In 1987 members of the Weddington Optimist Club realized that one multi-purpose sports field behind a church was inadequate. Members located a 16 acre parcel at a reasonable price. With 10 members pledging $1000 each, the property was purchased. A visitor to one of the club meetings would have had trouble believing the vision of a completed ball park. At the time club membership was in the high teens.
Thirty+ years later, Weddington Optimist Park is a reality.
Over $3,000,000 has been spent or donated to this point. The park has the following:
Coach pitch baseball field – lighted Minor league baseball field – lighted Major league base ball field – lighted Babe Ruth field – lighted Multi-purpose softball field – lighted (4) batting cages Regulation soccer field – lighted (2) Youth soccer field in-ground irrigation system Playground Two story building – Downstairs: concession – Upstairs: Meeting room / storage Picnic shelter – 16’ x 30’ equipment storage area – 48’ x 30’ picnic area 1/2 Mile walking trail with fitness statio
The Optimists work together with the Weddington-Wesley Chapel Athletic Association (WCWAA) that run organized sports programs at the park. The membership of the athletic association is over 2000 families. However, park development is ongoing.
In 2001, the WCWAA bought 34 acres to expand Optimist Park to 53 acres. That allowed 5 more soccer fields to be built and 4 more youth baseball fields.
In 2007 another 4 additional acres were developed in a partnership with Southbrook Church.
For Information about sports programs, click on the link here WCWAA.org
