Outdoor and Sports

PARK AND RECREATION PROGRAMS

Most municipal and Pitt County governments offer a full range of parks and recreational programs, athletic leagues and activities for fitness and fun. Private organizations and public entities like East Carolina University also offer facilities and activities throughout the county. The following list details some of what is available. Some offerings may have been affected by COVID-19 safety measures.

AYDEN

Call the Recreation and Arts Department at 481-5837 for information on programs and visit www.ayden.com/departments/ arts-recreation.

f Ayden Arts and Recreation Center at 4354 Lee St. offers auditorium and classroom space, a gymnasium and athletic fields, as well as sports programs including flag football, tackle football, cheerleading, girls’ volleyball and classes for youth kickboxing, line dancing, yoga, zumba and kickboxing fitness.

f Ayden District Park, 3909 Jolly Road, has a splash pad, beach volleyball, bocce ball, a disc golf course, horseshoes, multi-purpose fields, dog park, paved walking trails, picnic shelters and play equipment. The splash pad is open from June through August. Call 702-9225.

f Veterans Memorial Park 287-313 Fourth Street offers a playground, tennis courts, picnic shelters and green space. Call 902-1975.

FARMVILLE

The town Parks and Recreation Department manages a full complement of athletic fields,

Westpointe Park in Greenville NC.

Deborah Griffin

a community center and other facilities as well as a variety of programs. Call the Recreation Department at 753-6712 for information on programs and visit farmvillenc.gov and farmvillencparks.com. Some local facilities include:

f Walter B. Jones Town Common, 3602 N. Main Street, named for former Congressman Walter B. Jones Sr., the Town Common features a gazebo which is now the town’s logo, and the Millennium Fountain, as well as open space utilized for public events.

f May Museum and Park, 3802 South Main St., is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Farmville area history. Tabitha Marie DeVisconti, the last descendant of Major Benjamin May to live in the 19th century house, donated her home, property and many artifacts to the town of Farmville. For additional information, call 753-6725.

f Farmville Golf and Country Club, 3457 Bynum Drive, features a Donald Ross-style course nestled among fairways lined with 300-year-old oak and cypress trees. The course measures 6,200 yards and features a well-equipped club house with a formal dining room, snack area, men’s locker room and ladies’ lounge and a full-service pro shop. For more information, call 753-3660.

f Oliver Murphey Park and Walking Trail, 3476 N. Main Street, features a paved 0.3mile walking trail with fitness apparatus and benches at various stations. Call 902-1975.

GREENVILLE

Greenville Recreation and Parks Department is the area’s largest with about 400 facilities, 60 full-time and 300 seasonal employees, 25 parks and recreational facilities and a budget of about $7.5 million. Call 3294567 and visit greenvillenc.gov/ government/recreation-parks. Some facilities around Greenville include:

f Andrew A. Best Freedom Park is at 315 Oakdale Road. The park includes a playground and a picnic shelter and tables, grills and walking trails.

f Beatrice Maye Floral Garden Park, located at 1100 Farmville Blvd., was donated in 2002. Call 329-4567.

f Bradford Creek Public Golf Course is off U.S. 264 at 4950 Old Pactolus Road. This location features an 18-hole golf course, driving range and clubhouse. Call 329-4653.

f Bradford Creek Soccer Complex is at 4523 Old Pactolus Road. The facility has 25 acres, five regulation-size soccer fields (two lighted and one practice). Call 329-4550.

f Disc Golf Course at The Meadow is in West Meadowbrook Park at 900 Legion St. The 18-hole course is open daily until dusk and is free to play and the site also features walking trails. Call 329-4567. f Dream Park/Splashpoint is at 1700 Chestnut St. It is a seasonal sprayground open Monday through Saturdays from noon-6 p.m and Sundays from 1-6 p.m. The park also has a playground, grills and picnic shelters. Call 329-4567.

