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Resident urges Wayne County to fund countywide recreation, says Goldsboro bears most park costs
Summary
A resident called on commissioners to allocate part of the county’s $26 million budget toward recreational facilities outside the city of Goldsboro, arguing that most parks are city‑funded and accessible to county residents.
A Goldsboro resident told the Wayne County Board of Commissioners on Aug. 5 the county should fund recreational facilities countywide instead of relying primarily on the City of Goldsboro.
Carl Martin, who said he pays both city and county property taxes, noted the county’s approved 2025–26 budget and contrasted it with Goldsboro’s $93.7 million budget, which allocates roughly $4 million to a city parks and recreation department that operates 11 parks, greenways, pools and an 18‑hole golf course. Martin said he could not find a county department dedicated to parks and recreation and urged commissioners to use county budget dollars to expand access to recreational activities for residents who live outside Goldsboro.
Commissioners responded that the board had discussed recreational goals during recent retreats and that an aquatic center had been advocated for but remains at a standstill. Several commissioners encouraged Martin to work with county staff as the board explores long‑term options for countywide recreation funding.
Martin’s comments were part of the meeting’s public comment period; no formal county action was taken during the session.
