Spinners, Town Settle Moor Park Lease

The Town of Mooresville and the Mooresville Spinners issued a joint statement on Tuesday, resolving a lease dispute that created tension in the community this summer. The agreement addresses the future of Moor Park, a 90-year-old ballpark located on South Broad Street.

The conflict began in July when the town announced that Temerity Baseball would become the new tenant at the venue. Days later, the Coastal Plain League stated it was exploring a partnership with the town and Temerity to bring CPL baseball to Moor Park starting in 2027. These announcements occurred while the town was undertaking a two-year, $15 million restoration of the facility. The renovations forced the Spinners to move their home games, even though they held a lease for exclusive use of the park through 2028.

Town officials previously stated that they had negotiated with the Spinners for a settlement but had not reached a deal before the new partnerships were announced. The latest statement acknowledges the public interest in the partnership and the community's commitment to baseball. It signals an end to the immediate controversy surrounding the team's status at the venue.

John Wilcox, the principal owner of the Spinners, thanked fans and the town for more than a decade of support. He noted that the town's contributions made the team's history at Moor Park possible. Wilcox asked supporters to keep the conversation respectful and to look forward to the next chapter of baseball in the area.

Wilcox said the organization does not support the negativity directed at town leaders. He expressed optimism about the updated Moor Park and wished the community many happy seasons when the facility opens for the next generation of play. The statement frames the resolution as a collaborative effort to move forward.

Eddie Dingler, the Mayor Pro Tem of Mooresville, also contributed comments to the release. He credited the Spinners with fostering a love of baseball in the town for over ten years. Dingler thanked the team for its collaboration over the years and for providing a community gathering place.

Dingler indicated that more information about baseball at Moor Park will be released soon. The town is currently focused on the renovation project, which aims to modernize the historic site while preserving its role in local culture. The joint statement serves as the formal conclusion to the summer's administrative disagreement.