MIDWAY – The town of Midway has added two significant structures in the second phase of developing its town park.
In October, town officials celebrated the completion of a new pavilion and gazebo at Midway Town Park on Gumtree Road. The additions also included a new playground in the park, which is adjacent to the town’s new city hall and walking trails.
The park and town hall were part of a purchase of 37 acres Midway made in 2015.
Mayor Pro Tem Mike McAlpine said town officials have been working on development of a park since the land purchase.
“There really is no park in the northern part of the county,” McAlpine said. “You either have to go to Lexington or Winston-Salem. We felt a park in this area was needed, and that’s what we heard the citizens wanted.”
He said the pavilion and gazebo together are the second significant addition to the park, with the third phase to include a parking area and smaller picnic shelters.
“We wanted someplace where people could gather, to make it as family friendly as possible,” McAlpine said. “We needed a large gazebo and a park nearby.”
The new brick pavilion is 115 feet by 50 feet, which can hold up to 200 people. It also includes several public restrooms.
McAlpine said the construction was delayed by several months due to supply shortages and availability of construction companies following the pandemic. Construction on the structures began in 2022 and was completed in late summer 2023.
“We have had nothing but positive feedback; I see people out in the mornings sitting on chairs and benches, drinking their coffee. It is just a great place for people to gather and relax,” McAlpine said.