NORTHWEST FORSYTH — County officials and local dignitaries gathered Friday to break ground on a new park off Wallace Tatum Road in the Matt area of northwest Forsyth.

According to a news release from the county government, the property for the new Matt Community Park at Settingdown Creek was acquired with funding from the parks, recreation and green space bond voters approved in 2008.

Construction of its first phase is being funded by bond money and impact fees. The phase, set for completion in spring, will include four synthetic-turf rectangular fields, a walking trail, playground, concession area, restrooms and parks maintenance facility.

Commissioner Cindy Jones Mills, who grew up in the community and whose District 4 includes the park site, heralded the project.

“This new park will serve the residents of the Matt area and northwest Forsyth County for many generations to come,” she said in a statement. “I hope the community will embrace this park and take great pride in making it theirs."

Future plans for the park include the possibility of adding tennis courts, an outdoor amphitheater, picnic pavilions, four additional fields and additional trails with overlooks. The master plan for the property also includes a potential library branch and senior center.

The county acquired the 185-acre site in December 2008. In November 2011, the fire department acquired 3 of the acres to build Fire Station 3, which opened in July 2013. The station and new park will share an entrance.