The city will celebrate the upcoming renovations at Chaloner Recreation Center Thursday at 6 p.m.

The purpose of the evening is two-fold, parks and recreation Director John Simeon said Friday.

“One is to celebrate the Parks and Recreation Trust Fund grant and Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust Fund grant and the other is to answer any questions as we prepare for construction and the closing of the facility on November 5 which is the anticipated construction date.”

On November 5 crews are expected to demolish the old pool at the center and do site preparation work for the new construction which is anticipated to start the first of the year.

The new construction will add a splash pad, a paved fitness and walking trail, new playground equipment which includes outdoor fitness equipment, a renovated sports court and new shelters.

“We are working hard with our engineers and contractors to be completed and opened by Memorial Day,” Simeon said. “We plan to have site plans available (Thursday) for anyone who wishes to discuss or view the project prior to construction. We’ve received positive comments about the renovations.”

The celebration Thursday will include refreshments.

Said Simeon: “We are excited to bring this project to fruition. The staff has worked hard to obtain funding to make the Chaloner Park renovations something we should all be very proud of.”

The city was awarded $200,000 from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund Grant which with funds received from the Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust and local matching funds mean $400,000 allocated for the improvements.