2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan - Pitt County Government

Parks and RecreationThe availability of parks and recreation sites and programs is essential to maintaining a highquality of life for County residents. The County recognizes that the recreation facilities mustbe improved and expanded to meet the growing community needs for recreational activities.Pitt County Community Schools and RecreationPitt County Community Schools and Recreation was created in 1977 in order to maximizeutilization of school facilities, to encourage greater citizen involvement with the schools,and to develop recreation programs and activities for citizens of all ages. The CommunitySchools is the primary provider of recreational opportunities within the County andcoordinates the use of facilities in thirty-six schools. The program provides for greatercitizen involvement through volunteerism; plans, implements, and coordinates recreationprograms for citizens of all ages; works cooperatively with agencies and organizationsthroughout Pitt County and North Carolina; coordinates an After-School Program in twelveelementary schools; and works collaboratively with schools and communities to developschool parks across the county.Participation in recreation programs has been growing along with the population. In 2000participants in three major programs – basketball, soccer and summer recreation – totaled3,060 – a 43% increase over the 1997 count of 2,140 participants. In this same time period,public use of facilities increased from 21,140 hours to 26,034 hours – a 23% increase. TheCity of Greenville and the towns of Ayden, Farmville, and Winterville also operate parksand recreation programs.Alice F. Keene District ParkAlice F. Keene District Park is the first district park in Pitt County. In order to construct thepark, the County received two major grants: $500,000 from the North Carolina Parks andRecreation Trust Fund; and $250,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. Thesetwo grants were matched by $250,000 from the Board of County Commissioners. The parkwas developed on 23 acres of land located behind the Pitt County Recreation Center.Phase I of the park included a lighted softball field, four multi-purpose fields for soccer, flagfootball and lacrosse, a 1/4-mile walking trail, concession/bathroom building and parkingarea. Future phases include additional sports fields, playgrounds, outdoor basketballcourts, lawn games, extended walking trails, exercise stations, and nature areas.Phase II plans include a gymnasium/arena. This facility will be located adjacent to theRecreation Center and will include a competition size basketball court, a walking track,locker rooms, storage and two small offices.2030 Comprehensive Land Use Plan Appendix A: Inventory and AnalysisPitt County, North Carolina A-63