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f Drew Steele Center, located at 1058 S. Elm St., offers basketball courts, cardio equipment, fitness center, meeting room, recreation center and a weight room. Open Monday through Friday from 2-8 p.m. and Saturdays from noon-4 p.m. Call 329-4650.

f Elm Street Park is located at 1055 S. Elm St. The park has Stallings Stadium, a Little League ball field; the Sarah Vaughn Field of Dreams; greenway; four picnic shelters; two playgrounds; six lighted tennis courts; shuffleboard; bocce ball and horseshoes. Call 329-4650. Eppes Recreation Center/

f Eppes Recreation Center/ Thomas Foreman Park is located at 400 Nash St. Amenities include baseball & softball fields, basketball courts, fitness center, lighted tennis courts, grills, play area, picnic shelter, picnic tables. Call 329-4548.

f Evans Park/River Birch Tennis Center is at 513 W. Arlington Blvd. The center is 25.5 acres with 12 lighted courts, a tennis center, two softball fields, restrooms and an archery range. Call 329-4567.

f Greenfield Terrace is at 120 Park Access Road. The facility has a 1.2-acre playground, outside basketball courts, walking trails, meeting room, recreation center and restrooms. Call 3294567.

f Greensprings Park is at 2500 E. Fifth St. The park has 25.5 acres with a picnic shelter, grill, picnic tables, walking trails and 1.5-mile greenway. Call 3294567.

f Greenville Aquatics and Fitness Center is at 921 Staton Road. The facility has an indoor pool, aerobic and exercise rooms, weight room, indoor climbing wall, fitness center, kids’ play area and gym. A membership fee is charged. Open Monday-Thursday 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sunday 1-6 p.m. Call 329-4041.

f Greenville Community Pool is at 400 Nash St. at the Eppes Recreation Center, and replaced the 50-year-old pool at Guy Smith Park this year. The 165,000-gallon pool features a zero-depth entrance, 16-foot waterslide and a pair of built-in basketball hoops, a children’s play area and a bathhouse. Call 329-4563.

f Greenville Off-Leash Dog Area is at 200 N. Ash St, open from sunrise to sunset. Call 3294567.

f Guy Smith Park is at 1051 Moye Blvd. The park is 12 acres with picnic tables, three baseball fields and locker rooms including Guy Smith Stadium. Call 329-4567.

f H. Boyd Lee Park is at 5184 Corey Road. The park is 92 acres with a recreation center, gymnasium, three lighted softball fields, a cricket pitch, a cross country course, a picnic shelter and tables, restrooms, exercise stations, walking trails, beach volleyball courts and a playground. Call 329-4550.

f Hillsdale Park is at 2531 Sunset Ave. The 1.72-acre park has a picnic shelter and a playground. Call 329-4567. f Jaycee Park (Center for Arts and Crafts) is at 2000 Cedar Lane. The park has an artsand-crafts center, painting and drawing rooms, pottery areas, meeting room, recreation center, softball fields, picnic shelter, tennis courts and playground. Call 329-4546.

f Extreme Park at Jaycee Park is open for in-line skating, skateboarding and biking. The Extreme Park is open from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, weather permitting. Required safety equipment must be worn. Call 329-4567.

f Paramore Park is at 401 E. Fire Tower Road in Winterville. The park has a playground, a picnic shelter and walking paths. Call 329-4567.

f Peppermint Park is at 1400 Brownlea Drive. The park has playground equipment, a picnic shelter, grill and pickleball courts. Call 329-4567.

f River Park North is at 1000 Mumford Road. The park consists of 324 acres and five ponds with fishing, boat rental, camping, nature trails, wildlife observation platform, fossil pit, sand volleyball court and two picnic shelters. Hours of operation vary according to season. From May through August, the park is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. From September through October, the park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. From November through February, the park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. From March through April, the park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Call 329-4560.

f South Greenville Park is at 851 Howell St. The park consists of 9.1 acres with a recreation center and gym, playground, multipurpose ball field, weight room and a picnic shelter. Call 329-4549.

f Sports Connection is at 1701 E. 14th Street. This facility includes a gymnasium, baseball and softball batting cages, basketball courts and a pitching area. Call 215-9090.

f Teen Center/Perkins Complex is at 1703 E. 14th St. This facility includes sand volleyball courts, two youth baseball fields, one practice field, a concession stand and a batting cage. Call 329-4567.

f Thomas Foreman Park/ Eppes Recreation Center is at 400 Nash St. This nine-acre park has a multipurpose room, playground, baseball field, two picnic shelters, two lighted tennis courts, gymnasium with basketball courts, weight room and recreation center. Call 3294548.

f The Town Common is at 105 E. First St. The common is 21 acres with a 1,500-foot esplanade along the Tar River as well as river access for kayaks, canoes and small watercraft. There are paved walkways and benches, an amphitheater and an inclusive playground designed to accommodate children and adults of all ages and ability levels. Call 329-4567.

f Walter L. Stasavich Science and Nature Center is located at River Park North, 1000 Mumford Road. The center houses a 70-seat theater, a turtle touch tank and a 10,000-gallon freshwater aquarium. The center is open from 9:30 a.m to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. The center is closed on Mondays. Call 329-4562.

