Greenville council approves lease with East Carolina University for North Recreation Complex, aims to expand sports tourism

Greenville City Council voted unanimously Sept. 8 to approve a lease agreement with East Carolina University (ECU) for the North Recreation Complex on Highway 264 that staff said will support a multi-field sports complex intended to expand tourism and recreation opportunities.

City staff and local tourism officials told the council the complex would allow Greenville to host larger regional tournaments and generate visitor spending. Don Octagon, the city's executive director of recreation and parks and capital projects, described the lease structure, timing and what the city would gain from the facilities.

The council's vote followed presentations from Octagon and Andrew Schmidt, president and CEO of Visit Greenville, and a brief question-and-answer period. Octagon said the agreement gives the city access to the site after a transition period that runs to Dec. 31, 2026, and that the lease has a primary term of 50 years with a single renewal option that could extend total tenure to no more than 99 years. Octagon also told the council the city would have exclusive use for tournaments and would be responsible for operations and maintenance after the transition.

Why it matters:…