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Craven County accepts $33,000 Bate Foundation grant to support youth leagues, park accessibility
Summary
The board approved acceptance of a $33,000 award from the Harold Bate Foundation, allocating $13,000 for youth league support and $20,000 toward safety netting and accessible picnic tables at Creekside and West Craven parks with a required $20,000 county match.
Craven County commissioners on July 21 approved acceptance of a $33,000 grant from the Harold Bate Foundation to support youth sports and park accessibility projects.
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Seymour told the board the award includes $13,000 in annual support for youth leagues and $20,000 to fund safety and accessibility improvements at Creekside and West Craven parks. Requested improvements include safety netting between fields to reduce foul balls crossing adjacent fields and purchase of accessible picnic tables. Seymour said the county’s portion of the match is $20,000 and that the board was being asked to accept the grant and approve a related $40,000 budget amendment to include the grant and the local match in the FY25–26 budget.
Commissioners moved, seconded and approved the acceptance and budget amendment. Seymour said the safety netting and picnic table additions are expected to be completed in fall 2025.
Why it matters: the award supports youth sports participation and makes targeted accessibility and safety upgrades at county parks.