f West Meadowbrook is at 900 Legion St. The 33-acre Matthew Lewis Park has a picnic shelter, soccer field, youth baseball field, one lighted softball field, a disc golf course, a playground and restrooms. Call 329-4567.

f Westhaven Park is at 203 Cedarhurst Road. The park is 1.5 acres with an open play field, playground, softball field and picnic shelter. Call 329-4567.

f Wildwood Park, 3450 Blue Heron Drive, is the city’s newest park. It has three pavilions and a large lake with access to the Tar River; a 1.5-mile natural surface trail; accessible kayak launch and floating dock with three boat slips; sandy beach; portajons; arentable camping platform; and 385 acres of natural habitat with more to come.

f Woodlawn Park is at 100 N. Woodlawn Ave. The .63-acre park has a volleyball court, handicapped-accessible playground equipment and a picnic shelter. Call 329-4567.

GRIFTON

Call the Grifton Recreation and Parks Department at 524-5168 or 524-0190 and visit grifton. com/parks-heritage/

f The Catechna Indian Village, 437A Creek Shore Drive, showcases Grifton’s rich Native American history through the construction of a longhouse similar to that of the Tuscarora Tribe. The village is across from the Grifton Museum on the banks of Contentnea Creek and adjacent to Overlook Creekside Park and the NC Wildlife boat ramp.

f The Contentnea Creek RV and Trail Park, 397 Contentnea Drive, gives travelers, campers and outdoor enthusiasts a central location to relax and discover. The park has an abundance of primitive camping sites, 10 hookup sites for recreational vehicles and campers and three pull through sites. Pets are allowed and campers, hikers and backpackers can enjoy the fire pits, blazed trails, fishing and more.

f Creekside Overlook Park on Water Street is located between the Catechna Indian Village and the NC Wildlife Boat Ramp. It is currently dedicated as open space with the exception of a shelter with a cement pad that holds a picnic table and swing. The Contentnea Creek provides excellent year-round fishing, and a challenging, swift-flowing current for the canoeist. This location is perfect for a family picnic after a long day on the creek.

f The Town of Grifton Museum Tennis Courts are located at 437 Creek Shore Drive next to the Civic Center and Museum. The courts are lighted and perfect for an evening game on the waterfront with family and friends.

f Grifton Town Common, 553 Queen St, serves as a focal point for the downtown area. It has been center stage for the annual Shad Festival. Benches, walkways, landscaping, fences and a trellis are part of the park.

f Mattie’s Mini Park at 109-199 S. Gordon St. has a children’s play area including a swing set, basketball court, slides, a picnic area, and other playground accessories. Call 524-5168.

f St. David Street Park includes picnic tables, a shelter, and playground equipment, two tennis courts, a walking trail, and a community center with bathrooms that is rented by the town for public use.

f The Grifton Train Depot on Railroad Street is available to the public for use for a rental fee. Any individual or group can rent the depot as long as they abide by the specified rules. Contact Town Hall for more information.

PITT COUNTY

Pitt County Community, Schools and Recreation offers a range of athletic and recreational programs for people of all ages utilizing county school facilities and the Alice F. Keene District Park and County Home Complex at 4561 County Home Road. Call 902-1975 and visit pittcsr. com.

f Alice F. Keene District Park, 4561 County Home Road, is located adjacent to the Pitt County Senior Center and the Community Garden and includes the Alice Keene center for indoor programming, playgrounds, exercise areas, bathroom and vending facility, athletic fields and extensive walking trails that encompass the park and the Wintergreen School campus. The park is adjacent to the Eastern Carolina Village and Farm Museum, the Leroy James Pitt County Farmers Market, and the Pitt County Senior Center and Community Garden. The complex is included in the City of Greenville Greenway plan and will be connected to the network with adjacent property development.

WINTERVILLE

Winterville Parks and Recreation Department offers athletic and recreational programs and several facilities in conjunction with local schools Visit www.wintervillenc.com/parks-and-recreation and call 756-1487. f Winterville Park, 332 Sylvania St., encompasses 24 acres and is located adjacent to A.G. Cox Middle School. It is comprised of three youth baseball fields, a large adult softball field, amphitheatre, quarter-mile of walking trails, playground, two concession stands, roofed and lighted batting cages, a large pavilion and public restrooms. Additional amenities include picnic tables, park benches, water fountains and a wooded area.

