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Board accepts $50,000 Harold Bate Foundation grant for new nature park; approves kayak kiosk MOU
Summary
Craven County accepted a $50,000 Harold Bate Foundation grant (requiring a $50,000 county match) to support amenities at the new Craven County Nature Park and approved a tourism‑funded, revenue‑share kayak‑rental kiosk MOU for Creekside Park.
Craven County commissioners accepted a $50,000 grant from the Harold Bate Foundation and approved a budget amendment to match the funds, enabling continued construction of amenities at the new Craven County Nature Park.
Mark Seymour, recreation and parks arts director, said the county received notice in November 2025 that the Harold Bate Foundation awarded a $50,000 grant to support parking, restrooms, a shelter, a dock and other amenities at the new park. Seymour said the grant requires a $50,000 county match; the board voted to accept the grant and the related budget amendment. Seymour told the board utilities were installed at the site and that the county expects to complete major park elements — including about 3 miles of walking trails and roughly 5 miles of biking and hiking trails — with a target completion of June 2026.
Separately, Seymour presented a proposed MOU with the Craven County Tourism Development Authority and Whenever Watersports to install a self‑service kayak rental kiosk at Creekside Park. The kiosk will hold six single kayaks and two tandems; the TDA will purchase the $25,000 kiosk and enter a revenue‑sharing agreement with the county and vendor once the TDA’s initial investment is recouped. Seymour provided sample rental pricing (single kayak: about $19.99 for one hour, $29.99 for two hours, $50 for a full day; tandem examples also provided). Commissioners approved the MOU and authorized the county manager to sign.
Why this matters: The nature park adds county recreational acreage and trail access; the Bate Foundation funding reduces county capital outlay for amenities. The kiosk provides a low‑cost, third‑party‑managed rental option intended to increase recreational access without adding county staffing costs.
What’s next: Staff said bids for parking‑lot grading and trail contractors will be issued soon, restrooms are expected in March–April, and staff will monitor the kiosk pilot and revisit revenue sharing after the TDA recoups its investment.
