community Park, 5010 Loop Road,
910-980-0119
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane, 910-433-1547
• Massey Hill Recreation Center, 1612 Camden Road, 910-433-1569
• Myers Recreation Center, 1018 Rochester Drive, 910-433-1570
• Spring Lake Recreation Center, 245 Ruth Street, 910-433-1350
• Wade Community Park, 4060 Church Street, 910-485-3502
• Willie J. Burnette Park (Godwin), 4924 Markham Street, 910-980-1000
FCPR pools will be open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with operating hours from Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Keith A. Bates, Sr. Pool has special hours of 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. when school is in session.
For residents, the cost is $3 for ages 12 and under and $4 for ages 13 and up. Non-residents will be charged $6 for ages 12 and under and $8 for ages 13 and up. Safety is a top priority at all FCPR pools. Only Coast Guard-approved flotation devices are allowed in the pools to ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Prohibited items include water wings, inner tubes, rafts, noodles, flotation suits, or any other non-Coast Guard-approved devices. Following these guidelines will help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
Pool Locations
• Keith A. Bates, Sr., Pool, 4945 Rosehill Rd, 910-433-1382
This location has a kiddie pool, a larger lap pool with six lanes, and a 24-foot enclosed water slide.
• Ronnie "Chase" Chalmers Pool, 1520 Slater Ave, 910-433-1137
This location has a six-lane lap pool, a wading pool, and a water playground area.
• Lake Rim Aquatic Center, 2265 Tar Kiln Dr, 910-433-1456
This location features a wading pool, in-water playground, six-lane pool, and 18-foot-high water slide.
• Westover Aquatic Center, 266 Bonanza Dr, 910-433-1383
This location has an 8-lane pool, a wading pool, and a 12-foot-high water slide.
Summer also presents an excellent opportunity to spend extended time outdoors and fully take advantage of the wonderful parks and trails available throughout Cumberland County. Many of the parks in the area offer a range of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. These include hiking trails, biking paths, fishing spots, boating opportunities, educational nature centers, and sports facilities.
Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or family-friendly recreation, Cumberland County's parks provide the perfect setting to enjoy the beautiful summer weather.
• J. Bayard Clark Park & Nature Center, 631 Sherman Drive
Clark Park is the second-largest park in the city, featuring a natural woodland area dedicated to environmental preservation and educating the public about North Carolina's diverse plants and wildlife.
• Cross Creek Linear Park, 324 Ray Ave
Cross Creek Linear Park features a scenic walking path that allows you to immerse yourself in the tranquility of the creek and the beauty of the surrounding nature. Spanning 2.8 miles, the park connects Festival Park to Riverside Dog Park, making it an ideal destination for a stroll.
• Lake Rim Park, 2214 Tar Kiln Drive
Explore the one-mile trail, enjoy a game of soccer, or have a delightful family picnic. Lake Rim Park truly has something for everyone.
• Cape Fear River Trail, 511 Sherman Dr
The Cape Fear River Trail is paved and 10 feet wide, making it not only a great option for walking but also accessible to bicycles, rollerblades, and other non-motorized transport. The trail stretches 7 miles along the Cape Fear River.
• Mazarick Park, 1400 Belvedere Ave
This park features a Disc Golf Course, picnic shelters, a playground, tennis courts, and more. Don't miss out on the paved trails around the lake.
• Mable C. Smith Park, 1367 Shadbush Lane
The Mable C. Smith Park has a variety of amenities, including a community center, picnic shelter, playground, splash pad, basketball courts, and a gravel walking trail.
For more information on the Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation Centers’ splash pads, pools, parks, and trails, visit their website at https://www.fayettevillenc.gov.

