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Wendell Parks and Recreation presents year-end program growth and capital plan updates; mayor proclaims July Parks and Recreation Month
Summary
Parks and Recreation director reported steady adult athletics, growth in youth programs, new senior services and facility projects including a new soccer complex, pickleball courts and Hollybrook Park opening; the board also issued a proclamation designating July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month.
The Wendell Parks and Recreation director presented a year-end report to the board highlighting participation trends, new programs, and capital projects planned or under construction.
Participation and programs: staff reported steady adult athletics participation, with growth in several youth sports (notably spring baseball and fall t-ball). Current programs include dance (SC Dance), Zumba, senior Zumba and senior Tai Chi, senior drumming and a senior walk program. The senior center has reinstated programs and offers SHIP (Seniors Health Insurance Information Program) counseling and an on-site pharmacist 2–3 times per month. Camps during the summer include baseball/softball camps, soccer camps with Neuse River Soccer Club, Brainy Builders STEM camp, and track-out camps. Staff said the summer foods program and a monthly food bank continue to operate.
Capital and facilities: staff outlined recent and upcoming capital work: new fencing and fence capping at Jack May and Doug Proctor fields, four lit pickleball courts, beach volleyball sand replacement, a Perry weather station installation at Wendell Park and Holly Brook Park construction completed and opened in 2025. Design for Buffalo Creek Greenway and Main Street Greenway is complete with construction bidding underway; the Wendell Athletic Field complex design was complete and staff is preparing bids. The Carver Community Center at Pleasant Grove design was finished with construction scheduled for 2025; a new recreation center design is planned for fiscal year 2026 with construction beginning in 2027. Staff said the updated Parks and Recreation Master Plan was approved in the budget for FY26.
Proclamation: Mayor Virginia Gray read a proclamation designating July 2025 as Parks and Recreation Month, recognizing programming that promotes health, youth development and summer food programs.
Board questions and access: commissioners asked about real-time access to the installed weather station; staff said a live feed and login are available via the parks and recreation page on the town website.
Next steps: staff will proceed with construction bidding on projects in design and continue program registration and operations.
