The Community Schools and Recreation Department exemplifies a tremendous partnership between the Pitt County Board of Commissioners and the Pitt County Board of Education. A landmark event for the Department was the opening of the Pitt County Recreation Center in July of 2005. The Recreation Center houses the department offices as well as multi-purpose activity and meeting space. Through the utilization of this center as well as thirty-five school facilities, thousands of citizens are served each year with programs, special events and activities.
In order to build Phase I of the first Pitt County District Park, Pitt County received two major grants: $500,000 from the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund; and $250,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund. These two grants are being matched with $250,000 from the Board of County Commissioners. This park is currently being developed on 23 acres which is located behind the Recreation Center. Phase I will include a lighted softball field, four multi-purpose fields for soccer, flag football and lacrosse, a ¼ mile walking trail, concession/bathroom building and parking area. Future phases include additional sports fields, playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, lawn games, extended walking trails, exercise stations, and nature areas.
Plans also include a Phase II Building which will be a gymnasium/arena. This facility will be located adjacent to the Recreation Center and will include a competition size basketball court that can be utilized for two smaller courts side to side, a walking track, locker rooms, storage and two small offices. This facility is critically needed for programs currently in place such as the Youth Basketball Program, Senior Games 3-on-3 Basketball, badminton, volleyball and summer programs. It will also allow the department to implement new programs for citizens across the life span.
