Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony Marks Completion of Clayton Community Park Expansion Project
The Town of Clayton proudly announces the completion of major enhancements as part of the Clayton Community Park Expansion Project. These renovations have revitalized the park and adjacent community center, creating exciting new recreational opportunities for residents and visitors to enjoy.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday, March 3, marked the official opening, celebrating the dedication and efforts that made this transformation possible. Community leaders, project partners, and residents gathered to commemorate this milestone, reinforcing the Town’s commitment to providing high-quality recreational spaces for all.
“Today is an awesome day as we reap the seed we’ve sown nearly 20 years ago,” said Mayor Jody McLeod. “We proudly honor and appreciate the love of parks and Senior Games. Our team is blessed to offer these opportunities to our citizens. On behalf of the Town of Clayton, we want to thank you so much for this honor and for the joy this will provide to so many people for such a very long time.”
The renovations introduce a variety of new features, including Clayton’s first pickleball courts, four tennis facilities, six bocce ball courts, six shuffleboard courts, and more. Play hours are daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Bocce ball sets are available for check-out at the front desk during normal business hours, and shuffleboard sets will be available soon. The new courts are located behind the Clayton Community Center (715 Amelia Church Road) or can be accessed via the new greenway connecting Clayton Community Park to the Community Center.
Additional improvements include a modern playground and expanded parking, making the park more accessible for everyone. The enhancements provide increased opportunities for people of all ages to stay active and engaged in the community.
“It’s just a pleasure to see this park grow and strengthen the opportunities for citizens and visitors,” said Curt Blazier, WithersRavenel Director of Engineering, Design, and Planning. “With these updates, more people can play racket sports, exercise, enjoy the greenway, and watch kids play at the new playground – all while continuing to host the Senior Games with state-of-the-art facilities.”
This renovation and enrichment of the park also reflects the generous contributions of the Bolyard family, who donated to the Clayton Community Recreation Foundation in 2008 in honor of their parents, Rochelle Harrison and Marion Bolyard. A plaque installed at the park acknowledges their charitable spirit and enduring love for the Town of Clayton and the Senior Games. Harrison, a passionate bocce ball enthusiast, earned numerous awards at the Senior Games, a tradition she cherished.
With more than 100 visitors coming through the Clayton Community Center daily, the renovations offer more space and improved amenities to better accommodate the community’s needs. These upgrades are part of a larger vision supported by the 2019 Parks and Recreation Bond, which continues to strengthen Clayton’s recreational offerings for years to come. This is the third and final project to be completed as part of this bond, preceded by the renovation of Municipal Park (325 McCullers Street) and East Clayton Community Park (1774 Glen Laurel Road).
This project was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, the Clayton Town Council, and Town staff. In January 2024, the renovation contract was awarded to S.T. Wooten for $3.7 million, paving the way for these improvements.
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to open these new spaces for our community,” said Clayton Parks and Recreation Director Scott Barnard. “This project is all about creating a place where families can make memories, friends can come together, and everyone has the chance to stay active and connected. It’s a space that truly belongs to all of us, and we’re proud to see it come to life for everyone to enjoy.”
As these new amenities open to the public, Clayton Parks and Recreation will continue to oversee their maintenance and programming. The department offers year-round activities, leagues, and events designed to engage residents of all ages. For more information, visit claytonparks.org.
