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Council backs Parks & Recreation proclamation, neighborhood bike pilot and family events; Market on the Square street closures approved
Summary
Council recognized July as Parks & Recreation Month, heard an update on a 4.2‑mile neighborhood bikeway pilot funded by a Safe Routes grant (temporary markings, helmet and bike loaner program), approved a faith‑based 'Christ & Cars' event and authorized temporary street closures for Market on the Square.
At the June 8 meeting the council recognized July as Parks & Recreation Month and received several program updates and event requests from parks staff and community partners.
Assistant Town Manager Anthony Bowers walked the council through a pilot neighborhood bikeway developed by the town’s Safe Routes coordinator (Dr. Cat Dell). The 4.2‑mile route traverses core Winterville, passes two schools and three parks, and uses temporary shared‑lane markings that staff expect to last three to five months. The pilot was funded by the Safe Routes grant (project amount presented as $2,112.87) and includes outreach events (May 23, June 27 and July 25), on‑route QR‑code feedback and helmet and loaner‑bike programs for youth. “We provide them with a helmet…and if they don't have a bike when they come out we fit them with a bike,” staff said; volunteers including Johnny Fleming help teach bike‑safety drills.
Council also approved a Park event request from Armor of God Christian Church: Pastor Benny E. Williams and church representatives sought permission to host a ‘Christ and Cars’ family faith fellowship event; council approved the request and asked organizers to coordinate safety staffing and cleanup with the recreation director.
The council approved temporary closure of Church Street (Main → Cooper) for Market on the Square on the second Friday of June, July, August and September (hours 4:00–7:00 p.m.), and staff said they will coordinate with Winterville Baptist Church and the recreation department for pedestrian control and vendor placement.
Parks staff said they are conducting an accessibility study and will pursue grant opportunities to make parks facilities more accessible. Councilmembers asked staff to return with details on expanded programming for seniors, teens and disabled residents; staff said fall school events and QR‑code outreach will be used to solicit program ideas from families and students.
Next steps: Parks staff will continue the pilot, collect feedback, and report on outcomes after the temporary pavement markings are evaluated at the end of the trial period.
