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We want to encourage and praise the city leaders in Hamlet for working toward what looks like a first-class recreational facility for the area.

This past week, site planners pulled the wraps off the impressive and expansive proposal before an audience of Hamlet City Council members and city residents.

It sounds like a perfect mix of baseball, hoops, walking trails, a soccer field and plenty of open space for lots of exercise and activity — things we could all use more of. Throw in the planned rec center with 300 seats and this place could be a magnet for all kinds of programs and events.

Patt Crissman of the Wooten Company presented the plan for the Boyd Lake Baseball Complex on Tuesday. The entire complex is proposed to be on Veterans Drive, across the street from the National Guard office.

The Wooten Company was brought on board to research potential park surplus and shortages in the city, and also to hear from the residents about what the city needs. “As the baby boomers are aging, there is a need for accessible activities and trails,” Crissman told the City Council.

The overall plan for the complex shows a 2,300 foot walking trail, open areas for a small soccer field, an area for volleyball, and a practice field. The proposal also includes a 10,000-square-foot building with a seating capacity of 300 and 126 parking spaces.

The floor plan for the 10,000-square-foot building shows a full basketball court, rooms for craft classes and aerobics or dancing. There will also be a catering kitchen with a window to sell concessions during games.

Crissman said although the residents have Hamlet Memorial Park to use, the small center is over-programmed and it is difficult for residents to use the facility.

“These are exciting times in Hamlet. I hope we can continue and make this plan happen,” said Mayor Jeff Smart.

And so do we.

Crissman has worked with Hamlet officials in the past on various projects to improve the city. Smart said she will continue to help Hamlet with other projects besides parks and recreation.

City Manager Marchell Adams-David encouraged Hamlet residents to visit City Hall and look over the overall site plan for the complex, and the floor plan for the proposed 10,000-square-foot recreation center.

Building a recreational complex of this size and caliber is an ambitious and expensive venture, to be sure, but well worth the investment.