Moore: Town of Southern pines to vote on renaming Pool Park

The Town of Southern Pines Council is scheduled to vote on Tuesday, July 22 to rename Pool Park in honor of J. Pleasant Hines, the first Mayor of incorporated West Southern Pines.

The Town is currently updating signage at its parks and public facilities. Pool Park, one of the town’s most active and well-loved public spaces, is located in the heart of West Southern Pines. It features a swimming pool, splash pad, Dream Court, playground, picnic shelter, and multipurpose field. This overall project prompted a conversation about how to better reflect the space due to the pool only operating on a seasonal May-August schedule.

The Town Council received some name suggestions from staff at the June 24th work session and selected the name “J. Pleasant Hines Park,” recognizing the first mayor of West Southern Pines. During the June 24 meeting, Councilmember Debra Gray reflected on the idea of renaming Pool Park and shared, “[Town staff] took the time to really do a lot of thought process in recommending these names, and I commend you on the work. I commend you on being conscientious and caring about that particular community.” She continued “I think in that name (J. Pleasant Hines), it encompasses everything of the history and the people and the culture of that community.”

J. Pleasant Hines was mayor from 1923 to 1927 and is an important piece of local history. The proposed renaming is part of an effort to preserve and share the stories that define Southern Pines’ rich cultural identity.

Community members are encouraged to share stories, memories, or photos related to Mayor Hines and the park.

Submissions will help inform additional signage that will accompany the renaming and serve as a lasting tribute to Mayor Hines and the incorporation of West Southern Pines.

The Southern Pines Town Council is scheduled to formally vote on the renaming at its July 22, 2025, meeting.

The meeting will be held at 5pm at the E.S. Douglass Community Center, 1185 W. Pennsylvania Ave. To learn more and contribute, please visit sopinesnc.info/Hines or contact Assistant Town Manager, Jessica Roth at jroth@southernpines.net