East Bend breaks ground on town square

EAST BEND — Civic leaders, donors and residents of East Bend turned out Tuesday morning for the ceremonial breaking of ground for the new Town Square, which sets the project on track for completion by the end of 2021.

The approximately $475,000 infrastructure project, which will bring greenspace, playgrounds, a gazebo, walking path and amphitheater to the center of town, is moving into the permitting and bidding phase. It’s an important moment because it will be a reality check for how much the cost of construction materials has changed since planners crafted their budget.

“Wood prices have gone up 50 percent over the past year,” said project manager Tom Hughes of the Winston-Salem firm Alliance Architecture of the Triad, adding that many of the square’s features are designed to be built with wood.

The Town Square Planning Committee has raised approximately $325,000 of the estimated $475,000 needed thus far. Jan Hicks, co-chair of the committee, said the town is waiting to hear back on a major grant application sometime in late April or early May. The town is also still accepting donations of $100 for each memorial brick purchased through the town website. The donations are important because some grant funding that has already been pledged requires matching funds be raised first.

Once the permit and bidding phase is complete, the next phase will be to grade the site. After that, playground construction will begin, as well as installation of sidewalks, paths and parking.

“The reason for the phasing is because of funding,” said Hughes, noting that the amphitheater would be built in the final phase due to its large price tag.

More than 30 people attended the event, which included remarks by Mayor Archie Hicks and Yadkin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Bobby Todd.

“As a Nana to three wonderful granddaughters, I am so excited about being able to take the girls to the Town Square to play,” said committee member Karen Matthews. “I usually go out of the county to surrounding parks but now we will be able to enjoy a park in our own town.”