Pitt County holds input sessions on recreation grants today

Pitt County will hold a pair of public input sessions today to help secure grant funds for the development of the Office Park Recreation Complex and the Lake Glenwood Public Park.

Separate sessions start at 4:30 p.m. at the Community Schools & Recreation Center, 4561 County Home Road. The first will focus on the Office Park Recreation Complex, currently under construction off of Old Creek Road north of Greenville. The second is at 5:30 p.m. for the Lake Glenwood Public Park, a property the county acquired this year off of Eastern Pine Road.

The county is submitting an application to the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund for the Pitt County Office Park Recreation Complex. A second application for the North Carolina State Parks Accessible Parks Grant is specific for the Lake Glenwood Public Park project.

“We are building ‘parks for all’ in areas of the county that previously lacked facilities and including accessible features that everyone can enjoy,” said Alice F. Keene, the county’s recreation projects coordinator. “These public meetings are an excellent opportunity for residents to understand both projects and provide critical feedback on park amenities and upgrades for which the county is applying.”

The Pitt County Board of Commissioners authorized staff to pursue the grants and its April 15 meeting.

The Accessible Parks Grant Application funds projects that will benefit individuals living with disabilities, Jonas Hill, Pitt County planning director said last week. The grant can be used to build specialized facilities or modify existing ones to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Hill said the county is seeking a $500,000 grant, which will include a 20 percent local match of $100,000, to develop the first components of the Lake Glenwood Public Park, starting with a parking area at the manmade lake on Eastern Pines Road. Other projects could possibly involve a picnic shelter and restrooms. Hill said a walking trail will eventually be added.

Hill said staff also is talking with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission about partnering to build a fishing pier, kayak launch and information kiosk.

Hill said the county the $500,000 grant from N.C. Parks and Recreation Trust Fund is being sought to expand the recreational offerings at the Office Park Center/Gymnasium.

Among the projects the county wants to build are a walking trail, playground area, benches, picnic shelter, restroom building and security features.

If awarded, the county must fund a $500,000 match.