Saturday, over 90 people gathered in Pembroke to celebrate the official dedication and opening of the Tommy McCormick Play Park. The park is located next to the Miller Teen Center and the J. Dixie Harn Community Center in the downtown. Friends and family who knew McCormick best remember him as a man who knew how to have fun and loved to be active.

"When you bring your children to this park, don’t just sit on the bench and watch them play. Get up and have fun with them. That’s what my dad would have done," said Amy Sharp, McCormick’s youngest daughter. "He would be really excited to see how many kids are here today to play."

A donation of $100,000 to the City of Pembroke from Jeanne McCormick, his wife, helped fund the refurbishment of the playground area, tennis court and construction of the skate park, which was designed by the Tony Hawk Foundation. Naming the park in honor of McCormick was the idea of Mayor Judy Cook.

"The dedication of the Tommy McCormick Play Park will be a living legacy to remind all of Pembroke not just the kids that play is important and necessary," said Mayor Cook. "I am honored to welcome everyone to this great addition to our community's resources."

Immediately following the ceremony, the skating fun began as a handful of kids from 8 years old to 20 years old grabbed their boards and turned tricks on the new ramps.

"I love the new skate park," said Jeb Boyette, McCormick’s 9 year old grandson. "My Papa Tommy would have had so much fun with me here."

The Tommy McCormick Play Park is open to the public. Safety gear is required.