There’s no denying it — we’re living in an era when screen time consumes hours of people’s daily lives. Which is why investing in parks to make outdoor recreation more accessible is more crucial than ever.
That’s exactly what North Carolina’s Parks and Recreation Department aims to do. On March 3, Governor Roy Cooper announced the approval of $9.6 million in grants for improving park accessibility.
Also included is $10 million for the North Carolina Parks and Recreation Trust Fund to offer matching grants to local governments. These funds will go specifically towards park facilities for children and veterans living with disabilities. The aim is to support diversity in outdoor recreation.
Awards were granted to 23 projects spread across North Carolina. Out of these, 12 applicants received the maximum grant allowance of $500,000.
“These projects touch communities from Watauga to Wake to Pamlico with lasting, accessible infrastructure for recreation that will bring improved health and quality of life for North Carolina families,” said Governor Cooper.
The table below lists the applicants (North Carolina cities and counties) and their project proposals, plus the grants awarded to each.
| Applicant | Project Name | Funds Granted | Population Group |
| City or Durham | C.R. Wood Park | $500,000 | 50K+ |
| City of Jacksonville | Inspiration Field | $500,000 | 50K+ |
| Davidson County | West Campus Community Park | $500,000 | 50K+ |
| Iredell County | Jennings Park Inclusive Play | $500,000 | 50K+ |
| Davie County | CanoPLAY Treescape | $500,000 | 10K-50K |
| McDowell County | Maple Leaf Inclusive Recreation | $500,000 | 10K-50K |
| Bertie County | TGOW Outdoor Ed and Events | $500,000 | 10K-50K |
| Town of North Wilkesboro | Smoot Park Improvements | $500,000 | 2,500-10K |
| Town of Jamestown | Universal Play at Jamestown Park | $500,000 | 2,500-10K |
| Town of Elkin | Crater Park | $500,000 | 2,500-10K |
| Town of Holly Springs | Sugg Farm Accessible Recreation | $500,000 | 2,500-10K |
| Town of Fallston | Fallston Town Park | $500,000 | <2,500 |
| City of Wilmington | Maides Park Inclusive Playground | $470,044 | 50K+ |
| Alamance County | Cedarock Park Playground | $450,000 | 50K+ |
| Lee County | OT Sloan Accessibility Project | $400,000 | 50K+ |
| City of Wilson | All Children’s Splash Pad | $400,000 | 10K-50K |
| Watauga County | Howard Knob Park – Phase 1 | $350,000 | 50K+ |
| Town of Garner | GRC Outdoor Accessible Play | $323,520 | 10K-50K |
| City of Raleigh | Caraleigh Park Improvements | $300,000 | 50K+ |
| Town of Arapahoe | Arapahoe Community Park | $274,960 | <2,500 |
| Town of Mills River | Mills River Universal Playspace | $251,288 | 2,500-10K |
| Town of Huntersville | Abernathy Park | $212,000 | 50K+ |
| Town of Davidson | Roosevelt Wilson Park Renovations | $171,313 | 10K-50K |
North Carolina Park Project Details
While each project’s purpose is to make the parks of North Carolina more accessible, each has its own plan for doing so. Listed are just a few of the projects, and examples of how they’ll use the grants to make park improvements.
Bertie County: TGOW Outdoor Ed and Events
Funds for the Tall Glass of Water Project (TGOW) will be used to create better accessibility to hiking, camping, and the beach. For instance, they plan to install an ADA-accessible ramp, plus a walkway from the parking lot to the beach. In addition, newly-installed beach mats will offer better maneuverability.
Town of Mills River: Mills River Universal Playspace
Using a baseball-themed design, Mills River Park will feature a new playground with ramp-accessible activities. There will also be a fitness area that caters to a broad range of adult and senior citizens. An accessible trail will border the park, and a picnic area will be built with focus on providing more accessibility and inclusivity to those with disabilities.
Town of Elkin: Crater Park
Pickleball courts, baseball fields, and a boat launch will be carefully designed with those having limited mobility in mind. Crater Park will include sidewalks and paths to each for easier access. Also included in the plan is to build an accessible splash pad, playground, and restrooms.
