The City of Kannapolis has honored the life and legacy of longtime educator, umpire, and community mentor Barry Lentz by dedicating a park in his memory. A dedication ceremony to unveil the sign for the new park was held on May 23 with Mr. Lentz’ family members and city officials in attendance.

Earlier this year, the Kannapolis City Council voted to rename the former Dixie Youth Baseball Park on Pleasant Avenue to Lentz Park in memory of Mr. Lentz, a native of Kannapolis who dedicated decades of service to the City’s youth both on and off the baseball field.

Mr. Lentz impacted the lives of thousands of Kannapolis children through his work in youth baseball and education. He served as an umpire in the Kannapolis Dixie Youth Baseball organization for more than 30 years and, for the past 15 years, officiated in the Dixie Youth/Diamond Youth Baseball World Series. In addition, Mr. Lentz was active as a high school and college umpire and served on the board of the Carolina’s Baseball Umpires Association. In 2023, he received the Dick Knox Distinguished Service Award for officials from the North Carolina High School Athletic Association in recognition of his outstanding commitment to athletics and sportsmanship.

Following a career in the textile industry, Mr. Lentz returned to school to pursue a second calling in education. He earned a bachelor’s degree in secondary education and a master’s degree in school administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte before becoming a science teacher at A.L. Brown High School, where he inspired countless students.

Mr. Lentz was also an active member of Mount Olivet United Methodist Church and remained deeply committed to serving his community throughout his life. He is survived by his wife, Ute, along with his children and grandchildren.