Roger Hall hands keys of DMV office to Jim Trogdon

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Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written by Aly Hansen

The North Carolina Division of Motor Vehicles License Plate agency at 3333 N Main St. in Hope Mills has been a part of the community for decades. The agency is responsible for providing the community license plates for their cars, trucks, motorcycles and RVs. They issue handicap plates and placards, and will soon have NC FAST for customers to clear fees for toll roads within the state. They have done this under the direction of Roger Hall for 43 years.
Now however, Hall is taking a step back from the office. In his place will be Jim Trogdon, a Hope Mills native and former Secretary with the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
Hall took over the office in 1983.
“The DMV office in Hope Mills got shut down due to the previous contractor not abiding by several DMV rules,” he said. “At the time, I had an insurance agency on North Main Street in Hope Mills, and heard the DMV was accepting applications to operate the shut down office. I applied and after an interview, was chosen as the new contractor.”
License Plate Agencies in North Carolina are contracted agencies.
“The DMV is probably the largest state customer facing organization in government, and this is just a portion,” said Trogdon of his soon to be office. “This is the motor vehicle side, which is separate and it's the only part that is contracted. So the government employees do the drivers’ services but contractors run the license plate agency. This is an opportunity to help people with registration and all of those things that are involved with vehicle services.”
Trogdon has been involved with transportation in some form or another for all his life. A South View High School graduate, he decided to go to NC State for his civil engineering degree, where he signed up for ROTC. Trogdon became an engineering officer and spent most of his military career with the NC National Guard. He had several combat deployments and was deployed to 24 countries on humanitarian deployments.
“It was a good opportunity to see the world, and to do engineer missions all over the world,” he said.
Trogdon returned to NC State for graduate school, after which he got a job with the North Carolina Department of Transportation. He served in that capacity for 27 years, starting out at the entry level and eventually becoming named Secretary of the NCDOT. He retired as secretary in 2020. He was instrumental in legislation concerning I-295.
“That was part of one of the things I worked on for the region with the DOT: How can we do things like accelerate 295. It had been built all the way to All American, and it was running into some significant funding challenges, and I was able to work on two things which helped,” he said. “One was to be able to start using some bonding programs, so that we could bond those projects and accelerate them instead of waiting ten years. Then we created something called the Strategic Transportation Investments Law, which allowed projects to be selected based on how much traffic they move and how much travel time could be saved, so 295 scored well.”
The Camden and Rockfish roads improvements were also beneficiaries of that law and its process.
“That’s what the region needs to support growth,” he said.
Trogdon isn’t done with transportation yet. This latest venture will see him at the Hope Mills DMV LPA office several times a week. While he currently lives in Pittsboro, his father still lives in Hope Mills, and Trogdon is still very much a part of that community.
“Memories [are my] favorite things about Hope Mills,” he said. “The tightness of the community, I still know a lot of people who live there. My dad still goes to Hope Mills Methodist Church. I can remember growing up, you couldn’t misbehave in public without a relative calling your parents or grandparents. It’s just a tight community. Today of course it is much bigger, and it’s really an opportunity for the community to grow, evolve and change but still support the needs of the residents who are moving in and those who have been there all their lives.”
The Hope Mills DMV office sees roughly 700 transactions a day, Trogdon said. That number of transactions speaks to the efficiency of the workers in the office. Trogdon and other LPA contractors, as well as the Drivers License agencies in the state, are working to modernize the systems and make visits to the DMV smoother and quicker.
But Hall said, the workers at his DMV are already doing a fantastic job.
“The most rewarding part of this job is knowing you helped an individual who struggled understanding what they did wrong concerning their license plate, and you are able to fix it for them. Our staff continuously receive flowers, candy, lunches, etc. from customers showing their appreciation for the fast and friendly service we provide,” he said.
For Trogdon, he’s excited to start this new adventure.
“Me and my wife are honored to serve Hope Mills. We are really excited and we are looking forward to expanding our capabilities and our contributions with this office, giving courtesy and friendly service that all our citizens deserve,” he said.
The Hope Mills DMV is located at 3333 N. Main St., and is open Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

(Photo: The Hope Mills DMV office in June 1983, when Roger Hall took over the contract. Hall will be handing off his contract to Jim Trogdon. Photo courtesy of Roger Hall)