f Hillcrest Park, 2418 Carmon St, is a 6.5 acre community park located at 2418 Carmon St. two blocks east of W.H. Robinson Elementary School. The park has a very open layout with plenty of parking, two picnic pavilions, a large playground, two basketball courts, one baseball field, a third-mile walking trail and a restroom facility.

f Sara Law Softball Complex, 4801 Reedy Branch Road, is operated by the Pitt County Girls Softball League and includes four lighted softball fields and concession stands and is adjacent to the Premier Sports Academy. Visit clubs.bluesombrero.com

GREENWAYS

Greenville and Pitt County have a growing greenway system with about five miles of walking and biking paths and more under construction. Visit Friends of the Greenville Greenways (FROGGS) at www.froggs.org and greenvillenc.gov/government/recreation-parks/greenville-greenways. For information about Pitt County trails visit www. pittcountync.gov/Facilities.

f Bicycle Post Mountain Bike Trails: Short Bridge Road. Visit www.ecvelo.org and click on Bicycle Post Trails for more information.

CLUB SPORTS

Several nonprofit leagues offer recreational sports play, including the following:

f East Carolina Aquatics: www. teamunify.com f East Carolina Junior Volleyball: www.eastcarolinajvc.com/ f FAME All-Stars Cheerleading: www.fameallstarsnc.com

f Greenville Area Summer Swim League: gassl.weebly.com f Greenville Little Leagues: www.gllbaseball.com f The Pitt-Greenville Soccer Association: www.pgsasoccer. com

f Pitt County Girls Softball League: clubs.bluesombrero. com/ f Pitt-Greenville Titan Youth Football league: www.pittgreenvilletitanyouthfootball.com

FITNESS CENTERS

Note: Fitness center operations have been affected by COVID-19 measures. Some of the following entries may have changed.

f Body Sculptors, 1915 Greenville Blvd. SE, Greenville, 551-1811

f Champions, 4190 Bayswater Road, Winterville, 353-0544 f Courtside Athletic Club, 1750 Wimbledon Drive, Greenville, 714-4267

f CrossFit Greenville, 818 Clark St., Greenville, 756-4790 f CrossFit Tier 1, 1820 Old Fire Tower Rd., Greenville, 202-3977 f Custom Bodies By Anthony, 2957 Foxglove Drive, Winterville, 412-5004 f Curves, 3140 Moseley Drive, Suite D, Greenville, 413-0359; 4054 S. Memorial Drive, Suite Q, Winterville, 321-4074. f EC Fitness, 4776-A Reedy Branch Road, Winterville, 4936630

f Extreme Gym, 427 Evans St., Greenville, 413-0066 f Fit For Life 24, 4420 E. 10th St., Greenville, 689-6277; 3851 Dunhagen Road, Greenville, 321-2222

f Fitness by Vidal, 218-C E. Arlington Blvd., Greenville, 3674146

f Fitness Connection, 140 Oakmont Drive, Greenville, 7569175 f Greenville Aquatics and Fitness Center, 921 Staton Road, Greenville, 329-4041 f Melt Fitness Studio, 815 A Dickinson Ave. 979-450-1421, meltfitlife.com f Next Level Training Center, 1750 Wimbledon Drive, 756NEXT (6398) f One on One Fitness, 113 Fire Tower Road, Winterville, 3555772 f Orangetheory, 518 Greenville Blvd. SE, Suite D, 689-8428, greenvillencorangetheory-fitness.com

f Premier Sports Academy, 4801 Reedy Branch Road, 7562500, thepremiersportsacademy.net f Purple Blossom Yoga Studio, 302 Evans St. 3642917, purpleblossomyogastudio.com

f Snap Fitness, 2120 E. Fire Tower Road, Suite 111, 758-7627.

f Your Fitness, 3110 Evans St., 258-5488, yourfitnessnc.com

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BOWLING

f AMF East Carolina Lanes, 700 Red Banks Road, Greenville, 355-5510 or www.amf.com

BATTING CAGES

f Sports Connection, 1701 E. 14th St., 215-9090

f Next Level Training, 1750 Wimbledon Drive, Greenville, 756-NEXT

f Premier Sports Academy, 4801 Reedy Branch Road, thepremiersportsacademy.net, 756-2500

BILLIARDS

f Mac Billiards, 517 Cotanche St., 752-6728

f Marlin’s, 2590 Railroad St., Winterville, 751-6216

f Tie Breakers Sports, 1920 Smythewyck Drive, 439-0555

DISC GOLF

f Ayden District Park, 3869 Jolly Road f Covenant Church, 4005 Corey Road

f ECU North Recreation Complex, 3674 U.S. 264, 328-6387