Business View Civil & Municipal - May 2023

74 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 4, ISSUE 5 Mayor Jones proudly says, “When I was first elected mayor in 1999, we had three and a half acres of public parks and recreation space. We have 30-plus acres of it now.” The city has developed numerous facilities to cater to diverse recreational needs, including boat ramps, tennis courts, splash pads for children, pickleball courts, and soccer fields. Moreover, Morehead City is home to the Morehead City Marlins, a collegiate baseball team that has seen dozens of players drafted into the big leagues over the past ten years. One particularly popular recreational spot is Shevan’s Park, which boasts tennis courts, picnic tables, a splash pad, and a playground. The park has become a significant attraction for people coming to Morehead City. Alongside commercial developments, Morehead City is actively working on projects to protect and preserve its environment, including the Sugarloaf Island stabilization effort. Turner shares details about the project, saying, “We’re working with the state of North Carolina and the federal government to shore up Sugarloaf Island, which is the barrier island that protects the Morehead City waterfront.” The initiative involves local, state, and federal agencies collaborating to find aesthetic and nautical wave attenuation methodologies which will help protect the island and the waterfront. The Sugarloaf Island stabilization project is a testament to Morehead City’s commitment to preserving its natural environment, ensuring a sustainable future for its working waterfront, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike. Regarding infrastructure expansion, the City recently purchased land for a new fire station. Turner shares, “We’re moving