Government Watch: Town of Hope Mills' state audit shows serious concerns

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Tuesday, 12 May 2026

Written by Jami McLaughlin

Greater Fayetteville Chamber
The Greater Fayetteville Chamber, along with the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County, Fayetteville PWC and many other local partners, stands together in opposition to the Town of Fuquay-Varina’s request for an interbasin transfer certificate to transfer up to 6.17 million gallons per day of water from the Cape Fear River Basin to the Neuse River Basin. The transfer of moving water would reduce river flow, threaten water availability and potentially damage vital infrastructure. It would affect generations to come who depend on water from the Cape Fear River Basin and future economic development.
Recently, two bills were introduced at the House and Senate levels that would significantly help our cause and we will continue to watch these as they go through the state.
Rep. Ted Davis of New Hanover County has introduced House Bill 1136, which places a temporary moratorium on new or increased surface water transfers from areas of the Cape Fear River Basin upstream of Lock and Dam #2 in Bladen County, with exemptions for existing or emergency transfers. The moratorium lasts until June 1, 2030.
According to the bill summary, during this period, the North Carolina Collaboratory at UNC Chapel Hill is tasked with studying the water supply capacity and sustainability of in-basin water uses in the Cape Fear River Basin, cataloguing current water uses, evaluating scientific and economic impacts of interbasin transfers, and analyzing environmental and ecological consequences. The Collaboratory must consult key public and private stakeholders and report its findings and legislative recommendations by July 1, 2029. Funding of $1.5 million is allocated to support this study.
Another bill introduced to the State Senate known as the 2026 Water Safety Act (SB 1043) also imposes a moratorium, effective until June 1, 2030, on new or increased interbasin transfers of surface water from the Cape Fear River Basin upstream of Lock and Dam #2, with exceptions for existing or emergency transfers and directs the Collaboratory to study the Cape Fear River Basin's water supply yield, water uses, environmental and economic impacts of interbasin transfers and report findings and recommendations by July 1, 2029 appropriating $1.5 million for this study, available through 2028-2029.

City of Fayetteville
The Fayetteville City Council has focused on debating a moratorium for data centers and participating in statewide municipal conferences.
On Apr. 27, Fayetteville City Council board members voted 6-3 to approve a 120-day delay on considering a proposed year-long moratorium on data centers. This decision was met with protests from residents chanting "shame" and carrying signs such as "Data centers make bad neighbors.”
The decision came during a debate over a proposed $6.4 billion data center on 50 acres along Dunn Road and the current lack of specific zoning regulations for such facilities.
Also, from May 5-7, several council members attended the North Carolina League of Municipalities CityVision conference in Raleigh. They were able to connect with other municipal leaders to discuss state-level issues.

Cumberland County
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners has looked at major infrastructure projects, including the Crown Complex renovations, and issued several public proclamations.
On May 4, during their regularly scheduled meeting, the board voted 5-1 to approve TA/Loving Metcon as the Construction Manager at Risk for the multi-million-dollar modernization of the Crown Complex Theatre and Arena. Five proposals were received in March and reviewed by representatives from Cumberland County, SFL+A Architects, Oak View Group and Turner & Townsend Heery, according to county officials.
In the same session, they voted 5-1 to issue another rebid with modified specifications for a new sound system at the Crown Coliseum. The Board rejected all bids for the Expo Center chiller replacement because they exceeded the project's budget.
The board also adopted a resolution to lease county property at 412 Russell St. to Coastal Horizons Center, Inc. The public hearing for the 2027 budget will be held on June 1.

Town of Hope Mills
An investigative report released on April 24 by the North Carolina Office of the State Auditor uncovered serious financial deficiencies in Hope Mills, most notably a $1.55 million loss in the town's fund balance for fiscal year 2025. This loss, the first in five years, occurred because the town spent $1.7 million in reserve funds—far exceeding the typical $500,000 budgeted for one-time capital costs—to cover routine operational expenses.
State Auditor Dave Boliek warned that if this trend of using emergency savings to balance the budget continues, the town could completely exhaust its cash reserves by 2028. Beyond budget concerns, the audit substantiated findings of unjustified salary increases for certain employees and weak internal controls that allowed spending to bypass established policies.
In response to the formal recommendations issued, town officials have committed to a corrective action plan, which includes adopting a new fund balance policy to limit reserve spending to no more than 3% of the total budget.

About the Greater Fayetteville Chamber
Advocacy is a cornerstone of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber. Every week, the Chamber dedicates staff to attend City of Fayetteville and Cumberland County meetings as well as monitoring updates on the state and federal levels. We monitor legislation locally, statewide and federally to protect our community’s business interests. With 91% of U.S. adults recognizing a Chamber of Commerce's impact on growth, membership ensures a strong voice shaping policies, driving economic success and building a thriving business community—together. To learn more, visit www.faybiz.com or email jmclaughlin@faybiz.com.

