Ribbon Cutting Held for Mulberry Park Soccer Complex

McKENZIE (September 12) — The City of McKenzie held a ribbon cutting on Saturday, September 12 for the new soccer complex at Mulberry Park in McKenzie. Early morning saw several soccer matches on the new fields. The ribbon cutting ceremony took place at noon with several city officials and community members present.

Mayor Ryan Griffin called the opening one of the highlights of his time as mayor.

“Saturday ranks among the finest days I have had the privilege of experiencing as Mayor. Seeing our Youth Soccer League take the field for the first time at Mulberry Park, with families gathered along every sideline, is exactly the picture I carried when we began this work. I am deeply grateful to the people of McKenzie for believing in this vision and standing behind it. Because of them, these fields will be full for generations to come.”

The soccer complex is the result of a long-term project approved by the McKenzie City Council. In March 2025, the Council agreed to finance $206,000 of the $306,000 cost of Phase I. The remaining $100,000 had been allocated from American Rescue Plan Act funds during the administration of former Mayor Jill Holland.

Phase I included the relocation and rerouting of Locust Street, construction of a sodded soccer field with irrigation, gravel parking areas and resurfacing of the basketball court. The overall project was estimated at $1.8 million over more than 11 years.

In August 2025, the Council approved a $72,400 bid from Tri-Turf Sod of Paris for irrigation and sod work at the complex. The bid included higher-grade Bermuda sod designed to remain greener longer.

The Council also approved a resolution allowing the city to apply for a Local Park and Recreation Fund grant for lighting and improvements to the walking track at Mulberry Park. The proposed grant funding included $300,000 through the Local Park and Recreation Fund, with additional funding and a local match included in the proposal.

Future phases of the project are planned to include lighting, restroom and concession facilities, improvements to the walking trail and additional parking improvements. A possible fourth phase could include a playground expansion and four pickleball courts.

While additional improvements are planned, Saturday marked an important milestone for the project as local youth took the field for the first time at the new complex.