“The project will improve the lives of residents by updating and creating new recreation opportunities for Chaloner Park,” Parks and Recreation Director John Simeon said in a statement.

In addition to the $150,000 from the trust, the department has applied for $200,000 from the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to go towards this project.  

Simeon, who was not immediately available for further comment this morning, said in the statement the city anticipates hearing results from this grant on August 1. "I am extremely pleased the Chaloner Park project has been funded by the Kate B. Reynolds Foundation. I would like to thank all the community members who participated in this process. I believe this project is an example that good communication coupled with community support can lead to positive results."

Improvement plans include a splash pad and spray park for the center, which became the top priority following a stakeholder and after council determined its funding options for a new pool at Chaloner were all but exhausted.

Part of the plan includes removing the failing pool at the recreation center and replacing it with a splash pad.

Plans for the park include a new playground away from a flood-prone creek, a new shelter near the recreation center, a new shelter near where the splash pad would be and new parking. Plans also call for a walking trail and turning the existing tennis courts into multi-use courts.

The Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust was established in 1947 and is now one of the largest private trusts in North Carolina.

Its mission is to improve the health and quality of life of financially-disadvantaged residents in North Carolina.