Introduction to the Project
Greater Access by 2028
As a rural nine-county chapter of the First Tee network, we’ve spent the past decade building programs that meet kids where they are—ensuring they feel included, enriched, and engaged.
Our targeted efforts have expanded access in underserved areas, but limitations remain. We rely entirely on partner facility schedules, and many youth—especially those in the most underserved communities—live far from our Green Grass Host Facilities and can only access our School Programs.
Saturday programming is in high demand due to weekday conflicts, and our outdoor enrichment activities are often impacted by weather. To truly meet community needs, we must expand our reach and increase access to consistent, dedicated spaces.
The Community Hub will allow for high inclusion and reach with a focus on outdoor learning, education and engagement while ensuring all spaces are multi purpose, allowing for flexibility in usage and creativity throughout the year.
First Tee – Sandhills Footprint Review
A Targeted Expansion Approach for Tomorrow
The US 1 Corridor from Southern Pines to the Lee County border was identified as the most strategic footprint to invest in the Community Hub, allowing for eases of access to our current partners and new access for future partners.
Over a 14-month window we reviewed 16+ land sites off the US 1 Corridor. When reviewing the Chapter Service Map you will notice,
- Multi-Color Circles + Red Stars have active programs at golf courses, partner facilities and schools
- Navy Stars are targeted future growth communities for 2025 – 2030
- Red Heart is 34 Acre Land Purchase off Read Rd in Cameron
The Hub location maximizes our chapter resources by being centrally located between our active footprint and within arms reach of our growth model.
Opening Doors, Opening Eyes
Key Outcomes
- Provide year round access and engagement to Curriculum Program Participants
- Enhance School Program partnership through continued learning Field Trips with PE and Science programs A home for Community Programs with like minded youth centric organizations
- A permanent place to offer consistent weekend programs for families
- A workforce development program for teens and young adults including skill development and source of income A community classroom & a place where all are welcome
Facility Usage Impact
Once all five phases of The Community Hub are complete, the facility will provide access to six core groups over a one-year time window, supporting up to 10,000 guests, annually. Core groups we aim to support include,
- School Program Partner Field Trips
- Community Partner Youth Programs
- First Tee Curriculum Programs + Camps
- Adaptive + Veteran Groups
- Community College Educational Programs
- Public Access for the Greater Community
Green Space Amenities
- Multi Surface Driving Range | 30 Hitting Bays
- 20,000 Square Foot Putting Green
- 2 – 3 Acre Short Game Area with bunkering
- Flat Recreational Grass Space | .5 Acre PE Field
- Oversized Pavilion to accommodate up to 100 Guest
- 5 Acre Natural areas for STEM Learning Lab
- Walking Trails with Frisbee Golf Course
Learning Lab Amenities
- First Tee – Sandhills Admin Offices
- Community Meeting Space
- Teen Tech Lab
- Indoor Putting + Full Swing Space
- Snack Bar and Special Events Space
- ReSale Donation and Store Front
- Program Equipment Storage
Project Team & Approach
To support the design and construction of this 34-acre parcel with frontage on US 1 in Cameron, NC, we have established a committee of community advocates and key stakeholders to ensure an outcome that will meet our qualitative and quantitative goals.
This team includes, but is not limited to,
- Bob Farren, Pinehurst Resort & CC Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds Management
- Richard Mandell, Golf Course Architect
- Philip Picerno, P.E., LKC Engineering
- Steve Vining, Real Estate Law Firm Owner & President
- Steve Felice, Capital Project Management, Ampersand Consulting
The project has been strategically organized so that construction and fundraising will be able to complement one another. We will have the opportunity to work through each of the five phases in a manner that will allow for partial to complete property access while fundraising along the way. Ensuring we do not take on debt or risk while sharing our progress with the community and stakeholders, serving kids and teens, and scheduling access to outside groups!
Project Timeline & Budget
Operational efficiences and generous donor support enabled us to purchase the 34-acre property without debt. Overall our phased strategy for the Campaign, facility, and revenue planning will help secure long-term sustainability.
Phase 1 | $465,000 | Complete
- Purchase of Land & Land Use Renderings
- Land Survey & Wetland Mapping, Septic Testing, Well Review
- Town of Cameron Review, Permitting & Infrastructure Work
Phase 2 | $1,700,000 | In Process
- Temporary On-Site Structures: Restroom & Shelter
- Construction of Main Green Space Footprint
- Procurement of Facility Equipment
- Program Building Storage Construction
Phase 3 | $175,000
- Permanent Outdoor Pavilion
- Natural Areas for STEM & Nature Programming
Phase 4 | $2,200,000
- Main Building Construction
- Parking Lot Construction
Phase 5 | $210,000
- Final Modifications to Practice Facility Footprint
- Covered Driving Range Bays + Portable Outdoor Lighting
- Two (2) 15 passenger vans