Cleveland County has officially begun construction on a new multi-use Event Hall at the county fairgrounds, a project fueled by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on September 6, with the $10 million renovation aimed to provide a flexible space for community utilization and emergency response.
Following the intimate break of ground during the county fair, County Commissioner Rod Cleveland highlighted the intentions behind the investment. "We are committed to enhancing public welfare by strategically utilizing ARPA funding to modernize and transform an aging facility into a versatile space that can serve the community in times of crisis," he told Cleveland County's official statement. The recent pandemic revealed a pressing need for adaptable public facilities, a need that prior to the renovation, was not fully met by the county.
The conversation around repurposing the Event Hall began in May 2021 after Cleveland County was allocated $55 million in ARPA funds. The county commissioners engaged with local stakeholders to decide the best use of the federal dollars. County Commissioner Rusty Grissom shared, "We want this building to serve a variety of public needs. This isn’t just about events or vaccinations or fair exhibits. It’s a space that can accommodate a wide range of current and future needs. That’s a smart investment of federal dollars to serve our county.” This was confirmed through the stakeholder discussions on how to use the federal funds in a way that benefitted the county most efficiently, as noted by the official statement.
Recognizing the distinctive challenges that come with being the third-largest county in the state, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) sees the Event Hall's modernization as a proactive move. County Commissioner Jacob McHughes added, "By investing in the modernization of this facility, we are ensuring that Cleveland County is prepared to address future needs while also providing a state-of-the-art venue for other events and gatherings." The commissioners, grappling with the need for innovative solutions, plan to have the renovation completed for next year's fair, as per the information provided in the official county announcement.
The Cleveland community can anticipate the revamped event space to be up and ready in time for various uses, ranging from public gatherings to emergency services, in accordance with the project timeline laid out by the BOCC.
