Page 43 - 2019 Sustainability Report

Conserving wildlife habitats is a priority as the city
continues work on the first phase of Martin Marietta Park.

COMMUNITY PARK BEGINS TO TAKE

SHAPE AT SITE OF FORMER QUARRY

Officials in New Bern, North Carolina, broke ground in In late 2017, NC-East District Vice President-General
June 2019 on Phase I of Martin Marietta Park, a nearly Manager Buzz Crosby oversaw a donation of the final 55
900-acre open space once home to New Bern Quarry. acres New Bern needed to gain full control of the 888-
acre property. The gift, valued at $1.65 million, allowed
During a ceremony held near the anticipated spot of a
future waterfront facility that will host weddings and the city to move forward with the park, which officials
other special events, city Mayor Dana Outlaw and others believe will be a regional draw.
spoke about the importance of the space. “Martin Marietta is honored to be part of the city of
New Bern’s vision for this space,” Crosby said after the
“We’re proud that this land, which groundbreaking. “We’re proud that this land, which
provided the crushed stone needed to provided the crushed stone needed to build the region’s
build the region’s infrastructure, is going infrastructure, is going to be used in a sustainable manner
to be used in a sustainable manner that that will continue to benefit the people of the city, county,
will continue to benefit the people of region and state for generations to come.”
the city, county, region and state for
generations to come.” The first phase of construction, expected to conclude
in spring 2020, will bring improved trails and roads,
“I want to start this whole presentation by saying fishing and boating access, restrooms, a playground,
something three times,” Outlaw said. “Martin Marietta! a picnic shelter and parking to the site. Other amenities,
Martin Marietta! Martin Marietta! We wouldn’t be here like an adventure ropes course and an amphitheater,
today if … Martin Marietta hadn’t been open to the ideas will be added during additional construction phases
that we had.” as the city obtains funding. Many of the residents on
hand to witness the groundbreaking said the park will
New Bern Quarry produced limestone at the site for nearly
five decades until operations shifted to nearby Clarks be a true benefit.
Quarry around 2000. In the years that followed, the city “It means a great deal to us,” said city native Jan Cahoon.
gradually acquired portions of the property from Martin “This is going to bring people here from other areas,
Marietta at below market value. which will be great for tourism. My family will also enjoy
this land. Personally, I like to kayak and bike ride. I’m sure
I’ll also walk these trails nearly every day.”

43 / MARTIN MARIETTA / SUSTAINABILITY REPORT / 2019