Celebrating 40 Years of Building Community

This July marks the 40th anniversary of National Parks and Recreation Month, and here in Wilson, we're joining cities across the country in celebrating the power of parks to bring people together. This year's theme, Building Together, Play Together, is a reminder that parks and recreation are more than playgrounds and fields — they’re essential to the health, happiness, and economic vitality of our city.

 We're Building Together

Wilson Parks and Recreation is investing in the future of our city with several park upgrades on-going this month including: 

• New community center at Barnes Street Center (Formerly Pender Street Center)
• New playground equipment at Freeman Park
• New playground equipment at Weaver Bailey Park
• New playground equipment at Washington Carver Heights Park
• Facility improvements at Reid Street Community Center
• Green replacements at Wedgewood Golf Course
• New lighting and partial pavement at Lake Wilson

Our team of recreation professionals are also working behind the scenes year-round to run dozens of community programs and summer camps that help Wilson's children grow, learn, and connect.

We're Playing Together

From youth sports to dance, fitness to senior programs — our camps and recreation activities are helping Wilson residents of all ages make new memories. Every time a neighbor signs up for a water aerobics class, or a child scores a goal on the soccer field, we’re strengthening community ties.

Did you know? 

• Wilson Parks & Rec serves over 23,000 participants annually across camps, leagues, and programs.
• We maintain around 4,700 acres of public parkland.
• Over 30 full-time staff and several seasonal workers and volunteers make our programs possible.

Parks Are Essential

Parks and recreation services: 

• Promote physical and mental health
• Provide safe spaces for families to gather and play
• Support economic growth by making Wilson an attractive place to live, work, and visit.

Get Involved

Watch our Welcome to Wilson: Parks & Recreation YouTube playlist to learn more about our Dog Park, Walking and Running Paths, Pickle Ball & Golf, or Kayaks, Boating & Fishing.

Click here or on the image below to watch playlist.

We encourage you, your family, and friends to visit a park or a recreation center during the month of July. Keep up with us on our social channels - @WilsonParksRecreation - and feel free to tag us in your park adventures by using #BuildTogetherPlayTogether and #WilsonParksAndRec

This July, let's #BuildTogetherPlayTogether — share how you’re enjoying Wilson Parks & Rec!