Caring for Our Community: Heart of Nursing at FTCC

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Tuesday, 05 May 2026

Written by Dr. Sharon Gallagher, FTCC Dean of Nursing

There's something remarkable about choosing a career where every single day, you show up and make someone's life better. That's the promise of nursing at Fayetteville Technical Community College; it's a promise thousands of students have answered.
FTCC's Nursing Division is one of the most respected and rapidly growing programs in the region and for good reason. It stands as the third-largest undergraduate program in North Carolina, with the Registered Nurse pathway growing to more than 400 students.
In 2025, FTCC’s nursing program led the region, accounting for 62% of all nursing graduates and preparing 122 first-time NCLEX candidates for immediate entry into the workforce. These aren't just numbers. They represent real people stepping into one of the most meaningful careers a person can choose.
Healthcare isn't just an industry. It's the backbone of healthy communities and that’s why nursing matters now more than ever. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the need for nurses is growing at a pace that few other professions can match. The BLS projects that the U.S. will need approximately 193,100 new registered nurses each year through 2032 to fill new positions and replace retiring professionals. Right here in our own backyard, that demand is deeply felt in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, and beyond. Cape Fear Valley Health System alone needs 5,000 new hire nurses in the coming year.
Nurses are the constant; the compassionate hands that hold yours during a diagnosis, the steady voice that explains a treatment plan, the professional who notices something is wrong before anyone else does. Communities thrive when they have enough nurses, and they struggle when they don't. FTCC is committed to making sure Cumberland County and the surrounding region never have to struggle.
FTCC's Nursing Division is so special because there is a place for everyone and a pathway for every stage of the journey, whether you're just starting out or ready to level up.
• Certified Nursing Assistant: This is where many incredible healthcare careers begin. CNAs provide essential support in hospitals, long-term care facilities, and home health settings — assisting with daily activities, monitoring vital signs, and, perhaps most importantly, offering genuine human connections to patients who need it most. With median annual salaries ranging from $30,000 to $38,000, it's an accessible, meaningful entry point with room to grow.
• Licensed Practical Nurse: Through classroom instruction, simulation, and hands-on clinical experiences, LPN students develop the skills for safe and effective patient care across clinics, rehabilitation centers, and long-term care settings.
Graduates earn a Practical Nursing diploma and are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam. In North Carolina, LPNs earn an average of approximately $68,000 annually, a stable salary with a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
• Registered Nurse – Associate Degree in Nursing: This program is the full journey of blending classroom learning, lab practice, simulation, and diverse clinical rotations to build the clinical judgment and confidence that define great nurses. The curriculum centers on evidence-based practice, safety, and culturally competent care. RNs in North Carolina typically earn between $75,000 and $85,000 annually, depending on experience and specialty.
One of FTCC's greatest assets is its state-of-the-art simulation center, where learning feels real in an innovative space that mirrors actual clinical environments using advanced mannequins and interactive scenarios. Students practice critical thinking, communication, and teamwork in a safe setting where mistakes become lessons, not consequences.
Guided debriefing sessions help students reflect and grow, bridging classroom knowledge with the real-world confidence patients deserve.
FTCC's Nursing Division is built on the belief that great nurses aren't just trained; they're inspired. It’s more than a career; It’s a calling.
With experienced faculty who mentor students every step of the way, strong clinical partnerships throughout the region, and programs designed to meet students where they are, FTCC makes it possible for anyone with the heart for healthcare to find their place in it.
People are drawn to nursing because of a personal experience, a desire to serve, or simply a love of science and people. FTCC has the tools to transform that passion into a profession. And when they walk into a patient's room on their first day as a nurse, they’ll know that every lab hour, every simulation, and every clinical rotation was worth it.
Healthcare isn't just what nurses do; it's who they are. And FTCC is proud to help them become exactly that. You can begin your journey today toward a rewarding career by reaching out to FTCC’s Nursing Division at 910-678-0183 or by emailing the nursing department at nursing@faytechcc.edu.